Roosevelt Debate Shines in National Spotlight

Pictured, left to right, are: head coach Harry Strong, Lily Nellans, Carolyn Evans, Nathan Leys and speech coach Kelly Lawler.

The Roosevelt High Debate Team continues to shine in the national tournament spotlight.

Three Des Moines Roosevelt students successfully defended their team and individual championships at the Extemp Tournament of Champions this past weekend.  This National Championship event is hosted by Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Lily Nellans defended her 2012 championship something only done once before in the history of the tournament.  Nellans, a junior, will return next year to the tournament attempting to become the only student in history to be a three time individual champion.  Senior Nathan Leys was third in the final round.  Senior Caroline Evans won the National title in Impromptu.

For the second year in a row, Roosevelt won the team sweeps.  The Riders doubled up sweep points on the second place school, Parish Episcopal of Dallas. 

Nellans win gives her a fifth extemp grand slam title.  The National record is six in a career set in 2007 by Kevin Troy of Eagan, MN.  Nellans has five remaining chances in her career to catch Troy.