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Debate Team starts season with a win
September 14, 2004
CARROLLTON, GA - The University of West Georgia debate team returns from the Las Vegas Round Robin as the undefeated and undisputed champion. The team of Joe Koehle, senior from Pennsylvania, and James Thomas, senior from Roswell, compiled a record of 9-0, defeating Cal-Berkley in the semifinals and Texas in the final round.
The West Georgia debaters were also recognized individually. Thomas was the top individual speaker and Koehle was second place speaker.
Sixteen teams from 14 schools competed in a two-circle round-robin debate tournament in Las Vegas from September 10-14. In addition to UWG, the other schools receiving invitations were: University of California at Berkley, University of California at Fullerton, University of Texas, Georgia State University, University of Florida, George Washington University, Gonzaga University, Loyola University-Chicago, Long Beach State University, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Pace University, Pepperdine University and Weber State University.
The 16 teams were divided into two circles, with the two groups of eight debating each other in seven preliminary rounds. West Georgia was the only team in either circle to win every debate, compiling a perfect 7-0 record.
The top two teams from each circle advanced to a semifinal, single elimination bracket. In the semifinal round, West Georgia defeated Berkley on a 2-1 decision. In the final round, West Georgia defeated Texas, also on a 2-1 decision.
Sarah Holbrook, UWG assistant coach, was the other member of the UWG debate team in Las Vegas. She said, “We're excited about the championship. The guys have been relaxed all weekend and debating very well.”
Michael Hester, director of debate at UWG, is thrilled with the outcome. “We have a track record of starting off slow and getting better as the year progresses, so I wasn't expecting this,” he said. “I'm happy for James, Joe and Sarah. This accomplishment shows how hard they have worked. We hope this will be an indicator of success for the rest of the year. As usual, our success would not be possible without the foundation laid by Dr. Chester Gibson and the consistently tremendous support from the administration. Being a top ten program is the result of top notch support.”
Dr. Chester Gibson, retired UWG debate coach, was delighted with the season start. “UWG has some talented debaters, and I cannot imagine any team having a better coaching staff than West Georgia,” he said. “I am confident that this early success will give Joe and James the incentive to work together toward achieving goals that all of you have set.”
Gibson also noted his pride in West Georgia for continuing the support that the team needs to be successful.
“I cannot tell you how proud I am when I hear how a long-standing tradition of success continues,” Gibson stated.
According to Hester, Koehle and Thomas won't have much time to savor their victory. They will stay out west, competing at the Gonzaga Debate tournament September 16-20. The squad's first east coast competition is at Georgia State University the last weekend in September.
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