SU Debate and Forensics finishes season by placing overall in tournament

(THE PICKET) –  The Shepherd University Debate and Forensics Team wrapped its season up by finishing third place overall and having 13 team members place in their events at the Morgan State University Invitational.

This was the second tournament that the team participated in and also the second time that they finished third place.  Earlier in the semester the team placed overall at the University of Maryland at College Park’s College Forensics Association Tournament.

“Although we work tirelessly to place first in tournaments, the third place finishes are very encouraging,” said Jamin Branch, a senior political science major and two-year member of the debate team.  “Last spring our team placed first in a tournament, so as a team, we now crave that taste of victory.”

Seven team members placed fifth place or better in their individuals events, and of the four teams participating in duo debates, all four pairs placed sixth place or better at the most recent tournament in Baltimore.

“The team’s success is definitely what drives this team to persevere through many hours of improving our events and enduring the long days at tournaments,” Branch said.

“This is my second time placing, but Morgan State was the first time that I participated in the parliamentary debate with my good friend Quinn Kahsay,” said Lance Wines, a political science senior and team member for two semesters.  “For Quinn and I to place in our first competition together was extraordinary, and I am extremely thankful to have such an amazing partner.”

Dr. Joseph Robbins, political science professor and coach of the Debate and Forensics Team said, “It’s truly a team effort as it’s not just two or three students doing well.  Our success is widespread and consistent; a fact that I’m quite proud of.”

The Shepherd University Debate and Forensics Team meets every week for a three hour class period.  The team not only works individually and one-on-one with their instructor to prepare for events, but the group is also receives upper level political science credit hours for their participation.

“I can’t stress how valuable Dr. Robbins has been in the success the team has achieved. He gives many hours to sit down one-on-one to discuss how we can improve, while also attending our three hour class where he offers constructive criticism to maximize our abilities,” Branch said.

The team will participate in two tournaments next semester, one and at Wilkes-Barre University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and another at West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

“I know that we continue to do our best and do what is required to represent ourselves and Shepherd to the best of our abilities,” Wines said.

Brooke Binns is a writer for the Picket and can be contacted at tbinns01@rams.shepherd.edu. 

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