Round Robin Wrap-Up-From Toni

So, I’m sitting here at my computer, wondering what I could possibly say about the past two round robins that hasn’t already been said. Hmmm…

Okay, here it goes. Starting off with the ARC Round Robin last week. A few highlights:

• Weird temperature changes. First round I was shaking because I was so cold, the next round in the same room the heat was turned on and then I was hot. Go figure. I guess I’ll just never be content.
• Debating in the sanctuary was cool (figuratively, but also literally). I don’t know why, maybe standing up on the stage looking down at the judge makes it more fun?
• Debating close friends is sort of sad, but at the same time that also makes it very enjoyable. 3 out of the 4 rounds were against either ARCers or former ARCers.
• Staying late afterwards was lots of fun too. It’s easier to read ballots with friends than it is by yourself after the fact. Ballots always depress me for some reason, so it’s nice to have moral support while reading them .

Then this past Thursday, it was off to the Winter Meltdown held at Blinn College in Brenham. A few memorable aspects of the Round Robin were:

• Snow! Yes, that’s right! We had gotten snow at my house two nights before, but I didn’t realize how much of Texas got snow as well. When we drove into town Thursday morning, there was actually real, authentic snow on the ground.
• Earlier in the week, I caught a cold/cough thing, which in turn made me lose my voice. When I woke up on Thursday morning, I had absolutely no voice at all. Talk about panic mode . I got a little bit of a voice by the time the debate rounds started, but that definitely made the day more interesting to say the least.
• The lunch I ordered was yummy. Not like anyone cared, but yeah. Good food.
• SPARTA. Need I say more? These guys and girls are really good.
• iCom is a really cool club too. Oh, and they’re really good as well.

And there you have it. ARC and Brenham, two very fun practice tournaments. I’m getting more and more excited for the qualifiers. 2009 is going to be a great year!