Debate team brings home top season awards

Ryan Land
Editor-in-Chief

The Crowder College Debate Team has been participating in various tournaments across the four-state area during the fall semester, bringing many top honors home with them.

“When you break it into speech and debate, we’ve taken first in debate sweepstakes two out of three times and tied for second the other time,” said Jason Edgar, speech and debate coach and speech instructor. “So we’ve been in the top two during every debate tournament.”

Accomplishments for the team throughout the season includes earning first place in Overall Debate Sweepstakes at a tournament held at John Brown University in Siolam Springs, Ark. on Oct. 25-26, as well as earning Top Community College at the Bob R. Derryberry Memorial Season Opener on Oct. 3-5 at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. Individual awards were also given to each member of the team throughout the course of the season.

According to Edgar, the team tries to stay in a calm state of mind as they approach each tournament.

“We try to be as relaxed and as prepared as possible,” said Edgar. “My coaching takes place a lot during the week during practices but when I get there, I’m really just kind of directing traffic and the kids go in and debate.”

Edgar pointed out that throughout the first half of next semester, the team will participate in regional, state, and national competitions. Crowder will also play host to a competition that will draw in area colleges from across the state.

“We’re hosting the state tournament on February 13 to 14, so it will be every Missouri college here, including us competing in state events,” explained Edgar.

To stay up to date with news regarding the team, you can like their Facebook page, Crowder Debate.