VSU Debate Club's Individual Events Team participates in theirfirst National Individual Events Championship action

Valdosta State University's debate and individual events team recently set a new precedent for their club by attending this year's Novice National Individual Events Championship, held at the University of Houston in Texas, March 5-7. Thirty-eight different schools participated from 18 states with approximately 300 participants, making it the largest turnout in the tournament's 22-year history. Among those participating were three VSU students, Adam Camacho, Kim Colon, and Beth Tracy, who were led by VSU debate team coach, Dr. Mike Eaves.

?Due to the large pool of contestants, the competition was fierce and merciless,? said Eaves. He added that contestants were required to receive first place marks in each of their preliminary rounds if they wanted to secure an award.
?While we did not bring home a trophy, we did secure some excellent marks in preliminary competition, ? said Eaves.

Kim Colon received a second place mark in one of her dramatic interpretation rounds and Beth Tracy received a third place mark in the same division. Together, the two had a third place mark in dramatic duo.

Adam Camacho received two third place marks in After Dinner Speaking. He also competed in Dramatic Interpretation.
Dr. Eaves had the honor of judging finals in Dramatic Interpretation and After Dinner Speaking.

?For a novice tournament, this was incredible,? said Eaves, adding, ?The level of competition and expertise at the beginning level was hard to believe; our VSU Individual Event competitors represented the school well at its fist national individual events competition.?

The VSU team also competes in debate and has traveled to a number of places this year, including LSU and the University of Wyoming. The debate team's national was held in January at the Phi Kappa Delta National Tournament.

Eaves encourages students from all majors on campus to join the team. ?There are no requirements or pre-requisites,? said Eaves. He said he just asks that students show up for practice, be on time, and try their best.