Debate Team Places Fifth at Red River Classic

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University’s Debate Club parliamentary team placed fifth in their division out of 15 teams at Louisiana State University Shreveport’s Red River Classic 2009 Debate Tournament on Nov. 6-8.

In individual events at LSU, communications major Boston Foulk ranked as fifth speaker overall and first in the novice division.

“Because of the communication department at VSU, I was able to hone my natural speaking ability while melding perfectly with my partner, Savannah,” said Foulk, a first time debater. “I wouldn't have done as well if it wasn’t for my partner and coaches, Dr. Michael Eaves and Adam Brumfield.”

This tournament was one of three that the debate club participates in annually. In October, Amber Brown, middle grades education major, and Mollie Duett, English major, represented VSU in a tournament in Wyoming and finished in the top 16 out of 37 teams competing. Sean Campbell, political science, and Nick Barnes, sociology major, tied for top 16 out of 74 debaters based on high speaker points at the same tournament.

In mid Sept, the team finished fifth at Purdue University's competition. Kristi Eckfield, communications major, and Melody Brooks, history major, placed second and fourth respectively at this competition.

Adam Brumfield, graduate assistant fulfilling his masters in communication arts, joined Eaves as the first assistant coach. Brumfield accompanies the team in their travels, listens to practice rounds and assists the debaters in preparation for events.

“The team has placed in each of the three tournaments it’s attended," said Eaves, who came to VSU from Florida State University in 1993 primarily to coach debate. "The VSU forensics team has far expected my expectations for success."

Participation on VSU's debate team, which competes at both the regional and national levels, is open to all majors regardless of prior experience. Call Eaves at (229) 259-5116 or e-mail him at meaves@valdosta.edu for more information.