LSUS Debate Team to host 32nd annual tournament
10/12/06

The LSUS campus will be invaded Friday through Sunday, Nov. 10-12, by teams of students from more than 25 schools in 10 states to compete in the 32 nd Annual Red River Swing debate and individual events tournament. The competition will be hosted by the 2003 IPDA (International Public Debate Association) National Champion LSUS Debate Team and the LSUS Communications Department.

The entire tournament, to be staged primarily in Bronson Hall on the LSUS campus, is free and open to the public. LSUS Debate Team Coach Mary G. “Jorji” Jarzabek is also asking for volunteers from the campus and the community to help judge the tournament. “The more volunteers we have,” Jarzabek said, “the less stress there will be on tired, road-weary debate coaches. Many of them travel 8-10 hours to get here with their teams.”

Besides asking for judges, the Debate Team welcomes the community as spectators. Competition includes debates, persuasive and informative speaking, and a variety of dramatic interpretation events. “There is something for everyone to watch and enjoy. We invite students and the community to come out and see some of the best speakers - future lawyers, business leaders, and politicos - in the region strut their stuff,” Jarzabek said.

Registered teams are from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas; many with nationally ranked debaters and speakers. The LSUS tournament is “one of the largest competitive events in the entire Southeast section of the country,” added Jarzabek. There is even a debate team coming from Boise State University which will be flying in from Idaho. In all, Jarzabek said, more than 200 competitors will be involved in the tournament.

For information or to volunteer to judge, contact Jarzabek at 318-797-5318 or mary.jarzabek@LSUS.edu.