Debate Team takes second at University of West Florida Invitational

Valdosta State University's Debate Team placed second in the University of West Florida Marks Invitational Tournament, March 3-5. LaTaschka Applewhite, a senior in English, and Lindsay Herring, a junior in communication, debated 12 teams from ten schools such as Florida State University, University of South Florida at Tampa, and Carson Newman College.

In individual events, Herring also won 2nd place out of 23 in Debate and placed 3rd out of 20 in Prose, while also competing in After Dinner Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation, and Program Oral Interpretation (POI).

Other debate team members had notable achievements in their categories. Kim Colon, a senior in English, placed 6th out of twelve students in the POI category. Shannon Yerkic, a senior in political science, placed 7th in the Impromptu category out of 21 competitors.

Dr. Michael Eaves, who has been a debate coach since arriving at VSU in 1993, said the recent win is the best ranking since the VSU team debated with Harvard University for the win at the University of West Georgia over seven years ago.

Eaves said the debate experience teaches students how to think on their feet, improves their listening and research skills, hones their ability to process information quickly, and increases their ability to communicate effectively. According to Eaves, students become well-rounded as they study theories across disciplines and learn how to take both sides of controversial issues.

Not only is the recent tournament the last scheduled event for the VSU Debate Team, but for most of the team members, it will also be their last college tournament ever. Herring is the only team member who will not be graduating in the spring. Therefore, Eaves is on a mission to recruit students from all majors for the upcoming academic year who are interested in becoming stronger, more competitive speakers.

For more information on VSU's Debate Team, contact Eaves at 259-5116 or meaves@valdosta.edu .