Debators prepare for national tourney
LAURA SELLINGER
News Writer
After winning several tournaments over the course of the year, Notre Dame's Speech and Debate team is heading to the National Parliamentary Debate Association Championship Tournament at the Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado Friday.
Led by 2001 Notre Dame graduate and first-year law student Kate Huetteman, and assisted by Joe Foy, a graduate student in political science, the team consists of 20 students ranging from freshmen to seniors.
"The farthest we have ever gotten in the National Tournament was the quarterfinals," said Huetteman. "This year we hope to advance as far as we can towards the national championship. Like March Madness, it can be anybody's game. We have also reached a level of success this year where I really believe we have a shot at it."
Throughout the year, the team worked hard to prepare for regional tournaments across the country and faced tough competition from states as far as California, Washington and Colorado.
"The amount of practicing has become much more intense this year. Not only have we added a Sunday practice, but the students also do a substantial amount of independent research during the week to keep on top of current events and present their findings to their teammates," said Huetteman.
Of the regional tournaments this year, the Notre Dame team has been very successful, winning five out of the seven competitions they entered. On Sept. 22, teammates senior Rachel Smith and sophomore Mary Komperda won the "Show Me Swing" Tournament at Truman State University in Kirksville, Miss. Juniors Chris Gallo and Victoria Fetterman were finalists in the "Forensics Fiesta" Tournament at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz. on Dec. 1.
In addition, the team also competed in the "Frank-ly Speaking" Tournament at the College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois on Jan. 18. Two teams including seniors Mark Stycznski and Will McDonald and sophomore Kara Vey and senior Michelle Peterson both won in a closeout.
On Jan. 25, a team of two freshmen, Meghan Callahan and Anthony Ford won the novice division in the "Honorary Nationals" Tournament sponsored by Pi Kappa Delta in St. Louis, Miss.
The team finished the year with wins at the Indiana State Debate Tournament on March 2 by Smith and Komperda and at the "Betsey Karl Invitational" at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash. on March 8 by Styczynski and McDonald.
Of the 20 students on the Notre Dame team, 12 of the most experienced debaters will be competing in the National Tournament in Denver and hope to achieve a top 10 ranking in the country.
"The students have worked really hard this year in terms of research — we are hoping to build on past achievements and achieve more success at the National Tournament this year," said Huetteman.
All News Stories for Thursday, March 21, 2002
