Whitman Forensics Newsletter Vol. 15, No. 2, May, 2009
The NPDA teams and coach: Joel in front; Chris, Dave, Ali, and Nick; and then, in the back, Mike and Nigel.						\ The NDT teams and coaches: Ross, Brian, Aaron, and Daniel in the front. Alex, Nate, and Eric in the back.
Four for Four! Whitman advanced teams into the elimination rounds at all four national championship tournaments: CEDA (5 teams, more than any school in the country), the NDT, NPDA (3 out of 3 teams advanced—100%), and the NPTE. No other school in the nation can make this claim. This accomplishment reflects the hard work that this young team has expended. And . . . what is really exciting for the coming year: not a single one of these debaters graduates. Jim and the Waltons? The team stayed with the always hospitable Doug and Gail Cotler during the Cal Swing this January (Thank you Doug and Gail). Now, if you are a TV History buff who liked watching the Waltons, then you know the Cotler name from Kami Cotler who played the youngest daughter on the show. Jim enjoyed watching the Waltons and is fascinated by how shows handle characters and actors that leave (how the show explains their disappearance, why the actor really left, etc.). Knowing that, Doug and Gail asked Kami to come over to talk with Jim. Jim was a bit star struck but still asked all kinds of questions about why the mom and dad left the show, what the grandparents were like, etc. And, Jim got a picture with a star!
Budget Cutbacks and the Debate Program With the dramatic downturn in the economy, Whitman’s endowment dropping, and the general tightening of belts felt across the nation and world, our debate program is feeling the effects. Jim noted that: “The team’s budget was cut about 6%. It is hard, especially when all indicators show we will be a larger and even stronger team next year.” Jim is reviewing the budget for further cost savings, glad that the team went to paperless debate for its cost savings, and is making every effort to avoid cuts to the core of the program: “travel and excellent competition for our students.” One thing that Jim is happy about is that the program rests on a 112 plus year history, supportive alumni, students who, as a whole, excel in academics (as an example, the policy debaters have a .3 gpa higher than the rest of campus), and that debate is an excellent way to integrate high level research, argument construction, and communication skills—all vital to a liberal arts education. Nate Cohn, junior, noted “Research driven debate strengthens my skills necessary for my scholarship. I spend hours reading journal articles and book chapters. I have to analyze and synthesize this material. I have to put together arguments and strategies that are cogent and account as best as possible for opposing arguments. All of this contributes to my ability to write better in classes, to interpret texts we read, and to engage in discussion more effectively. It is a great part of my liberal arts education.”
Pancake Puppies Perhaps the fondest memory of the national tournaments for the parliamentary debate team this year had nothing to do with any round in particular but rather the culinary choices that southern California has to offer. Debate tournaments, because they start very early and end very late, often leave competitors with very few places to eat that are still open after competition. Luckily, however, the tournament hotel was adjacent to a 24-Hour Dennys. At said Dennys, the team discovered 'pancake puppies' which are fried balls of pancake dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar. These fat and cholesterol filled delights soon became the nearly exclusive diet of the team for over a week. Due to the frequency of the team’s visits to the restaurant, the servers got to know the team and did not even need to ask for our order. Jim was heard muttering after the team returned that he does not approve of this overly carb-centered diet.
Nate and Daniel win the Winston Cup Nate Cohn and Daniel Straus became the second winners of the Winston Cup, for being the top Whitman policy debate team for the 2008-2009 year. Nate and Daniel earned an NDT First Round Bid, placed 5^th in the nation at CEDA Nationals, won the Northwest CEDA Championship, and were in elimination rounds at the NDT. What is especially great is—neither graduates! Many people are talking about them being one of the best in the nation next year. More info about their triumphs and the Winston Cup is available at: http://www.whitman.edu/rhetoric/56-winston-cup.htm							Daniel and Nate with the Winston Cup.
