ESU debate squad continues impressive season

The Emporia State University debate squad has continued its streak of great competition and winning results. All members of the team have cleared in varsity level at one tournament and have won at least one out round as well.

The team of Kelly Thompson, a senior secondary education major and Kurt Fifes, a sophomore political science major, made it to Ocarinas at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas tournament, making them one of the top 16 teams out of over 80 teams nationwide.

The team of Jeremy Beach, a senior earth science and physics major, and Plato Green, freshman communication major, cleared to the quarterfinals at Kansas City Kansas Community College tournament, facing many district rivals to enter the elimination rounds and won an out round before being eliminated.

Several speaker awards for the debaters have also kept spirits high. "If how we have being doing is indicative of the rest of the season, then we are looking to have one of the best seasons this school has seen in awhile," said Thompson.

The team has also hosted several events this season. On October 10, the debate squad hosted an open house for anyone interested in joining the debate team to generate interest in the program on campus. “It’s always great to have other students come in and ask about what we’re doing,” said Fifelski.

On October 15, the debate squad hosted an international debate with two British debaters who are currently touring the United States. “It was interesting to see how our types of debate differ and have a good challenge from people we usually would never compete against,” said Beach. He joined Thompson to representing Emporia State University against the British team, both members of which are world championship qualifiers in debate.

 

Last Updated November 20, 2007>