October 27, 2017
The East Texas Baptist University Debate Team competed at the Louisiana Tech University Hot and Spicy Debate Tournament on Saturday, October 14 through Sunday, October 15 in Ruston, LA. The team advanced competitors in each of the four debate divisions and finished in fourth place in the 11-team field, only coming in behind LSU-Shreveport, Bossier Parish Community College, and the University of Tennessee.
"It was my first debate tournament to compete in, but my team's support gave me confidence," ETBU junior Payton Weinzapfel expressed. "I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of the tournament because debate requires you to think both critically and creatively, pursue logical arguments for what you believe, and allows you to practice having civil, well-organized discussions about different topics."
Although the experience was the first collegiate debate tournament for seven of the University's competitors, the ETBU Debate Team held their ground against several larger schools including Stephen F. Austin State University, Southern Methodist University, and Northwestern State University.
"The veteran students provided feedback almost every round. They were able to guide me to create my own arguments and develop my research skills," ETBU junior Sarai Muniz said. "I hope to become a missionary and debate is really helping me prepare for my career. In ministry, I will need to know what I believe, how to stand my ground, and remain passionate."
In the Novice division, Payton Weinzapfel, competing in her first tournament, earned a 6-1 record in the preliminary rounds and won her first elimination round before losing in the quarterfinal round. There were 39 competitors entered in the Novice division. In the Junior Varsity division, Sarai Muniz, also competing in her first collegiate tournament, posted a 4-3 preliminary round record and advanced through the quarterfinals before losing in the semifinal round. In the Varsity division, veteran team member Tele'ma Blackman compiled a 6-1 preliminary record and advanced to the quarterfinals. Blackman also was ranked as the fourth place speaker in the Varsity field.
"The most rewarding aspect of competing is being able to use the gifts God has given us to set an example as a team who is hardworking, honest, and fair," ETBU senior Tele'ma Blackman shared. "I have learned how to communicate effectively by understanding and respecting others' perspectives. I was also taught how to face challenges with both grace and boldness."
In the professional division, ETBU debate team coach, Dr. Cole Franklin, earned a 4-3 preliminary round record and also advanced to the quarterfinal round. Other ETBU debaters contributing to the team finish were Ashley Seguin, Daniel Seguin, Katelyn Jacobs, Hanna Perry, Andrew Franklin, and Edward Suber.
"We are happy with these results," Dr. Franklin said. "We were missing some of our veteran members at this first tournament of the season and most of our students had no prior debate experience. To finish in fourth place against some much larger universities is quite an accomplishment. We are excited about the potential for ETBU debate this year."