It was a tough debate for the Ball State University Debate Team. It was a tough subject — the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. But once again the debate team was victorious in the National Educational Debate Association National Tournament.
This is the fourth consecutive national championship for the team. But this year, the two stars of the debate team are Nick Shipe and Joel Franz who were named All-American Debaters.
Though Franz knew he was part of a talented team, he said the selection process was very nerve racking.
"I was a little wary because they said they were going to be very selective. I knew Nick and other people applied from other universities so it was kind of scary," he said. "I heard the first winner being announced and it wasn't me, then they read my letter and it was a mixed feeling of excitement and sadness because I realized it was my last year."
Shipe said he is preparing to leave Ball State, and he cannot believe how being part of the debate team has helped him.
"Something that surprises me has been the increase skill in my speaking ability," he said. "But, team-wise [the biggest surprise is] seeing the younger debaters step up and understand how to argue and grow with the team."
Senior psychology major Jay Bryant said Ball State hosted the last debate and while many people might think it gives the team a home court advantage, it made the job tougher.
"It's a double-edged sword," he said. "We have people who have seen your face, but it doesn't mean it's easier; they just expected more from you. They wanted a good showing from Ball State. While some might think it's easier, they are no more lenient. They wanted a bit more from us and we lived up to our standards."
Alysha Hoffa, a returning member, said the team hopes to build on the legacy.
"We have big shoes to fill, but a lot of good debaters will be returning. We want to keep it going in a good direction. We wanted to do well for our school and that is our motivation," she said.
Overall Team Championship
1st - Ball State
2nd - Dayton
3rd - Duquesne
Ball State team awards
Novice Crossfire
1st place team - Kassie Markovich and Shawna Vertrees
5th place team - Niccole Fortunato and Alyssia Haymond
Novice Policy
1st place team - Alysha Hoffa and Mark Rose
2nd place team - Jessica Johnson and Christian Villarruel
5th place team - Rachel Harned and Cassie Lovitt
Varsity Policy
5th place team - Joel Franz
Varsity Crossfire
2nd place team - Kellie Snyder and Stephanie Amato
Semifinalist - Elizabeth Hibbler and Lucas Blauvelt
Semifinalist - Lauren Bade and Ky'lea Wright
Quarterfinalist - Nick Shipe
Ball State speaker awards
Novice Policy
1st - Alysha Hoffa
2nd - Mark Rose
3rd - Cassie Lovitt
5th - Jessica Johnson
Novice crossfire
2nd - Alyssia Haymond
4th - Kassie Markovich
5th (tie) - Shawna Vertrees and Katee Higginbotham
Varsity Policy
5th (tie) - Joel Franz
Varsity Crossfire
1st - Lucas Blauvelt
2nd - Kellie Snyder
4th - Nick Shipe
5th - Elizabeth Hibbler
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