There’s no argument here that the Debate Team is on the upswing. The team has gained 12 new members this year, a fairly large amount according to the team’s coach, Rand Hinds. The Debate Team represents Tupelo High School in competitions against elite opponents from the region, state and even the nation.

That being said, THS debaters are very serious in preparation for debates and speeches. It is critical that they be ready to take either side of an argument and defend it to the best of their ability.

“It’s not just that you’re good at arguing,” Hinds said. “Debate is structured argument.”

Shouting opinions at other people may help convince them, but it doesn’t win debate tournaments. Hinds emphasizes listening carefully to an opponent’s argument to strengthen one’s own.

It’s not all about the competition, though. The Debate Team allows students to express themselves and meet others who share their interests.

“A good thing about the Debate Team for me is being able to have my voice be heard,” said sophomore Scott Chumley, who joined the team at the beginning of the school year.

Chumley also said that the team itself is an appealing factor for its members.

“I feel that most of the people on the team are there because they believe they can win, and if we believe we can win, we will win,” he said.

This is a sentiment shared by Hinds.

THS debaters are pit against intelligent and well-prepared opponents, Hinds said, but that hardly seems to dissuade them.

“We are by no means ‘underdogs,’” he said. “Tupelo has a lot of pride, and when we walk into a tournament, other schools take notice.”