Social studies teacher Aaron Smithers has been named coach of the debate team, replacing former coach Amanda Richmond, who will go on maternity leave after this semester.

Smithers, a graduate of IU, said he enjoyed taking speech and debate classes in high school.

“I really wanted to make sure they (the team) had a season,” Smithers said.

According to Ivy Yan, debate team captain and junior, Smithers’ appointment, although coming at a late time, will allow the team to exist.  She said that without Smithers the team would have been unprepared for their season, which starts in less than a month.

“For many of our varsity juniors, this is the most crucial year for them to succeed at various tournaments and to make it to the Nationals at the end of the season,” Yan said.  “This is the last opportunity to put such a prestigious honor on their college applications come senior year.”

Smithers said he doesn’t expect the team to “hit” every tournament, but he said he hopes to prepare them so they can compete in as many events as possible.

“I want to meet the kid, get to know them and help them prepare,” Smithers said. “I want them to have a great season.”