VOL. XV, NO. 8

The Westerner has of late received messages demanding that all extracurricular activities be given equal public exposure. This is not to imply that recognition should not be given. Warriors, no matter what their calling, without a doubt work long and hard to perfect their specialty.

The fruits of their labor are announced on various mornings over the P.A. system. Yet, there is at least one team at Maine West that does not mind its anonymity - the Debate Team. In fact, it took considerable effort to get even two debaters to pose for the accompanying picture.

Debate is an event where members of two opposing teams argue, in a civilized manner, about a selected topic in front of several judges and other interested viewers. This year's topic concerns the methods by which poverty can be eliminated.

The key to success in debate is the same as that for any type of physical competition extensive preparation and determination. Preparing for the debate season is no less strenuous than for other activities.

Debaters must spend many hours during the summer researching next year's topic. Try to imagine yourself spending upwards of 12 hours a day inside a musty library during the warm, summer months.

Once a person joins the Debate Team he or she must re- I sign himself or herself to the fact that few cheering crowds will follow him or her about. To the non-debater the rewards for the debater are few. The debater, just like any other participant, finds his or her diversion both exciting and personally rewarding.

The Debate Team, also like any other team, always welcomes a new face. It's hard work, but if one would care to participate in an activity that carries with it substantial, immediate, and long run returns, by all means go out.

Next time you bump into some debaters, ask them if they would recommend that you come out for the team next year; they could do a much better job than any written article. After all that's their specialty - communicating with people.