Bryan College’s newly reactivated Debate Team took home three awards during their competition in the Smokey Mountain Tournament at Walters State Community College against teams from Berea College, MTSU, Northeastern, and others.
“We have a very talented group who are passionate about building their communication, argumentation, and analysis skills,” said Liz Absher, debate coach and adjunct computer science professor. “I expect outstanding results as they gain more experience.”
Bryan captured three out of eight Speaker Awards in the Novice Category. These included:
Victoria Suich – 4th
Spencer Baker – 7th
Emily Webber – 8th
Bryan’s Debate Team members included: Anastastia Capuzzi, Chenoa Gonzalez, Spencer Baker, Emily Webber, and Victoria Suich. Prior to this competition, only two of the team’s members had competed in a college tournament.
Bryan entered two two-person teams and one alternate, who helped during prep time at Saturday’s event. Bryan’s teams finished with a combined 5-3 record.
British Parliamentary Debate consists of two two-person teams that compete in multiple rounds. Each round, a new debate topic is announced followed by 15 minutes of preparation prior to the start of the actual debate. Speakers alternate back and forth from the “Government” team to the “Opposition” team.
The team has plans to compete at Berea College and Belmont University this semester as well as other locations throughout the Southeast next semester.
Bryan’s team is actively recruiting new members for the traveling team. Meetings are held on Tuesdays in Mercer 115 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Interested students are invited to attend or contact Team Coach, Liz Absher, by email at eabsher5985@bryan.edu or by text at 284-5886.