For more information, contact Jason Edgar, 620-786-1153.

April 1, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prepared by: Linda Jerke

Barton Forensics Program Places Twice in International Debate Championships

Barton County Community College forensics students competed in the International Public Debate Association Championship March 28-30 in Baytown, Texas. More than 100 tournament competitors representing 16 schools and 11 states participated in the event.

Going into the competition, Barton was ranked ninth in the year-long standings, making it the only community college in the top 10.

In Varsity IPDA debate, David Bowers, Buhler sophomore, finished preliminary rounds with a 6-2 overall record, earning him a fifth seed in the elimination rounds. Bowers went all the way to the 16th round before being eliminated by a competitor from the University of Louisiana-Monroe. Bowers was also named fifth-place speaker.

In Novice IPDA debate, Scott Myers, Great Bend sophomore, finished preliminary rounds with a 4-4 overall record, earning him a spot in the top 32 in IPDA’s largest novice division in its history. Myers was eliminated in the first round by a competitor from Louisiana Tech who went on the win the tournament.

“This was an awesome tournament for Scott, who was competing in his first debate tournament ever,” noted Jason Edgar, Barton’s forensics coach. “He and David should both be proud considering the caliber of competition at this national tournament.”

After the tournament, Barton maintained its ninth-place finish in the country in season-long points standing in IPDA debate.

Because Barton is considered one of the top programs to compete in the event in the Midwest, members of the IPDA committee are considering Barton as the host for the 2009 or 2010 national competition. “Hosting a national tournament would be an incredible boost to our program and for the city of Great Bend,” commented Edgar.

Barton’s Forensics Program will compete in the Lincoln Douglas Open Championship April 4 at Washburn University in Topeka.