Debate tournament held Saturday

Wow. I knew the tournament started going downhill when Nice left, but seriously? Only 125 students participating? This tournament was once the largest in the state - competing regularly with Marquette in St. Louis for that spot. I remember the tournament being so full that we had to use stairwells to hold some individuals events - because there wasn't enough space in the THREE buildings we used. I remember talk in 2002 of possibly bussing people to the middle school so that we'd have enough space! I'm guessing that now they're only using the high school. Wow.

As far as team success, this is also somewhat of a "jaw drop" for me. Every year from 1999-2004, I know for sure that at least 5 people went to state and at least 2 people went to nationals. Every year! I know in 2002, there were 5 qualifiers to nationals. Wow. Nice got out just in time. You know, that's really all I can say.

In the years these prior students are speaking of I judged the tournament. My children had friends in the program and they needed all hands on deck because, as they said, this was taking place in three schools. What I see is the Nevada school system not preparing their students to win. Weather it be debate or athletics the superintendent of schools is not recommending for hire teachers and coaches that know how to win. If we are struggling with victory we dumb down our schedules to make us look successful but our students know a school the size of Nevada should compete with Carthage, Neosho, yes even Webb but we settle for beating Lamar, Eldorado, and in volleyball this year even Liberal. But hey, we won. What a joke. The same is happening to the debate team. We just fill the leadership position with what is probably a very likable teacher but did we go search for someone to advance the program or just make the simple hire. I am in no way saying this to bash this teacher because I also feel the school is unfair to her. She, according to what I am hearing, was put in a position she was not ready for. I do feel that the music program in Nevada seems to be very well run. I have seen in the paper where they are competing in some very reputible compitations and doing quite well. But when the present instructors leave to better themselves, and they will at some point make that decision, will it continue or will we settle there also.

We had 6 different coaches since 2004!! Let's reciprocate some loyalty and respect to the only coach that has decided to stay and put forth a continuing effort for these kids. Anyone who knows anything about debate tournaments knows that schools get invites and choose to come or not. If they have had a negative experience in the past they will not return. The amount of kids/schools can not be a product of the new coach! Let me ask you this. Why does NO ONE EVER POST ANYTHING TO THE PRESS RELEASES ABOUT ANY AND ALL OF OUR WINNINGS? I think it's funny how you have to post something negative and then don't even know the facts.

RayBPitt...I get where you are coming from but as an alum of the '87' debate team (Year of the Thumb) I too was shocked to see the schools and number of students that attended. In my day it was Tim Gore running the program and we were the school to beat in this state. I'm not familiar with faculty member Nice but Gore is the one who began having a tournament in Nevada. Without trying to sound boastful...as a teenager it was really something to drive to a KC or STL school (that I had never heard of) and have those students know EXACTLY who we were and where we were from. Yes...a group of hicks from Nevada Missouri instilled fear in the hearts and minds of high school students across the state. We received no press (that went to our losing athletic teams).

I'm not familiar with the new coach and if I lived closer I might contact her and see if there was anything I could do to help support their program. The debate team and Tim Gore was a big part of why I went to law school and why I practice law today. I would encourage my fellow alums who may live close and who were former debaters to contact the new coach and see what help they could provided. It was truly a life changing experience for me.

Unfortunately Eriedoc I'm sure they haven't and wont. Most people only want to point a finger and profess blame or lack of 'excellence' yet are completely unable to rise up and try to do ANYTHING to make the program better. I wonder how many of the beginning posts were a judge or volunteered at the tournament. Oh I know the answer, NONE! I have given countless hours to the Nevada Debate/Forensics team. I have donated props and items for the drama department and plays. I think these programs is going the right direction and are lead by a remarkable women. I will continue to support them and ask you to also. The only way we can get the program parallel to the 'glory years' is with school and community support. I'm doing my part as a supporter and I know Mrs. Bin is also. I just hope that everyone is willing to donate and help as much as they are to judge without cause...

CCMOM let's look at what you said. You 1st said "In the years these prior students are speaking of I judged the tournament" So you had no part of this tournament and are making negative comments about the tournament. Secondly you said "I am in no way saying this to bash this teacher because I also feel the school is unfair to her. She, according to what I am hearing, was put in a position she was not ready for." Please explain how the school is unfair to her? You obviously know NOTHING about the teacher. She taught at KU and PSU and you think that Nevada High is to much for her? ROFLMAO.

