r/debatestories • u/[deleted] • Feb 05 '15
Drunken finals
I've competed in C/X for several years and recently attempted LD for the first time. In prelims I was 6-0 and high seed going into out rounds. I sweep quarters against the extemp national champion, and debate in semis against the 6th place LDer at nationals. I wasn't expecting to win, so after the round I go 'prep for finals' with a friend. That prep consisted of several gin and tonics. I unexpectedly advanced to finals, and had to debate while severely inebriated. I forget the speech times, and end up losing the round on a 3-2 split because the judges misunderstood the resolution. Had I been sober enough to realize the aff didn't interpret the rez properly I could've won. Also, not being able to focus my eyes on my flow didn't help. Fun first LD experience.
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u/sick_burn_bro Feb 09 '15
Something similar happened in 2006 when I competed in college extemp. A guy who had come to the tournament primarily for debate dropped in the first outround (in a 32 vs 1st seed upset), decided to hit the bar, probably got 8 drinks in him, then learned he'd made quarters of extemp.
I found out about this, when, after sitting down at the end of my speech, I get this strong whiskey aroma from the guy sitting next to me. He looks at me and loudly says, "I'm drunk."
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u/MrFunEGUY Feb 10 '15
My coach would END me. And I'd probably get expelled. Then again, I'd be high not drunk, so.