Debate team continues path to success

by Nicole Mikos '00

T he Rochester debate team has capped off another successful season with a strong showing at the Cross Examination Debate Association's national tournament, held at Southern Illinois University March 19-22.

Schools from across the country participated in the varsity-level competition. The team of senior Laura Kelley and junior Meredith Pelton earned a spot in the elimination rounds. Of the 210 teams that participated in the tournament, only 64 made it to this "sudden death" round.

Two students were recognized at the tournament for their excellent debating skills. Katherine McClung, a junior and president of the debate union, was named Academic All-American based on her outstanding debating and academic achievements. Senior Chet Gulati was named All-American for his outstanding debating efforts.

Last semester, the team gave strong performances in four tournaments, including competitions at West Point and SUNY Binghamton. The debaters kicked off the spring semester with an outstanding showing at Syracuse University on January 30. Eight teams made it to the elimination rounds and Rochester debaters won 60 percent of all the individual speaker awards at the tournament.

"The early return from winter break gave us an advantage over other schools," said coach Sam Nelson. "The extra week gave the group a head start on practice sessions and they were more prepared to debate than other students just returning from vacation."

Rochester also hosted a regional tournament on February 20 and 21. This year's topic explored whether the U.S. government should amend Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through legislation to create additional protections against racial and/or gender discrimination. Students spent as much as 20 hours a week researching and preparing affirmative and negative arguments to present a concrete case during the tournament season.

The debate team has come a long way in the past few years. With ever-increasing administrative and alumni support and the addition of coach Nelson, the group has become stronger and larger than ever. The number of students involved in debate has increased every year and, with more than 60 undergraduate members this year, was the second-largest debate squad in the nation. Nelson, an assistant professor in the English department, joined the team in 1992 and is considered one of the top coaches in the nation.

Most students who join the team have had no prior experience in debate and begin at the novice level. However, their hard work and determination has earned a national reputation and the University is known for having some of the best novices in the country. Many students who join as novices work their way up to the varsity team within two years.