Debate team hosts Weevil Wars

April Jacks
Contributing Writer

   The UAM debate and forensics team hosted their annual tournament Weevil Wars at the University of Arkansas-Monticello Oct. 9-10.

   Brian Rauls won the novice championship after defeating a competitor from OBU. Brandi Morgan won the varsity championship following an intensely heated debate with a competitor from Stephen F. Austin. Jacks made the quarterfinal found and Chad Rogers made octofinalist.

   “This tournament was stressful and exhausting, but the experience was well worth it," Rauls said. "This was only my second tournament, so I was extremely happy with my success and the success of the team. There were many excellent debaters from other schools attending, and the competition will be useful to me since I am still in the learning process, and it will also be useful to the team to help us prepare for our next tournament.”

   Eight colleges traveled to join UAM in competition including the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Ouachita Baptist University and Prairie View A&M from Arkansas. Stephen F. Austin State University from Texas and Louisiana State University at Shreveport and Louisiana College from Louisiana also traveled to compete.

   Six preliminary rounds took place throughout Saturday. On Sunday morning, a special worship service led by Vice-Chancellor David Ray was held for competitors unable to attend their regular services. An awards ceremony followed the service in the MCB auditorium, recognizing top five speakers in the novice, varsity and open division.

   Other UAM competitors included Scott Allison Richardson, Jennifer Adcock, Leonard Polk, Kristi Brannon and Amanda Haught in the novice division; Charlotte Kieffner, Joel Brown, Bryce Wrzesinski and Matt Baumgarten in the varsity division, and Chuck Rogers, Chad’s father, in the open division.    “I am very pleased with my team’s performance," said Scott Kuttenkuler, director of forensics and the tournament director. "This tournament was an excellent learning experience for many of my new debaters and will certainly be used in preparation for upcoming tournaments.”

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