From left, Rennette Brown, coach, debaters Matthew Ealy, Christian Armstrong, Fredrick Wright and Christopher Flix, Steve Messer, mentor and Terri Williams, coach. Photo submitted.

From a press release:

The Yates High School debaters were honored as “Squad of the Year” during this past weekend’s Andrews Kurth City Championship of the Houston Urban Debate League Tournament. The final tournament was held at the University of Houston and the Federal Courthouse. And one Yates team is also headed for the state University Interscholastic League policy debate competition in Austin.

The teams of Fredrick Wright and Christian Armstrong and Christopher Flix and Matthew Ealy won more varsity level tournaments than any other team in the league. In addition, the teams’ mentor, Steve Messer, a University of Houston student and debater, was named “Mentor of the Year” by the league. Wright, the team captain, also received the “Heart of the Champion” award for his service to HUDL and his team.

However, despite those accolades, the teams said they were disappointed that they did not win the final tournament of the year. Flix and Ealy were semi-finalists in that contest.

Westbury High Schools’ Goran Flajc and Sarah Iwuchukwu were city varsity champions, and Robert Torres and Misi Turrubiartes of North Houston Early College High School, were runners up. In the novice division, Daniel Chavez and Joe Resendiz of Challenge Early College High School were the champions, while their classmates Emina Halilovic and Brandi Russell were runners up. They’ll compete in the National Urban Debate League Championship in New York City.

Wright and Armstrong, both juniors, said they are now focusing their energies on preparing for the state championship. The team won second place for the state University Interscholastic League debate competition during the District 21 4a tournament at Yates HS in late January. They’ll debate against other teams in Austin on March 19th.

“It’s really disappointing that we didn’t win City, but we’re putting our energies on the state meet,” Wright said.

Armstrong agreed: “We had some tough competition all year but we’ll be ready next year.”

The students’ team mates said that although they came close to winning City, they’re happy that their squad was successful all year.

“I’m glad our squad was recognized, but our goal is to win the final championship next year,” Ealy said.

Flix said: “I want to congratulate my teammates on their dominating showing throughout all tournaments.”

The Yates mentor and coaches said they could not be prouder of the teams.

Rennette Brown, one of the team’s coaches, said it has been a “true blessing” to see the students excel so well all year.

“The varsity teams are constantly challenging themselves to excel and it is paying off for them,” Brown said. “Unlike other schools, Yates does not have a class dedicated to debate, so the team works after school and during holidays to prepare for tournaments.”

Messer, the team’s mentor, said Yates’ success is a testament to the work the teams have put into practice.

“I could not be more proud of the dedication our debaters have shown all season,” Messer said. “They have earned their trip to state.”

Williams, a former Cypress Creek High School debater, said that HUDL’s decision to assign Messer was just what the Yates debate team needed.

“When I debated, we didn’t have analytics and spreading,” Williams said. “Steve has taken our teams to a higher level. I could not be more proud of how well our students have been fast learners and true great debaters. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen at state and next year.”