Debate Team Reaches 'sweet 16' in National Tournament

Baylor University's top debate team finished in the top 16 at the National Debate Tournament held March 21-23 at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. Seventy-four university teams from across the nation competed in the tournament.
Debating the topic of increasing regulations on businesses to reduce pollution, the Baylor team defeated teams from Michigan State, the University of Michigan, Dartmouth and Emory. Team member Kelly Dunbar, a Baylor senior from St. Joseph, Mo., was named one of the tournament's top five speakers. Dunbar's teammate was Ben Coulter.
"Baylor consistently has a team ranked as one of the top 20 debate teams in the country," said Dr. Karla Leeper, assistant professor of communication studies and coach of the university's debate teams.
A second Baylor team composed of sophomore students also competed in the tournament and barely missed finishing in the top 16. "They did very well for such a young team," said Leeper. Sophomore team members were Rebecca Coulter and Chris Brasure.
For more information, contact Leeper at 755-1621.