Today has been a little bit of a rollercoaster of emotions – first, going back to Forest Lake during the school day for the first time since leaving felt weird. I was definitely an outsider. It’s only been a couple months. I have a bit to process there still.

This is my last State Debate Tournament with Forest Lake. I haven’t decided what will happen next for me and debate, but I do know that I’m glad there are people who support this activity. I thought about all my former debaters on the way there, all the changes that I’ve gone through in the 15 years I’ve been coaching. I know that we do good things, for the most part. I was pretty misty by the time we got to the tournament, and I’m feeling a little sad even now.

I got a lot of questions about the Forest Lake team now that I’m departing, and I wish I had better answers. I want to see it continue and be well supported, especially for the novices coming up. They are good, smart people who want to debate. There is no shortage of guilt on my part; I feel bad to be leaving this group of kids, only two of whom are graduating. I hope I am leaving a strong program that can be sustained if it doesn’t find a coach immediately. I am going to help whoever steps in as much as feasibly possible.

I might have a tough time sleeping tonight and tomorrow might be difficult. I am glad that I have good friends in the debate community, good assistants, and good kids. Onward to day two!