The newly-created speech and debate team has already created a good rep.

During the weekend of Jan. 23-24, the team won second place at Portland State University in a debate contest.

Patrick Gonzales, English teacher and the volunteer speech and debate adviser, was proud of the work the students put forth.

“For being such a new team, they really surprised me with their talent,” said Gonzales. “They have so much potential to be the best of the best.”

Gonzales started up the team this year after previously coaching a team at Madison before transferring to Cleveland. His love for debate and driving determination has helped build a strong foundation for the new team.

“I think that over the course of the full year, the team will show such improvement, it’ll shock everyone,” said Gonzales. “I hope that these students continue on with debate and build an even stronger foundation,” said Gonzales.

In years to come, Gonzales hopes to continue advising students on the debate team, where he gives them specific tips based on their personalities and unique quirks to help make their case stronger.

Gonzales is known for his unique teaching style and students on the team say he is the best adviser for debate team.

“Our team really impressed a lot of people and we put forth a lot of team support and effort, which made for a great debate,” said Ethan Adelman-Sil, sophomore.

Students and faculty alike are proud of the debate team and hope they continue on.