Ok let's look at the positives. In the last two years. The tournament has grown. There was a State Champion. There was a National Qualifier for the first time in many years. They are starting to place regularly at tournaments. This program is DEFINITELY heading in the right direction. It is so much easier to maintain a good program then to rebuild one. You don't see 1st year NFL coaches winning super bowls for a reason. Let's give her a chance and see what she can do. These kids are very lucky to have her. I think if you asked the kids in the program they would be appalled at your comments.

The first musical in years, The first successful team in years, the first dedicated team in years, the first drama/speech teacher and coach who stayed for more than a single year, and twice as many schools this year than last year's torunament. I'd say its signifigant improvement. You can't blame the newest coach for trying, and succeding, where our coaches have failed for quite a few years. The team is back on its feet, placing, and doing well. And I hold nothing but respect for her, and hope that next year will be better than many before now. Don't claim anything without knowing both sides of the story. And I will even say that the Nevada school system is fractured and needs repair, the same way the debate team did; but I can also say that our newly dedicated coach has brought the repair the team needed.

I apologize RayBPitt I assumed from reading the prior comments (one of which has been deleted) that we had once again hired a person that was not qualified only to let the program suffer because of it. From what you say the debate team is making a U turn thanks to the new teacher/coach. I apologize for saying she was put in an unfair position, obviously she should be able to handle it. Good luck to the debate team on the rest of their season.

Hi, my name is Teryn and I am currently the President of the Nevada Debate and Forensics Squad. It pains me to see these comments considering the enormous amount of achievement we have had this year. For those of you that have pointed out the size of our tournament, etc; let me reassure you that these low numbers are not due to our lack of effort. The weeks of afternoons and nights spent after school collectively working to make this tournament a success were not time we felt was wasted. As for the number of coaches in a short amount of time, how is that anyone's fault that is currently in the program? The past is the past and we as squad members and coaches have strived to rebuild this program. This is not an easy process and unless you have been involved in rebuilding a program from the ground up, you have no idea. As for our coach, Mrs. Bin, DO NOT speak poorly of someone unless you know the facts. As pointed out earlier by RayBPitt, she is more than qualified. Not only does she meet and exceed the qualifications needed to be our coach, but she cares about the squad and about our success. Full time teacher and full time mom, she still gives up many, many weekends a year to take us to competitions and to help us in our debate career; as does our assistant coach. As for placing in competitions; apparently everyone has not made note of all of the positive things that the paper has posted about our squad this year. Interesting. Also, last year we had two novice qualify and compete at the state level in addition to our varsity member; myself being one of these novice. Pardon me, but I felt as if this was a great accomplishment for the squad in itself.

With all of this said, our squad recieved nothing but compliments and positive feedback on our tournament this year and feel very proud about our accomplishments. Unfortunately, it seems as though we do not have the full backing of our community. While this may be nice, it's not necessary. We will still continue to compete and perform to the best of our ability; like we always have. Tekar and RayBPitt, thanks for your support. To the others, be looking for the article about our success at this weekend's tournament.

As a 1974 graduate of NHS and a member of the original speech and debate squad under Ron Seney, my question is: What are you people whining about? When the gas crunch of 1973 hit, the squad wasn't even allowed a bus to travel to tournaments. We drove ourselves. Also, we weren't allowed to spend the night. So often we would arrive back home at 3 am, only to turn around and leave again at 5 am. Did we have our own tournament. No way---denied! Sure, Gore did a great job. Nice, not so much in my humble opinion as a parent who had a student on his squad. However, if you had known the teacher prior to this one, as I did, you would know how fortunate we are to have Mrs. Bin. Of those complaining how many of you were there to volunteer. I spent 6 hours running the hospitality room on Friday night and I judged most of the day on Saturday. This teacher works very hard and I marvel at how she does it with young children. The time spent away from her family this year has been tremendous. This is the first year in ages for an all school musical. We had friends from KC that claimed they had never seen such a polished production on the high school level. It use to be that we had both Junior and Senior plays. What happen to that tradition? Things change people, so get use to it. The arts have never had the academic respect they deserve. Will complaining change that. No only action. So hooray for Angie Bin, as she is the best thing that has happened to my family in this school system to date. I'm proud to say that I am a huge supporter of her and her squad. Keep up the good work Angie. Progress takes time.

This is my second and last post on this thread. This is ridiculous. I never said anything negative about the current squad, the squads since I've been there, or the current (or even recent) coaches. All I said was that it was quite a shock to see that this is all the tournament is now. I come back here to see what additional posts were made, and feel personally attacked. Seriously, RayBPitt...I know nothing about you and you know nothing about me.

