ABOVE: From left: Kathleen Walker, Erik Walker (coaches) Dominick Lund-May, Leon Yang, Isaac Thomas, Levi Loughmiller, Manuel Rojo, Allie Streit, Bel Lutterman, Hailey McConnell, Mayta Tiede, Michelle Esquivel, and Zoey Tassif make up this season’s Fairmont debate team. Submitted photo.

FAIRMONT – As a relatively smaller fish in a big pond, Fairmont is continuing to develop its upstart debate program.

The team began in 2018 with two students, coach Erik Walker, and a van to transport them. By last year they expanded to 16 participants, with three seniors. This year there are 12, who are looking to make their mark against much more established programs.

“There are between 14 and 16 teams in the classic Debate League,” Walker said. “Almost all of those teams are from the Twin Cities, the closest one to us is Mankato. We are the only school from a town this small and from this far outside the metro.”

Whether or not the US government should commit to carbon neutrality by 2050 is the first resolution given to this year’s teams. Walker began by giving an assessment to gauge each participant’s comfort level with the topic.

“We have students 7th through 12th grade,” he said. “It’s a wide variety of familiarity with something as complicated as carbon neutrality and enforcing emission standards in the US economy. We try to get them familiar with core vocabulary on the topic. From there we look at how we can make arguments for and against that are supported by good evidence.”

While the program shares similarities with their more established speech team, Walker said there are several differences between the two programs.

“Debate is a bit more practice intensive because of the nature of the performance being so research and practice-based,” he said. “With speech, it’s all about polishing the perfect performance. Debate is more about being quick on your feet with your evidence.”

Since they started, Fairmont has had teams get close to the top eight at state tournaments. Walker said this is the big goal they reach for every year, and one they have an uphill battle to get to.

“We’re sort of the underdogs when it comes to programs that have been at this a little bit longer or have a more robust coaching staff,” he said. “The fact we are able to go toe to toe and be a legitimate competitor is great.”

Senior Dominick Lund-May has been with the program since its second year of existence when he was in 7th grade. He said being one of the older role models is a stark contrast to when he first started.

“It was nothing I had when I joined,” Lund-May said. “It’s nice to be that example now. It’s interesting trying to help teach and share my skills I have to pass on because I had to find my own way and work with my coach. Now there’s more of a support network.”

As it starts to sink in this is his last year, Lund-May said it has been saddening to recognize these are some of his final competitions.

“It’s the last time I’ll see some of these wonderful people,” he said. “I know I can judge if I want to, so I have stuff to come back to if I feel the need.”

Competing and preparing for debates has given Lund-May skills he hopes to translate to the next level of education.

“The easiest one to think of is researching or understanding college level and research papers,” he said. “That’s all higher-level reading and a little bit difficult; that translates pretty well into higher education. [I’ve learned] how to ask people different questions, continue thinking on my feet so I can develop a new argument or a different train of thought.”

Lund-May said he hopes more students give debate a try after he’s gone. For those who do, he has some advice.

“Show up as much as you can to practices,” Lund-May said. “That’s where most of your learning is going to occur. You’re going to find out so many things. Read the file, understand what you’re trying to argue. Make sure you’re able to be amicable with the people around you. Have a good relationship with the partner that you’re assigned to.”