UIL Speech Judges
If you have corrections, questions or comments regarding this information, please notify The UIL Speech and Debate department at speech@uiltexas.org or 512-471-5883.
Taylor Kruppa
Current high school:
Vanderbilt Industrial
Currently coaching?: Yes
Conference: 3A
Number of years coached: 0
Number of tournaments judged: 0
High school attended:
Industrial High School
Graduated high school: 2020
Participated in high school: Yes
Participated in college: No
Judging qualifications:
Cross-Examination (CX) Debate competitor (2016–2020). Two-time District Champion, two-time State Qualifier, and State Octofinalist. Competed in Informative Extemporaneous Speaking, qualifying for Regionals twice. Participated in One-Act Play (2016–2019) as a member of a company that advanced to the Regional Meet and finished as the State Alternate all three years. Received individual acting awards during those years. Judged Prose and Poetry at invitational speech and debate tournaments in 2022.
Judging Philosophy
CX
Judging approach: Policy Maker
Policy priority: Resolution of substantive issues is more important than communication skills
Evidence philosophy: Quality of evidence is more important than quantity of evidence
Paradigm: I evaluate rounds from a traditional policy-maker perspective. I look for the team that best supports its position through logical argumentation, effective impact analysis, and quality evidence. Communication and substantive argumentation are equally important; debaters should clearly explain and develop their arguments rather than relying on the quantity of evidence read. I value strategic use of cross-examination and expect arguments to be warranted and extended throughout the round. While I prefer traditional policy debate centered on the affirmative case, I will evaluate topicality and other procedural arguments if they are properly developed and won in the round. Dropped arguments matter. Clarity is more important than speed; moderate speed is acceptable, but excessive spreading that sacrifices comprehension or analysis will hurt speaker points. Professionalism and respectful conduct are expected.
LD
Approach: Communication skills and resolution of substantive issues are of equal importance
Philosophy:
I approach LD from a traditional perspective. I evaluate which debater best upholds their value through a well-rounded combination of philosophical reasoning, evidence, and logical analysis. Philosophy should be explained and applied, not simply cited. Dropped arguments matter, and I value debaters who clearly connect and extend their arguments throughout the round. Speed is acceptable if clarity is maintained, and professionalism is expected.
Contact Information
email: tkruppa@industrialisd.org
cell: 361 5502323
office: 361 2843226
Availability Information
Meet types:
Invitational
District
Regional
CX State
State Meet
Qualified for:
CX
LD
Extemp
Prose/Poetry
Travel
Region of residence:
4
I will travel to: 1 3 4
