Capp Tournament To Bring Top College Debate Teams To Campus

One of the largest and oldest intercollegiate debate tournaments in the nation will be held Saturday through Monday, Jan. 24-26, on the Baylor University campus. The Glenn R. Capp Debate Tournament, which has been held at Baylor for more than 50 years, will draw 70 debate teams from 22 universities, including Big 12 schools the University of Texas, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri.
The debate topic will focus on ways to improve U.S.-European relations. Participants in the Capp tournament could debate the removal of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons from Europe and the ongoing trade dispute over the import/export of genetically modified foods, among other discussions.
"Intercollegiate debate is a research-driven activity that combines the ability to speak persuasively in public with the ability to critically analyze complex current events," said Matthew Gerber, assistant director of Baylor debate. "It is an academically challenging activity, and one of the most enriching scholarly endeavors I have ever been associated with. College debaters typically spend around 30 hours per week researching the topic and preparing for competition, and that work comes on top of the students' normal class and work load."
The Capp tournament will take place in various rooms in the Hankamer School of Business. The elimination rounds will be held Monday at the Clarion Hotel.
For more information, contact Gerber at 710-6917.