Owolabi and Decker-Diaz Win UIL CX-Debate District Championship

L to R: Ruben Escamilla (Contest Dir.), Brianna-Decker Diaz (District Champion), Matthew Embers (4th place), Lois Owolabi (District Champion-Top Speaker), Elysandra Solis (4th place), and Margarito Ayala (CX Coach)

     On Wednesday, February 10, Carrizo Springs H.S. hosted the 30-4A UIL District Cross-Examination Debate Contest.  Several teams from the district competed for a chance to advance to state level competition.  After a grueling day of many debate rounds with the likes of Jourdanton, Pleasanton, and Pearsall teams, the teamof Lois Owolabi and Brianna Decker-Diaz won first place and were crowned district champions. In addition, the team of Elysandra Solis and Matthew Embers won fourth place and were named second alternates.  Furthermore, Lois Owolabi won the coveted CX Debate Top Speaker plaque of the entire tournament.  The Wildcat debaters have been honing their skills at competitive practice tournaments debating this year’s topic: Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially curtail its domestic surveillance.  “These students have spent much time, research, and effort into solidifying strong affirmative and negative cases and their work paid off,” said Mr. Ayala, debate coach.  “Congratulations to the CX debate teams for an outstanding performance and congratulations to their coach, Mr. Ayala, for all the preparation of the teams.  Now it’s on to the next level of competition,” said Mr. Daniel Valerio Jr., UIL Coordinator. 

     Mr. Ruben Escamilla, 30-4A CX Debate Contest Director, would like to thank Pastor Jonathan Hewitt and his staff at the First Baptist Church for being so gracious as to allow Carrizo Springs H.S. to once again use this site to host this UIL event.  Special thanks go to Mr. Jeff Janca, Associate Pastor, who once again has been so kind and helpful throughout this entire event.  Mr. Escamilla would also like to thank the administrators who supported this endeavor from day one:  Mrs. Michelle Gonzalez, Principal; Mrs. Anna Rocha-Diaz, Finance Director; and Mr. Jesse Salazar, Superintendent.  Gratitude is also extended to Mr. Margarito Ayala and Mr. Daniel Valerio, Jr. for their assistance as well as Ms. Cristina Criel and Mrs. Alicia Mathewson for being such wonderful hostesses. Last but not least, thank you to UIL speech competitors Christina Janca, Valerie Mata, Micaela Uriegas, Isabella Talamantez, and Allica Cardona for volunteering to be official timekeepers for the contest. 

     Lois Owolabi and Brianna Decker-Diaz will now advance to the illustrious UIL State CX Debate Meet which will host the best debaters in the state and will be held on March 17-19 at UT Austin.  We wish them and their coach the best of luck.  Awesome Wildcat Brain Power!