Idaho State University debate team finishes fifth in national tournament

Idaho State University debate placed fifth in a recent national tournament, hosted at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., and will host a 22-team tournament Sept. 29-30.

This year's intercollegiate debate topic focuses on energy policy in the United States.

After six preliminary rounds at the Gonzaga University tournament, seniors Matea Ivanovic, from Boise, and Roger Copenhaver, from Puyallup, Wash., advanced to elimination rounds with a record of 4-2.  In addition to beating rival Weber State’s top team, Ivanovic and Copenhaver also picked up wins against The University of Puget Sound and Stanford. 

"This tournament is considered quite competitive. All of our teams performed well, especially Roger and Matea," said Sarah Partlow-Lefevre, ISU director of debate.

After winning their first elimination debate against Stanford’s top team, Ivanovic and Copenhaver were eliminated in the quarterfinals, earning a fifth-place finish.  Ivanovic was also named 10^th speaker in the overall field.

"Our team has shown excellent growth over the last year, and we are very pleased with the position that we find ourselves in.  We are looking forward to this season," said Scott Odekirk, assistant coach.

While the ISU football team plays in Holt Arena on Saturday, Ivanovic and Copehaver will also be trying to win at home. The Rupp Debate Society will host a regional tournament on campus this weekend Sept. 29-30.  The tournament will feature 22 teams from six different states in the Northwest.  Five Idaho State University debate teams will compete.

The team plans to travel to the University of Kentucky, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Harvard College, Wake Forest and Whitman College this semester.

Additionally, with generous support from the College of Arts and Letters, the team is gearing up to host the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) National Championship tournament in March.  CEDA Nationals will bring in about 200 debate teams with 500 participants from all over the United States. 

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