I'm going to say that I personally attended the maximum allowed 10 tournaments every year during my high school debate career. I qualified to State twice (one was a double qual) and once to Nationals (as a double qual). I spent time at every Thursday night Pizza & Prep in my four years helping novice, filing, watching others give speeches, etc. I mentored four novice in my four years. I served as judges' chair or tournament chair during 3 of my 4 years when the tournament was held.

After I graduated, I stayed pretty active. Although I was in college, I attended Pizza & Prep when I was in town and helped students prepare their speeches. I judged EVERY ROUND at the Nevada tournament for the two years after I graduated. I judged at the district qualifying tournament once I was eligible (you had to be out two before you could).

Some students (when I was on the team) considered the coach to be of little help. Others learned what they could from him and the varsity. I know the varsity squad from 2004. They helped the novice (who would have then graduated in 2008). I just don't understand how the team they built did not rise (regardless of who the coach was).

I'm Casey Barker (the one pictured). When I heard about all the trashing going on about our Debate Squad, I was appalled. First, I'm extremely disappointed in the people who have the guts to trash us; you're probably thinking, "You're just a Sophomore. Who cares if you're disappointed." But you should care. You have no idea how hard we work at this.. all year around, even in the summer. Like Teryn said before, we all spent numerous hours working on putting this tournament together, and it showed off. The people who WEREN'T there, and the ones bashing us, are the ones who don't know what it was like. From the people whom were actually there, we heard nothing but good things. I believe that it is a major success to have double as many schools there as last year.

Being in debate is harder than what most people think. A lot of effort and preparation goes into it. I will agree that we all have room to improve, but how could we manage that with out a good coach? I am a Varsity member and this is my second year in debate. Coming in as a Freshman, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. At first, I wasn't good, at all. But with the help of a really, really good coach I improved, a bunch. You can say that we've have better coaches in the past, but unless you know how much Mrs. Bin gives up for ALL of us, you can't say anything. She knows what she's talking about and she knows what she's doing. I am very pleased to know that my high school debate experience is with somebody whom I know is going to teach me the correct way of how to do things and for that I would like to thank her.

I am also involved in other things in the High School and I know from my experience that if a program doesn't have a coach to stick around it will go downhill, which is exactly what has happened. EVERY SINGLE debate member is proud to have a good and overly qualified coach stick around. I am utterly appalled at what people have to say about somebody they don't even know.

Furthermore, if you still think that we are not as good as you think and that Mrs. Bin isn't qualified or good enough, come check us out at a tournament. We debate against schools that are way above us and some schools that aren't as good as us, but that is out of our control. Next year, if you're still feeling the same way about the debate squad, sign up to judge or just came hang out. You are in for a very rude awakening.

By the way, ccmom, in volleyball we did play Webb City, Harrisonville, Carl Junction, Neosho, Girard, and many other tough schools. We play as many games as possible and would not turn down a chance to play because we love the game. I am not sure if you have watched the Liberal volleyball team, but they have a decent team and a few of the girls have even played with us on our club teams. Our coach has done an awesome job along with every single coach at Nevada High School. Do you honestly think that there is a coach out there that doesn't want to succeed? Thanks for your support though! I am glad you know so much about the athletic program, I don't know what we would do without fans like you.

I once again will apologize to the debate team and coach. And again wish you the best of luck and much success with the rest of your season. I know all of the students in this program as well as all the programs in the school put 100% of themselves into the activities they are involved in. I do not in any way think this is not true. This was evident when the football team was targeted earlier this year and the basketball team earlier this month. It is also obvious that these students would fight to the death for their coaches. I applaud all of the kids for this. tg23 there is a difference in playing these teams and being competitive with these teams year in and year out, not just this year or two years ago. I know Liberal volleyball was really good this year but a school the size of Nevada has no business playing a school the size of Liberal because it is a no win situation for us. If we win, of course we won they have 1/2 the students, but if we loose . . . It is not the students they play with everything they have every time. I don't even believe it is the fault of the coaches they do they best they are qualified to do. I belive it is the administration for not hiring coaches qualified to compete with other schools the size of Nevada. This is not true of all sports or activities some are qualified but that number, in my opinion, is small.

I think it's great the students are speaking up here for themselves and their teacher.

Debate and forensics prepared me for college and life in general more than any other academic or extra-curricular activity. Putting on a tournament is event planning experience that is invaluable. I'm so glad Nevada schools offer both. Kudos to the students and apparently a great teacher.

Just goes to show that old dogs can be taught new tricks. Like the "adults" trashing these kids then the kids turning around and teaching the "adults" a thing or two. How do we expect our next generation to have respect if we don't give it to them????