The Coaches

Francesca Bishop

Debate changed my life. Seriously. I was a successful businessperson, taking Argumentation and Debate at El Camino for fun when I had an epiphany. I was born to debate. It was the most intellectual stimulation and outright fun I had ever had. (I know, that doesn’t say much for my social life.) I have never regretted the decision to pursue, and remain in forensics. It made me a better scholar and a better citizen. Once you learn to critically analyze arguments you never listen to, or read, anything in the same way again. But the allure of competition (I am a tad competitive) was matched for me by the fellowship I found in forensics. Some of my best friends today were my teammates and coaches when I was a competitor. If you like to argue, if you enjoy a challenge, and if you don’t mind hard work, come along. Maybe your life will be changed too.

Diana Crossman

Forensics is the most valuable extracurricular activity a student with even some verbal ability can take part in. Forensics teaches students critical thinking, how to analyze thought and argument, performance skills, the value of competition and perhaps most importantly, forensic competition will boost self-esteem. The great majority of students at ECC who have gone through our program have come away with a stronger sense of self and purpose. They are better equipped to make decisions and have a deeper self respect. Our team works hard, devotes time, and reaps the benefits. The secret to increasing one’s self esteem is to work hard, accomplish something valuable, and know you did your best. I have been fortunate to see many students’ lives change for the better because of being on the forensic team. All that, and you make lifelong friends, too.

Mark Crossman

In my estimation, there is no better extracurricular activity than forensics. It is the extracurricular activity most favored by law schools, and participation in forensics has been a common thread, binding the elite throughout history. Verbal communication and critical thinking skills are regularly ranked among the top skills sought after by corporate America. If you are a gifted speaker, are interested in being influential in your world, have competitive instincts, and work well in a team environment, forensics can provide a forum to help you sharpen your skills. As a community college student, competition on my college’s forensics team gave me a great deal of direction and confidence. After 22 years in forensics, as either a competitor or coach, I continue to be impressed by the caliber of students that the activity produces. The coaches of El Camino’s team are all past national champions and, if you have what it takes, are looking forward to passing that title on to you.