Who’s thirsty? This year’s topic is all about water resources. If you have ever taken APES or, you know, drunk water, you might know that water is pretty important. But what does debating the protection of water resources even mean?
Let’s just say that’s a topic for another day
This last semester, Jesuit Debate showed true dominance. Winning several tournaments as well as qualifying several teams to the state tournament. AND, we did it all online.
Why don’t we take some time to really go into the amazing success of the Jesuit Debate Team?
Heart of Texas(St. Mark’s)
Following an eventful weekend at the Newman Smith Invitational, four teams made their way to the Heart of Texas Invitational.
In the varsity division, debate duo Aarin Jain ‘22 and Tejas Murugesh ‘23 went 3-3 losing to Winston Churchill from San Antonio in their final round. Also, Big brother duo Dominic Chacko ‘23 and Caden Cutchall ‘24 went 2-4 debating teams from Maryland to California.
In the Novice division, debaters Ben Brainard ‘24 and Jack Golembeski ‘25 made it to the quarterfinals, losing to Polytechnic from California. Ben Brainard was also recognized as the 16th speaker.
In the JV division, the one Brandon Gibson ‘24 and Peter Loh ‘24 made it to the octofinals, losing to Notre Dame, a school in California.
These tournaments offered a good opportunity to practice arguments we might have been rusty on against a whole host of opponents from all over the country. Way to go Rangers!
Plano West Classic
Three teams competed in the varsity division. Debate duo Aarin Jain ‘22 and Tejas Murugesh ‘23 got 1st place qualifying for state. Fun fact, this team debated the same school for all of the elimination rounds.
The other spectacular duo, Dominic Chako and Lawrence Jin ‘23 reached the quarterfinals.
With that, the Jesuit Debate Team reaches their first qualification, with several teams still in the hunt.
Notre Dame Invitational
Two teams enter the varsity division. Both Jesuit JM and Jesuit CJ put up a valiant fight against teams from all over the country.
The biggest stars at this tournament were the JV debaters, closing out 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Teams Brainard and Farragut, Cutchall and Ma, and Gibson and Loh went undefeated in their tournament. These teams faced off against some of the biggest debate schools and emerged victoriously.
Additionally, Brandon Gibson ’24 received 3rd speaker. Way to go Rangers!
Dulles Classic
In the race for the precious state points, Teams Brainard and Farragut and Cutchall and Ma both competed at the Dulles Classic at Houston virtually of course. Here, both of these teams reached the elimination rounds, with Jesuit CM reaching the semifinals.
With that success, both teams were 2 and 4 points closer to state qualification in October. Way to go Rangers!
Ed Long Invitational(The Hockaday School)
Five teams went across the street to compete in The Ed Long Invitational. 4 teams reached the elimination round clinching the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 7th seed.
Jesuit JM, CM, and CJ all made it to the semifinal rounds resulting in a 1st, 2nd, and third place closeout.
With that, marks two more teams qualifying to the state tournament in March.
Jesuit GL received two points via their quarterfinals finish, slowly making their way up the state point ladder.
The Ed long tournament was also the last tournament in the fall season for state qualification. Next up is the Longhorn Invitational!
Texas Longhorn Invitational
Two teams entered the varsity division, Jesuit JM and CJ. Both teams were electric day one going winning two of the three rounds on the first day. The second day, Jesuit JM reached the elimination round losing on a tough 3-0 to a school in Kansas.
Aarin Jain’ 22 claims this to be ” a very fun tournament. It was the first time I reached the elimination rounds at the Texas tournament so I was really happy to do so. It is especially great coming off our win at the Hockaday school.”
With that, concludes the recap of the first semester of Jesuit debate.
Three teams qualified, many more in the hunt to fly for the first in-person debate tournament in two years. Way to go Rangers!
Debaters Thoughts
Entering the second year of online debate in debate history was really a spectacle to watch. Here are some reflections by the wonderful debaters on their view of this semester’s journey
Tejas Murugesh ‘23 highlights how “this semester was a joyride. The unique opportunities I had to let my diligent work pay off and win against some of the best teams in the nation was truly an adventure. The apex of my career in Jesuit JAMUN was winning the Plano West tournament with my incredible partner, Aarin Jain.
While I think there was a competitive success, I also think there were huge leaps in substantive success for the whole team that should be recognized. I personally have gotten to learn about several items that all play important roles in our lives, ranging from anthropogenic climate change, capitalism’s pitfalls and benefits, water and environmental protection, and of course, my favorite: the agential capacity of water that challenges dominant understandings and engagement with the more-than-human-world, or nature.”
Kyle Ma ‘24 shares “the community aspect of debate has been really great. From together in the hotel to hosting the Jesuit tournament, we have really bonded and grown stronger as a team.”
Peter Loh ‘24 adds how “[he] always like the bigger tournaments like St. Mark’s because of the tough competition. You don’t always win but you know you fought the best” and “doing tournaments online whilst being present with the Debate team at Jesuit was awesome. The feeling of friendship and community is always stronger in person.”
