Two Debate Team members compete at National Debate Tournament

Two University of Richmond Debate Team members, Joe Chicvak and Ryan Smith, qualified for and competed in the National Debate Tournament held in Dallas, Texas March 28-April 2, 2007.

The tournament was successful despite a final record of 2-6. Both Smith and Chicvak debated extremely well, losing both of their last rounds on close 2-1 decisions to Kentucky and then Wayne State.  Prior to their final rounds, they defeated Idaho State and Weber State.  Both debaters performed near the top of their game and received great comments from a number of judges.

Smith won the Debate Team's "Most Valuable" award in 2007. As a member of the team, he had more one-rounds than any previous debater, qualified for the NDT a record three times in a row, went an unprecedented 7-1 at the Mid-Atlantic Qualifier, earned a fellows position at the University of Arizona Institute, participated in 115 varsity debates and at the CEDA National Tournament, defeated Wichita State in the triple octo-finals and Harvard in the double octa-finals.

Chicvak won the team's "Most Valuable Researcher" award in 2007. Recognized for being one of the fastest debaters in Richmond history, Chicvak has won multiple varsity speaker awards and elimination rounds including a 7-1 record at districts. He has also been to the NDT twice in a row.

Posted November 1, 2007