Although the second top debater in the nation, Leah Shapiro graduated last year from Park, the debate team is looking to continue its legacy as one of the best teams in the country according to assistant Coach James McElwain.

With the loss of varsity competitors this year, McElwain said the team is looking to rebuild its reputation this season.

“We have one of the best national teams for a program with relatively little funding so our focus this year is rebuilding the team given that we lost Leah Shapiro who had a lot of experience,” he said.

Sophomore varsity debater Dotan Appelbaum, who has already competed this year, said he is satisfied with how his season has progressed so far.

“I’ve had two tournaments so far and so far it’s going pretty good being that I’m a sophomore,” Appelbaum said.

McElwain expanded on this saying that most kids don’t do well in debate until their varsity year of the sport.

Despite the fact that Park has a debate team, Park competitors do not actually compete as a school at tournaments according to varsity debater senior Ed Adams.

“It’s more of a team of individuals than an actual team. We work together and use each other for practicing, but in competitions you are your own,” Adams said. “You can’t debate someone on your own team though.”

As for goals for the team this season, McElwain has high hopes for the team members.

“We are aiming to get some varsity players to get a half-qualification to the Tournament of Champions this year,” he said. “We have a pretty bright future ahead of us.”