“One of my goals is to not only help Legacy, but all of the Mansfield schools to become renowned in academic competition.”

Mr.Ritz wants students to compete in no less than 20 tournaments. He hopes to take the top three spots in the district competition. The first two spots automatically advance to state, third place as an alternative. Students will also compete in the Texas Forensic Association tournaments where with enough points they will have a chance to advance to state.

Nearly every weekend Mr.Ritz spends his time at student tournaments. He also holds meetings Thursdays after school to run practice debates and help with cases.  When Mr.Ritz ran debate at his previous school he maintained a website where students and other debate coach’s could obtain helpful information.

“Mr.Ritz is going to be a monster,” Mr.Rabalais, former debate coach, said. “My first year coaching debate I got so much from his website. He has stuff that I don’t understand on a website I couldn’t even set up.”

The debate team has competed throughout the state, however, Mr.Ritz hopes to take students to tournaments in different states. With plans to visit tournaments held at colleges such as Harvard and Princeton, students will have the opportunity to experience new types of competition. Mr.Ritz looks forward to exposing students to a wider variety of debates.

“I was delighted to accept the job offered to me by Mr.Wright,” Mr.Ritz said. “I love the teachers here. I love the students here. I’m amazed by their impressive work ethic.”