ESU Debaters win big at Augustana College

The Emporia State University debate team proved why it is one of the top debate squads in the nation at the Augustana College Invitational Debate Tournament held Jan 28-30 in Rock Island , IL.

Jordan DeWolf, sophomore, biology major and Dustin Rimmey, junior, English education major, took second place in the Varsity division, losing a close round to the University of Miami (OH).

They defended the establishment of an energy policy to promote wind power, something that has been in the forefront of issues facing Kansans and has local impacts in the Emporia area.

Tiara Naputi, junior, communication and Spanish major, was the top speaker in the Varsity division and was the fourth place team along with Jeremy Beach, freshman, physics education major. DeWolf was the sixth speaker in the Varsity Division, while Rimmey was the eleventh speaker.

"This was an especially good win for Jordan and Dustin, since Dustin could barely talk the whole tournament due to some throat problems, we thought they would have to be pulled from the tournament, but he stuck it out, and ended up in finals," said James Taylor, assistant director of debate. "I would call that a successful weekend!"

The final round appearance represents the first for the Hornets in the Varsity division who are ranked 17th in the end of semester poll for the fall according to the National Debate Tournament Sweepstakes Points.

"The wind power issue has been one that Jordan and Dustin have been working on for a couple of months. Jordan has run that position in Junior Varsity, but this represents a great finish for them on the affirmative in Varsity," said Kenneth DeLaughder, director of debate. "With the wind power issue a timely one for the Flint Hills, we feel that this research is timely and affects people we know in the area. This year's collegiate debate topic is on establishing energy policies to decrease fossil fuel use."

The ESU debate team will try to continue their winning streak at the Donn Parson Heart of America Invitational held at the University of Kansas on February 12-14.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>