Wake Forest debate team makes historic sweep of tournaments
From left to right: Wake Forest debaters Tajaih Robinson, Iyana Trotman, Ana Bittner and Ari Davidson. Photo by Lyndsie Schlink courtesy of Wake Forest University.
Wake Forest University’s debate team has made an unprecedented sweep of three of the most demanding collegiate competitions this year.
Head coach Justin Green says it’s the first time that any school has won the American Debate Association, National Debate, and Cross Examination Debate Association tournament competitions in the same year.
He says the keys to winning were a focus on individual students’ motivations, their hard work, and financial support for the program from benefactors Megan and John Medica.
“The combination of those three things together — big tent approach, strong institutional support with a big coaching staff, and special students — has really allowed this year to become a phenomenal opportunity for success,” he says.
Wake Forest was founded in 1834 and the debate team started the next year. Green says it’s the oldest extracurricular activity on campus.
About 30 students participated on the debate team this year, he says.
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