Bloodthirsty. Savage. Cutthroat.

No, these words aren’t just associated with the National Football League. In fact, another fierce, ruthless organization comes to mind with these words: the National Forensics League, recently renamed the National Speech and Debate Association.

RHS students compete in these tournaments with schools from Northern California. Debate tournaments last for about 10 hours with each student competing in four rounds. The very first tournament for Rocklin students of the year was just this last Saturday, hosted at Ponderosa High School.

When asked for one word to describe her very first debate tournament, undefeated senior Hiruni Perera said “intense.”

Going undefeated in a Lincoln-Douglas debate (a value-based, one-on-one style debate involving speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examinations) means that Hiruni won each of her four novice rounds against students at other schools. But that’s not as easy as it sounds. Like in the football-NFL, students debating in this NFL put in hours of practice preceding the competition.

“[I spent] about five to six hours of research before even writing my first case.” Hiruni said. “It left me with less time for my homework… I had to stay up late to get it all done.”

Competing students must write both sides of their case- the affirmative and the negation- before the tournament. Once they arrive, they won’t find out about which side they’re on until just minutes before each round.

“It’s very fast-paced and busy,” Hiruni said.

And stressful. Like in football, sometimes competitors on other teams can be hostile and rude.

“Sometimes a lot of people can get really aggressive,” said debate captain Sweta Parja, a senior. “In times like that you just have to be really calm and patient.”

Aggressive debaters also might not look as big and scary as professional football players, but can still be intense to face. “Everyone gave off the vibe that they wanted to win… It was a very competitive atmosphere.” said Hiruni.

But Rocklin has a close, friendly team, with students who all are excited about participating and honing their argumentative and oratory skills.

“I enjoyed the team and work atmosphere in the tournament,” said Sweta. “My teammates are definitely really awesome and I’m happy I went to the tournament.”