Spring Break
Debate team continues reign
Jennifer Bhargava
Issue date: 10/11/04 Section: News
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"Traveling is nice because you get to go places that you would never go or be able to afford otherwise, Malibu and Las Vegas included," said Foster. "[But] it can be stressful to debate every weekend because I still have to keep up with class and my job."
Freshman Dylan Sutton believes that the lengthy amount of time the group spends together is beneficial to strengthening their bond.
"We drive for hours, if not days, on end together, sleep in the same hotel rooms, and work together in the squad room during the week," said Sutton, who teamed with Foster in the UNI season opener. "You just can't put that many odd people close together for that long and not get something fun [out of it]."
Many current squad members are unfazed by the hard work; they have held a passion for debating since high school.
Sutton, who started his debating career over four years ago, was drawn to the activity because it is intellectually stimulating and focuses on topics that are socially significant.
"[Debating] seemed a uniquely appropriate place to test ideas and really open up critical thought, because it has little to no restriction on the type of argument that can be put forward and we are shielded from the need to appeal to people with heavy bias, like election candidates are," said Sutton. "We have the advantage, usually, of having a judge who is willing to listen objectively to the merits behind arguments, allowing an atmosphere of academic innovation."
Family support is also a significant factor that helps squad members cope with the heavy workload.
Foster, who also began her debating career over four years ago, admits that her mother played a significant role in her decision to continue with the activity.
"The only reason I'm still in debate is that my mom volunteered her time to travel with me and judge at tournaments both in and out of state," said Foster.
Besides competing in tournaments and training, several squad members mentor urban high school students, a decision that is encouraged but not mandatory.
"They help the high school students with their research assignments and listen to their debates," said Collier.
The squad members have high goals for the future, goals which they believe their debating experience will help them accomplish.
"After college I plan to go to law school, become a lawyer and support a family, maybe help out a debate program somewhere," said Sutton. "Success in those things would make my life very satisfying."
The debate team heads to Malibu, Calif. for a tournament at Pepperdine University from Oct. 15-18.
On Oct. 25 they compete with debate teams from the University of Kansas. The debate, sponsored by UMKC Retirees' Association, will focus on energy and environmental policies. It will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Pierson Auditorium. For ticket call the Central Ticket Office at 235-6222.
jbhargava@unews.com
Freshman Dylan Sutton believes that the lengthy amount of time the group spends together is beneficial to strengthening their bond.
"We drive for hours, if not days, on end together, sleep in the same hotel rooms, and work together in the squad room during the week," said Sutton, who teamed with Foster in the UNI season opener. "You just can't put that many odd people close together for that long and not get something fun [out of it]."
Many current squad members are unfazed by the hard work; they have held a passion for debating since high school.
Sutton, who started his debating career over four years ago, was drawn to the activity because it is intellectually stimulating and focuses on topics that are socially significant.
"[Debating] seemed a uniquely appropriate place to test ideas and really open up critical thought, because it has little to no restriction on the type of argument that can be put forward and we are shielded from the need to appeal to people with heavy bias, like election candidates are," said Sutton. "We have the advantage, usually, of having a judge who is willing to listen objectively to the merits behind arguments, allowing an atmosphere of academic innovation."
Family support is also a significant factor that helps squad members cope with the heavy workload.
Foster, who also began her debating career over four years ago, admits that her mother played a significant role in her decision to continue with the activity.
"The only reason I'm still in debate is that my mom volunteered her time to travel with me and judge at tournaments both in and out of state," said Foster.
Besides competing in tournaments and training, several squad members mentor urban high school students, a decision that is encouraged but not mandatory.
"They help the high school students with their research assignments and listen to their debates," said Collier.
The squad members have high goals for the future, goals which they believe their debating experience will help them accomplish.
"After college I plan to go to law school, become a lawyer and support a family, maybe help out a debate program somewhere," said Sutton. "Success in those things would make my life very satisfying."
The debate team heads to Malibu, Calif. for a tournament at Pepperdine University from Oct. 15-18.
On Oct. 25 they compete with debate teams from the University of Kansas. The debate, sponsored by UMKC Retirees' Association, will focus on energy and environmental policies. It will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Pierson Auditorium. For ticket call the Central Ticket Office at 235-6222.
jbhargava@unews.com
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