WUDL Travel Team Shines at Georgetown Day School Invitational

WUDL GDS 2022 Attendees: Alex, Jess, Jin, Tatum, Greta, Ajibola, Michael, Marie-Celeste, Sitara, Leah, Renee, David, Julie, Eric, Haven, Dailyn, McAlister, Noemie, Precious, Charlie, Messai, Chelsea, Grace, Nyoami, and Danielle (Not Pictured, Madison, Coach Komlo, Coach Matson, Patrick, and Dennis)

In Person Debate is Back! 

This past weekend, the WUDL Travel Team had a great first competition, attending the Georgetown Day School Invitational. This prestigious tournament, hosted since the 1990s, is the kick-off to our travel season, and serves as a qualifying opportunity for the Tournament of Champions. While we didn’t have any national qualifiers this weekend, the team had a lot of fun, learned a lot, and is ready to come back stronger next Travel Tournament in November @ the Urban Debate Dragon Invitational. 

The energy of in-person debate is palpable, with intense conversations, laughter, relationship building, and of course, plentiful food. WUDL teams first gathered at the Tenleytown Public Library, preparing for the rounds ahead, before heading over to the competition. 

WUDL entered 9 teams from 6 schools in the competition, ranging from 2021 Urban Debate National Championship Quarterfinalist Noemie (with new partner Leah) to 8th graders Greta and Alex, who competed for the first time outside the league. Every team won at least one round, and learned a lot that they’ll integrate into their strategies for the coming local season opener on Oct. 15th. 

Sitara and Julie, from BASIS DC, led the way for WUDL, placing 13th overall in the Varsity Division. This is an incredible accomplishment, especially since they are freshmen! Both are fresh off representing the league at Middle School Nationals, and look ready to be leaders on the Travel Team for a long time. Sophomores Tatum and Madison weren’t far behind in 17th place. 

Shout Outs: 

  • The Prep Team:
    A local tournament allows us to offer 1-1 pre-round preparation support for our entries, and the WUDL community rose to the challenge. WUDL Team Members McAlister Clabaugh and Danielle Dupree were joined by Advisory Board Members Michael and Renee Fuentes and volunteers Jess Berenson, Sam Haley-Hill, Patrick McMullen, Dennis Martinez, and Eric Clarke to ensure all students were in a position to succeed.  
  • Georgetown Day + Coach Koo
    Gabe Koo and the GDS team for being great hosts, managing the return to in-person with grace and hospitality. 
  • Fellow UDLs
    Leon Goldstein (NY Urban Debate) for getting their first TOC bid this year! 
WUDL teams prepare at the Tenleytown Public Library before the tournament
Precious, Haven, Nyoami, Dailyn, and Grace prepare for Round 4 during lunch on Saturday at Georgetown Day School
Precious and Dailyn mid-round