Debate Team Takes Third Place at ULM

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Photo by Media Services

UAM Debate Team - Members are (from left, first row) Director of Forensics Scott Kuttenkuler, Whitney Romans, Chris Halley, Colt Roan, Brian Rauls, Megan Mixon, Lauren Raynor; (second row, from left) Shiann Ryals, Kate Kelly, Brooke Flemister, Quinton Jones, Joel Brown, John Cruce and Justin Banks.

   The University of Arkansas at Monticello’s debate team won 10 awards and finished third in the team sweepstakes at a tournament hosted by the University of Louisiana at Monroe Feb. 3-4. 

   In the varsity debate division, Chris Halley of North Little Rock finished second overall and won a first place speaker award. Brian Rauls of Bearden reached the quarterfinals and won a third place speaker award. Joel Brown of Monticello reached the semifinals, while Shiann Ryals of Dardanelle reached the final 16. 

   In the novice debate competition, Colt Roan of Crossett reached the quarterfinals and won a first place speaker award. John Cruce of Monticello reached the final 16. Also contributing to the team effort were Whitney Romans of Crossett, Lauren Raynor of Covington, Tenn., Brooke Flemister of Monticello, Kate Kelly of Monticello, Megan Mixon of Carlisle, Justin Banks of Warren and Quinton Jones of New Boston, Texas.

   Scott Kuttenkuler, director of the UAM debate program, was pleased with his team’s performance. 

   “This team is working as one unit, and the awards are proof of it,” Kuttenkuler said. “With the awards received at this tournament, we have won over 100 awards for the season and are closing the distance on the single season awards record held by this program.”