Debate Team Wins Varsity Championship

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   The University of Arkansas at Monticello’s debate team received seven awards, including varsity tournament champion and third place in the team sweepstakes at the Louisiana State University at Alexandria Tournament Jan. 19-20. 

Photo by Media Services

Debate Team - Members of the UAM debate team are (from left, kneeling) Nicci Norton, Joel Brown, Brian Rauls, (second row) Chris Halley, Kate Kelly, Shiann Ryals, Whitney Romans, Megan Mixon, Lauren Raynor, Assistant Director of Forensics Jim Evans, (back row) John Cruce, Brooke Flemister, Quentin Jones, Justin Banks and Director of Forensics Scott Kuttenkuler.

   Chris Halley of North Little Rock won the tournament’s varsity debate competition, while Joel Brown of Monticello reached the semifinals and won a second place speaker award. 

   In the novice debate division, Nicci Norton of Woodlawn reached the quarterfinals and won a fourth place speaker award. Quinton Jones of New Boston, Texas, also reached the quarterfinals. 

   Also contributing to the winning effort were Justin Banks, John Cruce, Brooke Flemister and Kate Kelly of Monticello, Megan Mixon of Carlisle, Brian Rauls of Bearden, Lauren Raynor of Covington, Tenn., Whitney Romans of Crossett and Shiann Ryals of Dardanelle. Scott Kuttenkuler, director of forensics, and Jim Evans coach the team.