More Success For HHS Debate Team

The awards continue to pile up for Harrison's debate team, as the group is celebrating yet another milestone victory.

Not only did the team capture wins at both the varsity and novice levels at this weekend's regional debate tournament held at Hendrick Hudson High School, sophomore Danny DeBois also qualified for the Tournament of Champions, the most prestigious post-season debate in the country. DeBois qualified by finishing as co-champion in the tournament with an 8-0 record. He was also named the tournament's third speaker.

The Tournament of Champions is held every May in Lexington, KY., and requires debaters to earn two bids during the course of the year. DeBois notched his first bid two weeks ago in Apple Valley, MN., where he was the top debater in the first seven rounds, advancing to the top 16 where he lost a close debate with the eventual tournament champion.

Advisor Chetan Hertzig, who has helped form one of the area's most successful debate programs at Harrison, said a bid to the Tournament of Champions is a huge accomplishment for any debater, and especially impressive for a sophomore.

“It is almost unprecedented for a sophomore to achieve such outstanding success on the national circuit,” said Hertzig. “We are excited to see him continue growing over the next couple of years.”

Senior Ally Brabant could be joining DeBois at the Tournament of Champions after earning her first bid at the Hendrick Hudson tournament. She reached the semi-finals and finished 7-1. Brabant was also named second-place speaker.

Other students who impressed at the debate included senior Christina Loguidice, who reached the top 16 with a 5-1 record, and juniors Patty-Jane Gellar and Hayley Kronthal who finished with 3-3 records.

The weekend's success also extended to the novice division, where freshman Kiana Comizio was named tournament champion after finishing with an 8-0 record. Freshman Erica LaManna placed fourth and Michael Scoli placed seventh in the novice division.

"It was a very exciting weekend for all who competed," said Hertzig. "We look forward to our next tournament at Princeton in December."