Debate team shines in season debut
by Michelle Saport |
The Seawolf Debate Program once again proved its depth of talent and competitive excellence
during its first competitive tournament of the season at the United States Air Force
Academy 50th Forensics Classic. The tournament brought together roughly 60 debaters
from all across the U.S. in a packed two-day event.鈥ㄢ�═he debates focused on a variety
of topical issues, ranging from whether a no-fly zone should be implemented in Syria
to whether organ donation should be compulsory. In the end, all three teams attending
on behalf of UAA distinguished themselves by qualifying for the elimination rounds.
After the six preliminary rounds, the team of Brittany Bennett and Kelsey Waldorf
were ranked as the top team at the tournament securing a place in the quarterfinal
round. Joining them were the teams of Amy Parrent and Matthew Fox who ranked 5th and
Matthieu Ostrander and Hannah Foreman who ranked 7th.
Debating whether or not organ donation should be compulsory in the quarterfinal round, the team of Bennett and Waldorf prevailed and were selected to advance to the semifinal round. Ultimately the Seawolves did not advance to the final round of elimination after debating whether or not products should be taxed according to their ecological footprint. However, the squad earned 5 out of the 10 top speaker awards out of nearly 60 speakers, demonstrating their strength not only as a team, but as individuals. Bennett took 3rd place in the top speaker awards, followed narrowly by a three-way tie for 4th place between Waldorf, Ostrander, and Fox. Parrent rounded out the individual awards at 7th place.
The successful performance of all of the Seawolf debaters holds great promise for the rest of the competitive season as the team travels next to Claremont Colleges Intervarsity competition in early October.
For more information, please contact Steve Johnson at (907) 786-4391 or .