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SmallerBall State University's debate team won its third national championship in 10 years by taking top honors at the National Educational Debate Association (NEDA) national tournament.
Under the leadership of debate team director Michael Bauer, a communication studies instructor, the team won the tournament for the second consecutive year.
Other teams participating included Anderson University, University of Dayton, Southeast Missouri State University, Bob Jones University, Saint Peter's College, Duquesne University and Owensboro (Ky.) Community College.
Ball State seniors Samantha Sallee from Wolcott, Ind., and Ben Davis from Indianapolis were selected All-American debaters at the tournament, hosted by Saint Peter's College at Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C.
Bauer believes that while his team included only two seniors, months of hard work and dedication vaulted it into the national championship.
"It is very fulfilling to have these students work so hard over the course of the year," he said. "This is one the most dedicated and hardest working teams I've had here at Ball State."
As members of the debate team, students participate in public, audience-oriented tournaments across the country, improving critical thinking and presentational skills by matching wits with other debate teams in front of a panel of judges.
"The skills they learn as members of the debate team are valuable assets for their careers when they graduate," said Bauer, who pointed out the team is open to all students. "I think that helps to motivate them to do their best."
NEDA emphasizes audience-centered debate and was founded by debate educators. For more information, go to www.neda.us.
Other teams participating included Anderson University, University of Dayton, Southeast Missouri State University, Bob Jones University, Saint Peter's College, Duquesne University and Owensboro (Ky.) Community College.
Ball State seniors Samantha Sallee from Wolcott, Ind., and Ben Davis from Indianapolis were selected All-American debaters at the tournament, hosted by Saint Peter's College at Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C.
Bauer believes that while his team included only two seniors, months of hard work and dedication vaulted it into the national championship.
"It is very fulfilling to have these students work so hard over the course of the year," he said. "This is one the most dedicated and hardest working teams I've had here at Ball State."
As members of the debate team, students participate in public, audience-oriented tournaments across the country, improving critical thinking and presentational skills by matching wits with other debate teams in front of a panel of judges.
"The skills they learn as members of the debate team are valuable assets for their careers when they graduate," said Bauer, who pointed out the team is open to all students. "I think that helps to motivate them to do their best."
NEDA emphasizes audience-centered debate and was founded by debate educators. For more information, go to www.neda.us.
