Cross X qualifiers to compete

By Sandy Morris

Next week, while the majority of Albany Independent School District students are enjoying Spring Break, the Cross Examination Debate team of Leddie Leech and Ella Webb will compete in the state Cross-X meet starting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 15.

All preliminary rounds will take place on Monday with the elimination rounds starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday. 

The pair of sophomores had never competed in the event until the District 10-2A Cross-X Debate contest in Cisco on Monday, Feb. 8, but won first place, earning them an automatic advancement to the state meet. 

Due to the coronavirus, the state meet will be held virtually using a livestream, so the duo will do all of their debating from Albany High School.

Sponsor Jenny Scott said the girls are continuing to prepare and practice in preparation for next week’s competition.

“They are excited and a little anxious,” Scott said. “Not only will this be their first virtual meet, it is also the state meet.

The girls will be debating on the topic chosen for the year, which is reform in the criminal justice system. 

Debaters are given the topic well in advance in order to allow time for research and to prepare opposing arguments. 

The same topic is used from the first meet through the state meet, and teams must be able to argue both the affirmative and the negative positions.