Dear Wyoming high school debate community,
Today was a gut-wrenching day for both of us. At around the same time the Wyoming State Tournament was cancelled, the final nail was put into the college debate season, as the CEDA National Tournament formally announced the cancellation of their national championship without replacement. It’s somehow both still raw and feels like an eternity ago. I know your pain because we’re going through the same thing at UW Debate. Cancelling the tournament was unquestionably the right decision. Social distancing is the only tool we have to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. But it’s still allowed to hurt. I’ve seen many of your coaches share their heartache, knowing exactly how they feel as they watch their charges crestfallen after finding out all the hours they’d spent practicing and preparing was to have no outlet. I’d only started to get to know you at the Hole in the Wall tournament, and after seeing the incredible talent there I was so excited about debate in Wyoming I added the State Tournament to my already over-crowded schedule. I’m sorry I won’t get to see the amazing arguments you had prepared for States. I’m more sorry you won’t get to read them. Celebrate your seniors. Emblazon their accomplishments in stone forever. Acknowledge them for what they did and what they might have done if the opportunity to compete at the pinnacle of their talent hadn’t been so unfairly taken. Remind them that their potential state championship would have been far outlived by their impact on your squad, regardless. Tell them how they changed your story, how they sparked your interest in debate. How they built a passion for this activity that you’ll pass forward to the next generation. Then keep moving forward. We don’t know what the future holds for NSDA nationals, but if you or a teammate have qualified to that tournament or still could you owe it to yourself and them and the work you’ve done so far to stay focused. If the season isn’t over for a single debater at your school, then it’s not over for anyone at your school. If States was it for you, then trust me, I know exactly how you feel. Take the time you need to make your peace with that. Then remember, the end of one season is the start of another. Sincerely, Matt Liu Director of Debate, University of Wyoming
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