Seaholms’ forensics team has undergone dramatic changes this year. Former coach Justin LaBond had to unexpectedly retire because of medical problems.
“[I retired because of] family and work obligations,” LaBond said, “And health issues have made it physically impossible for me to coach.”
The new co-directors were picked by Terry Piper on Wednesday Oct. 29. They are debate coach Peter Shaheen, and former forensics assistant coach Danielle Luongo.
Even without LaBond, the new co-directors are thrilled about the new year.
“We have had a lot of conversation about what direction to go in,” Shaheen said. “Mr. Labond did a great job, there’s no question about that. I think it’s fair to say that Danielle and I are different than Mr. Labond. The big difference will be personality. Some people may end up liking Mr. Labond better; some people may end up liking us better. But we’re going to have fun, do our best and keep on trucking.”
Longo says that the biggest worry right now is the shift to the new coaches.
“I think that having someone who has been doing it for 14 years leave is a huge loss and I know a lot of kids are disappointed that he won’t be back,” Longo said. “They really respected and enjoyed him as a coach.” Said Longo. “But I think the biggest thing is that there’s going to be a transition. I know that a lot of kids and me who were concerned about who was going to take his place but I think Mr. Shaheen and I are a great team and I think it’s going to be a good year.”
One of the concerns about the transition is what is going to happen to multiple this year. Seaholm had two groups participating in the category last year, but this year won’t have any.
“New director equals new changes,” said Longo. “We’re not going to have a multiple which is definitely different from last year. “
Another worry is that some of the old assistant coaches won’t return this year, but Longo promises that some are coming back to work with her and Shaheen.
“We are trying to get as many [coaches] as we can” Longo said, “I know for sure that two coaches from last year are going to return. Robin Butler is going to be back on a full time basis and Jimi Radcliff on a part time basis. Eric Braun I haven’t confirmed yet.”
One of the other main concerns about the transition is the size of the new team. “[The size of the team] is going to depend on tryouts in October,” Longo said. “If there’s enough talent then I think we’re obviously going to take it. Nothing is really set and done yet.”
Shaheen and Longo both have a multitude of forensics experience
“I’ve been coaching forensics since 1978,” Shaheen said. “I took a couple of years off to raise my children just like Mr. Labond is doing now. I coached at Groves, Seaholm, Bishop Borgess, and Ypsilanti high school.”
Longo is also bringing in plenty of experience.
“I was a coach last year for the first time at Seaholm and before that I coached for Groves.” Longo said.
More students on the Seaholms’ debate team can now participate in forensics.
“I think a lot more kids from debate are going to come out now because of Mr. Shaheen,” Longo said.
LaBond trusts that the team will do well this year.
“I told the team when I resigned that I believe they are going to be top six in the state,” LaBond said.
