The UM Debate Team completed an outstanding and successful competitive year competing in Policy Debate ranked among the top university debate teams in the country by all three policy debate organizations. Rankings are determined by points accumulated through tournament performances throughout the year. Each organization uses a different formula in determining their sweepstakes award winners.
UM finished 6th overall in The American Debate Association, with our Junior Varsity team ranked 4th and our Novice team 6th. The Hurricanes were 17th in the Cross Examination Debate Association national rankings, and second in the Southeast Region. UM was 20th in The National Debate Tournament rankings, and third in District 6 (the Southeast).
In addition, four UM Debaters, Ashley Park, Renee Reneau, Joe Karam, and David Silverman were recognized by The Cross Examination Debate Association as National Debate scholars Summa Cum Laude, and two UM Debaters, Spencer George and Russ Wilde were named Magna Cum Laude. Of the thousands of college debaters in the country, fewer than 40 students were recognized for each of these awards.
These awards recognize student debaters who maintain strong academic records in addition to their competitive accomplishments. To be eligible for any level of national scholar recognition, a student must have attained at least junior standing, competed in at least 18 rounds on the current debate topic, and meet the minimum grade point average for that specific award: minimum 3.75 for Summa Cum Laude and 3.5 for Magna Cum Laude.
To end its season, the team will host the Irish University Debate Champions on Monday, April 7 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in room 2055 of the Communications International Building for a public debate on the topic: “This House Believes That Warrantless Electronic Survelliance by the US Government Has Done More Harm than Good.” Refreshments will be provided, and audience participation is encouraged.
