2019 Republic graduate Phillip Latamondeer is in California for college this fall, but before he left, he wrapped up the most successful speech career in Republic High School history over the summer, finishing fourth in the nation in extemporaneous debate.
During his career, Latamondeer qualified for nationals in three different years. As a senior, he set a new standard for national success in speech and debate at Republic.
Participants in extemporaneous debate find out their topic just 30 minutes before the event begins, and each debater has to gather evidence for or against the question at hand.
“They allow you to have access to the internet during prep, so you literally have no idea whatsoever” about the topic, Latamondeer said.
The event is double elimination – two losses and you’re out. Latamondeer said his expectations of a trophy were not particularly high when he started, because of the size of the field.
“I was like, ‘No way, this is Nationals.’ This event had the most amount of entries by hundreds of kids. After about round seven, going into round eight – that’s where I got out last year – I just got in this groove.”
Latamondeer lasted until round 13, when he suffered his second loss. His only other loss was in the third round – a debate, incidentally, he believed he had won. Still, he said he remains “amazed” at his accomplishment.
“Amazement is my overall feeling,” he said. But more than the strength of the competition or the difficulty of the preparation, Latamondeer said he’ll remember Republic’s response to his accomplishment.
“I work at Sonic, and I had people coming to the drive through I didn’t even know. I’d be working and they’d say, ‘Congratulations.’ The entire Republic community showed their excitement and how big an accomplishment it was. That was my favorite feeling and one I’ll never forget. I hope I made you guys proud.”