MSU DEBATE TEAM IN TOP FOUR OF NATIONAL RANKINGS

2/26/2002

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State University debate team is ranked fourth overall and third in the varsity division, according to a National Debate Tournament (NDT) report released Feb.15.

With a score of 446 points, the MSU team gained six places in the overall and three in the varsity division from rankings posted Nov. 15, 2001. MSU trails only Emory University (482), University of Rochester (484) and Northwestern University (543) in the overall and Emory and Northwestern in the varsity division. The points are calculated from each university's top two two-person teams' best finishes at eight tournaments.

"The rankings are a measure of success that shows how deep our team has been throughout the year," said Jason Trice, MSU director of debate. "You cannot win those points if you have just one team placing."

Two of MSU's teams also received first round bid awards to the NDT this year. The team of senior Austin Carson of Kentwood and junior Calum Matheson of East Lansing and the sophomore duo of Greta Stahl of Shelby Township and David Strauss of East Lansing have both secured their places in the tournament.

"It has always been a goal to have two teams receive first round bids," Trice said. "We have had eight consecutive years with one team receiving a bid, but to have two teams is the landmark accomplishment."

The NDT is set for March 23-26 at Southwest Missouri State University, with 74 of the nation's best debate teams competing. MSU has never won this tournament since it started competing six years ago, but has reached the finals and semifinals.

The rival Cross-Examination Debate Association will hold its national championship tournament April 5-8 at California State University-Fullerton.