Saying Thank You to the Coaches 

The Lynn Debate team gives thanks to their coaches.

By Spencer Backman 

The Lynn Debate Team wants to give thanks to the individuals that helped them learn and thrive last semester.  

We would like to start by saying thank you.  

This fall semester, the debate team has been through a transformation. We have gone from a team of veterans with years of experience to a team full of novices—a group of young people with a passion for hard work and critical thought. 

But it’s difficult to teach debate to so many young people. Bringing a group of first-year debaters to a level where they can win tournaments, bring home trophies and represent Lynn University across the nation is not an easy task. Especially considering that we competed in 3 three formats this fall semester alone. 

Taking weekends of time, where early mornings morph into long days, for more than six weekends this fall alone, is not easy. Add in a full course schedule, grading deadlines, and academic research and almost no one could be expected to keep up. Our coaches did. 

Eric and Kate Hamm, who we on the team know as Coach and Professor Kate, have put in an enormous effort this year. They have worked hard to keep the team going, by working around schedules, working through weekends and staying well past 8 p.m. at least two nights every week.  

Coach and Professor Kate, you put in the work. 

The fruits of your labor can be shown in multiple reports to the administration, on the trophy shelves in the Trinity offices and in the debaters who you have made better students and better people. You have succeeded in every sense of the word and in every aspect possible for debate coaches, professors and mentors. 

Thank you to our coaches, thank you to the team, and thank you to the alumni who continue to help whenever asked. 

As a team, as your students and as your friends, thank you for all you do, not just for trophies or reports, but for all of us. 

Sincerely, 

Your Team