The Mumford debate team competed in the Groves Invitational Debate Tournament, which was held virtually on Nov. 2. Out of six rounds, Mumford brought home three wins but was eliminated in the final round.
Debate coach Nicole Brabson said the team overcame some difficult obstacles.
“They were debating against some pretty hefty schools, and Mumford was the only urban school in the tournament,” Brab-son said.
Junior Saraiah McCroy debates online while her teammate junior Zayveonna Henry takes notes to prepare for her turn at Mumford during an online debate tournament on Nov. 2. Photo by Mustang Voice.
“It’s competitive going up against other schools that’s not in our city,” senior Orlando Hadley said. ”We don’t get a lot of funding like other teams, but we still got it, though.”
Senior Talaya Rambo said she felt like their team was being looked at differently because when Mumford debaters were speaking, the opponents’ mic was on, and they could be heard laughing.
“I felt offended because it wasn’t professional at all,” Rambo said.
The biggest obstacle was losing connectivity during the tournament. They had to forfeit one round because of it. When it happened again, Brabson sent an email to Mumford staff asking for a hot spot. Dean J. White brought her personal hotspot to the team that allowed them to secure a win during that round.
The team managed to win three rounds and made it to the semifinals before being eliminated.
“The day was long, and they worked harder than they expected they ever would,” Brabson said. “I’m one proud Debate Momma.”
“It was fun and competitive at the same time,” sophomore Chajanae Johnan said. “We lost some and won some, and most of us cried.
