ESU Debate Team wins third at Southwest Missouri State, ranked seventh nationally

The Emporia State University Debate team continued its winning ways with a 3rd place finish at the Virginia Craig Invitational held at Southwest Missouri State University on October 23-25, 2004.

Dustin Rimmey, a junior, English major from Lansing and Jeremy Beach, a freshman, physics major from Winfield, defeated teams from Baylor University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City among others on their way to a semifinal appearance.

"To have a freshman competing at the varsity level and taking third place is a testimony to the depth our squad has this year," said Ken DeLaughder, Director of Debate. "Young debaters are creating big wins and opportunities for success for the program at the top levels."

Rimmey was the 11th speaker in the varsity division.

"Rimmey had a great tournament; he continues to work hard and has shown real leadership on the squad. We're glad to see him get the recognition he deserves and hope he continues to be successful," said DeLaughder.

Emporia State University it currently ranked 7th nationally in overall points by the National Debate Tournament ranking system. Hornet Debate leads all Kansas Regents schools in policy debate nationally and is ahead of over 130 schools in points including Northwestern University , IL and Harvard University .

The ESU Debate Team will compete next at the University of Central Oklahoma tournament in Edmond , OK on November 5-7.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>