The speech and debate season has officially started. Students traveled Lindale High School last Saturday to compete in a tournament ranging from 2A to 6A.

“Although we didn’t do as good as we thought we would, I had quite a good time,” senior Garcia said. “I know we will be getting better throughout the year.”

In addition to the regular coaches going, Roberto Garcia, Nadia and Andreas’s dad, helped by judging.

“It was a little weird having my dad there,” Andrea said. “I felt like he was going to judge me. But in the end, I am glad he went. He was able to see the amount of work we put in at these meets.”

In addition to starting a new year of debate, senior Lack added congressional debate to her list of events.

“I tried something new at this meet,” Lack said. “I usually just do LD and Poetry, but I competed in Congress too. It was a really cool experience for me. I even broke to finals.”

Those who broke to finals and placed included junior Sheri Donaldson who placed 5th in poetry and senior Taylor Lack who was a Congressional Debate.

“I was shocked I broke to finals,” Donaldson said. “It was a big meet with a lot more talented people there.”

The people who lost out of their events had a second chance by participating in Big Question debate.

“Although I didn’t get to compete today because my partner wasn’t there, I was excited to compete in Big Question,” Rayleigh Rhodes said. “I did a lot better than I thought I would. I also got to compete with my sister.”

Although the team did not do as well as they hoped, according to Cleveland, each time they get better.

“Although I hate getting up in the mornings, I enjoy spending the day with my friends,” Cleveland said. “I hope we make it far this year.”