After finishing 14th in the nation last year, the University’s debate team returned this semester with even higher rankings and confidence to win nationals next semester.

“Our performance this semester was an indication of our continual improvement,” said Philip Sharp, director of forensics and debate team coach.

The team finished the semester strong at the University of Pacific on Nov. 7-9, winning the round robin competition and finishing third place overall in the small school-division.

“The win is indicative of our strong chances of finishing well at nationals,” Sharp said.

The team took home trophies at all four competitions this semester. On Oct. 23-26, the team clinched second place overall in one of the most competitive competitions of the year at a competition held at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. On Nov. 1-2, the team got third place overall at a tournament at the University of California, Berkeley.

Senior David Pena and sophomore Max Alderman were awarded individual tournament champions at three of the competitions this semester. Pena won the award at the UC-Berkeley tournament out of 100 individuals. Alderman won the award at the University of Puget Sound and again at the University of Pacific.

“I know that the intelligence and ability of all of our debaters gives us a real shot at winning every event we attend,” Sharp said.

The University’s debate team consists of 12 students, eight of whom travel. Their practice runs four days a week, four hours each day. Not every student attends all the practices, but the average student practices eight hours a week. According to Sharp, many benefits can come with participating in the debate team.

“It definitely looks good on a resume,” Sharp said. “It will help you get into law school and grad school and will improve your skills of public speaking and critical thinking.”

With no more competitions until January, the team plans to study, research and practice as they prepare for next semester’s competitions and nationals.

“We hope to make a serious run at either of the two national titles while creating a solid squad,” Sharp said.