By Anthony Scarmozzino ’24
Chaminade welcomed over 500 competitors, judges, and coaches for the 77th Annual Chaminade Speech Invitational earlier this month. Twenty-eight high schools across Long Island, New York City, and Westchester competed in a packed day of public speaking competitions ranging from humorous performances to improvised addresses.
In the weeks leading to the contest, members of Chaminade’s Speech and Debate team meticulously planned and prepared in a myriad of ways. For example, students posted directions throughout the building, set up an impromptu prep room in the first-floor gym for almost 150 students, and manned help desks to assist students and moderators throughout the day. Under the guidance and leadership of head coach Mr. William Clemens ’14, the team prepared to hospitably welcome the guests in a uniquely Chaminade way.
Due to the unprecedented large enrollment, Mr. Clemens, with the help of a group of parent volunteers, used nearly every corner of the building, with rounds being held everywhere from the STRC labs to the fine arts practice rooms. Despite the many competitors, the day ran consistently on time, and student volunteers ensured every speaker found their competition room.
In addition to hosting the tournament, many members of Speech and Debate competed in their specific events. Some of these categories include Extemporaneous Speaking, an event that consists of preparing a seven-minute speech in thirty minutes on a current events topic without any written aids; Oratorical Declamation, which involves the performance of a memorized ten-minute speech; and Congressional Debate, which includes role-playing as senators and passing bills on issues such as fracking and international trade deals.
In a typical invitational format, the tournament followed a schedule of three preliminary rounds and a final round of the top finishers.
As they awaited the announcement of those advancing to the final rounds, competitors raved about Chaminade’s Courtyard Café options. Under the operation of Lessing’s Hospitality Group, the cafeteria offered a wide variety of food options, which allowed a brief yet fulfilling break from the intense competition.
Once preliminary tabulations were complete, and tournament officials posted final-round schematics, many Chaminade competitors discovered they had advanced. These competitors include Charles Bruno ’24 in Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking, Nate Scalere ’26 in Junior Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking, and Richard Colasonno ’25 in Original Oratory.
The award ceremony, hosted by Pelham Memorial coach and New York Catholic Forensics League (NYCFL) President Tom Beck ’87, featured the distribution of over 50 trophies, including team sweepstakes awards. From Chaminade, Bruno, Scalere, and Colasonno finished in their events in 5th, 12th, and 7th, respectively. Regis, a Jesuit boys’ school in the upper west side, took first place in overall team performance.
“I remember being super excited to compete (in finals) and even more excited when I saw the competitors in the final round,” Colasonno said. “Walking across Darby Auditorium’s stage with the 7th place trophy and being awarded a full qualification to states felt incredible.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of the Bro. George Zehnle, S.M. trophy, an award that honors Chaminade’s late Speech and Debate coach and English teacher. The tribute recognizes teams who consistently attend and do well at the Chaminade Invitational. This year, the trophy was awarded to the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Queens.
Reflecting on the day, Mr. Clemens was overwhelmingly grateful for how well the day turned out and the help he received.
“The Chaminade Invitational has always been a source of pride for the Speech and Debate program,” Mr. Clemens said. “Not only do we get to showcase the talents of our students through competition, but we also continue a legacy of excellence in Chaminade hospitality towards our interscholastic partners.”
The day after the tournament, when thanking the student and parent volunteers, Mr. Clemens pointed to a quote from a judge he talked with at the end of the day that he believed summarized Chaminade’s efforts. When asked how the day was, the judge simply said, “This is why Chaminade is Chaminade.”
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