Ten rounds of competing with some of Minnesota’s finest high school debate teams, three losses and you’re out. If you make it to the top two spots before getting eliminated, you’ve made it to the national conference. The national qualifying conference is something every debater dreams about winning, but only few teams can make it big time. This year, the team of Adam Everhart and Joe Blom have the opportunity to make it big time and go to nationals.

In the ten years that Steven Fetzik has coached debate, this is at least the fifth time that a team has qualified for nationals. This year, the tournament takes place in Kansas City, Missouri from June 15-20. The topic is not released to the competing teams until May 1, then Fetzik will prepare Everhart and Blom for debating.

Inspired to join by his current debate partner, sophomore Joe Blom is only a second year veteran and has now made it to nationals, but still plans on continuing his debate career.

“I’m still so surprised that we made it to nationals,” said Blom, “It was the last thing I ever expected, especially since I’m not as experienced as some of my other teammates.”

Much like Blom’s story about joining, Adam Everhart was also inspired by an Everhart, his brother Alex. Both Adam and Alex had participated in debate since their freshman years, both succeeding greatly and making it to the national debate conference.

“It still hasn’t sunk in at all,” says Everhart, “Someone mentions it almost everyday and I’m still in shock every single time I realize what they are really congratulating me about.”

Part of making a great debate team is picking a partner that fits your debating style. Luckily, Everhart and Blom seem to fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

“Adam and Joe compliment each other very well. Joe is able to see the big picture and articulate it well.” said coach Fetzik, “Adam can do that as well, but he also conveys strong emotions and can persuade the judges which really helps them out.”