NU Debaters Finish in the Top Four at Willamette University
The Northwest University debate team traveled to Salem, Oregon, for the Mark O. Hatfield Memorial Debate Tournament at Willamette University from February 28, 2015, to March 1, 2015.
After six preliminary rounds of debate, juniors Marlene Pierce and Jonathan Swayne finished as the eighth seed among 48 teams, sending them to the quarterfinal round. Pierce and Swayne made it through the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds as victors, landing them in the grand final round with two University of British Columbia teams and a Seattle University team.
After two days, nine rounds of debate, and countless hours of research and practice, John Swayne and Marlene Pierce finished as finalists, placing fourth out of 48 teams, with a University of British Columbia team taking the top honor. Additionally, Pierce ranked as the fifth best speaker out of 96 total speakers.
The Northwest University debate team’s next tournament is the Western Regional championship hosted by Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California, from March 20 to 23, 2015.