I have a love-hate relationship with the largest speech and debate tournament in the country.
I love it because the Glenbrooks is such a great competitive opportunity that is so close to Wisconsin. I hate it because by being so large it often attracts members of the debate community who probably should not be in the division that they are – or at least judging wise. (e.g. Stocks judges in varsity policy)
I love it because we can get some of the best LD critics in the country without having to travel more than two hours. I hate it because I never get used more than a round because I’m not a well known coach/individual. This either means that I’m struck a lot (either out of perceived – or perhaps real – incompetence; or that the tab room does not designate me as acceptable enough to deal with important rounds).
I love it because I get to see people from the National Circuit that I rarely get a chance to see. I hate it because I never get a chance to hang out with them there.
I could go on, but I think that gets the point across.
