February 11, 2002

No argument between friends on Team USA 

By Kaishi Lee

The three 17-year-olds who made up the American debate team – two of whom live in Florida and the other in New York City -- did most of their preliminary work through email.

And maybe that’s just as well.

Team member Jana Checa Chong said she sometimes gave Mark Landsman, the New Yorker, a hard time.

“Once we had a debate practice round and Mark hadn't cleaned his room yet. I had to make his bed!” Checa Chong complained.

"I'm rather messy," admitted Landsman, who is the captain of the debate team at the Bronx High School of Science.

But Landsman asserted, "You couldn't have a Team USA without a New Yorker."

Team USA – made up of Checa Chong, Landsman and Ashley Steinberg – fell short in the Singapore competition when they lost to the eventual world champs in a debate about genetic screening.

But the teens, who said they loved the Japanese and Chinese food, had fun.

“The three of us went shopping and went crazy in Chinatown . Ashley and Mark kept buying posters with Chinese paintings on them. I swear each came home with at least six!” said Checa Chong.

She said the teammates got along just fine and worked well together.

Phyllis Hirth, coach of the U.S. squad, said, “We loved being here in Singapore. Everyone went overboard to ensure our needs were met and every comfort was available. No one mentioned feeling homesick while we were there.”