Preparation: The karate Style Dance Preparation for nationals is a trying experience. The parliamentary debate team only has about two weeks to cover all of the topics that are released for debate at the national tournaments and the topics for this year's national competition were varied and literature rich. They included: reforming America's Finance Sector, NATO intervention into Africa, Modifying Broadcast Regulations, Medicare reform, and Global Warming prevention. As a result of the huge amount of research necessary to be prepared to defend both sides of these controversial and research intensive issues, the team “locked themselves in” the squad room for eight to ten hours a day with the sole purpose of researching these issues. Needless to say the single-minded and tedious nature of these days and tasks can drive anyone a little stir crazy or just plain crazy and what resulted was a daily tradition of listening to a 'YouTube' rendition of Joe Esposito's 'You’re the Best Around' (featured in 'The Karate Kid') while doing a karate-style dance around the room. This new prep room tradition carried over into competition as any win in competition was followed by a mandatory 'Best Around' dance and song. Paperless Laptop Issues As regular readers might recall, the Whitman debate team transitioned before the fall semester to debating entirely paperless.  Since debating without tubs requires three laptops per team and a wide assortment of other tech gear, including USB keys, power strips, and portable podiums, it is perhaps surprising that the team made it through the whole first semester without so much as a hiccup in the new system. Unfortunately, the complete perfection was bound to end. Despite the overall success of the paperless system, over a dozen USB key drives were lost, podiums slowly deteriorated, and Daniel left a laptop at a tournament during the second semester. As the end of the year approached, it became clear that the gods of paperless misfortune were specially targeting one of the first years, Alex Zendeh. Every tournament, it seems, another laptop went down for the count. At Northwestern, Alex ended up with not one, but two broken computers on his hands – including one with a screen split right down the middle. This necessitated Jim purchasing two new low cost laptops on the way to CEDA nationals. With the replacement laptops—did the team pay more money for paperless? No. Jim estimates the team still saved several thousand dollars even after purchasing the extra laptops because we needed smaller and less rental vehicles and because of the reduced printing (which was costing a bundle not to mention eating up a lot of trees). And, fortunately, Alex avoided lightning striking a fifth time, and all the teams computers returned to Walla Walla (more or less) intact. Still no word on the lost USB keys, though.
Brie and Nigel smiling after their Utah swing semis showing. Allison and Nate enjoy a spaghetti dinner at Jim’s house. Nick did a lot of affirmative work this year and it showed as he advanced to elims at Northwest CEDA Champs and CEDA Nationals.
Jim Hanson Aaron Hardy Mike Meredith Eric Chalfant Navdeep Aujla		Seniors and Coaches Changes · Jim Hanson and Aaron Hardy return. · Mike Meredith heads to law school. · New Parli-IE coach Nick Robinson from Willamette joins the program in the fall. · Eric Chalfant heads to graduate school in religion at Wake Forest University. · Jimi Durkee from Michigan State University and originally from the Bellingham area will take Eric’s place in the fall. · Nav Aujla will be traveling abroad in the fall. · Roman Goerss and Sarah Golden graduate. · With so few graduating, Jim expects a large team next year. Roman and Sarah, this year’s graduating seniors The baby Turtle at the Beach Because both national tournaments this year for the parli debate team were in California, the team was very excited to see some of the California beaches as a change of pace from the plains of Walla Walla. On a number of different trips to the beach (between tournaments, of course) the team played a fair amount of 'dune-jumping' a game in which debaters would climb to the top of a sand dune and flail themselves off the top to have the sand below cushion their fall. They also enjoyed dips in the tide and scavenger hunts but perhaps the finest beach activity was performed by the team’s own Chris Fleming who, seemingly unprovoked, decided to 'see what it would be like to be a baby turtle,' laid flat on his belly and using only the power of his toes and fingertips inched his way towards the ocean. When the team began to pack up to leave back to the hotel, however, his endeavor had been all but forgotten and the team almost left one of its own who had already made it half way to the waves. Jim was heard shouting “Get the turtle into the mini-van.” The Concussion As an activity involving many sleepless nights, lots of travel, and a host of unhealthy college students, it’s perhaps inevitable that debaters come down with a variety of physical ailments.  Colds, headaches, and even the flu are fairly common.  It’s not every season, however, that a debater on the team receives injuries usually reserved for football or rugby, and continues to compete.  First-year Allison Humble sustained a concussion some time in February after hitting her head (long story).  While not in extreme medical danger, her doctor recommended several weeks of bed rest, including the avoidance of anything that might put strain on her brain – including thinking. At all. Humble was having none of it.  As a chemistry major and competitive member of the team, she continued to plow on full speed ahead.  While perhaps not the most prudent choice, her stoicism is still admirable. She easily spent more time in the squadroom than her dorm, insisting it was quieter.  Whenever she’d feel dizzy from too much reading, she could be found lying on her back on the floor of Hunter, calmly staring at the ceiling.  She sat out Northwest CEDA Champs to continue recuperating for CEDA nationals, and despite still not feeling well, set off with the team for Pocatello.  Making it through 4 full rounds the first day proved to be a bit much for her still rattled brain, but Allison bravely fought on, participating in the next four rounds by reading 1NC’s, or answering cross-examination questions from the floor.  All of this effort paid off – instead of being disqualified for illness, Lewis and Allison went 5-3 and cleared to the elimination rounds.
Staff: · Jim Hanson, Director of Forensics · Aaron Hardy, Policy Coach · Mike Meredith, Parliamentary-I.E. Coach · Eric Chalfant, Assistant Policy Coach · Navdeep Aujla, Student Assistant · Bob Withycombe, Professor, Rhetoric and Film Studies · Robert Sickels, Chair, Rhetoric and Film Studies · George Bridges, President, Whitman College · Lori Bettison-Varga, Dean of Faculty · Chuck Cleveland, Dean of Students 40 Competitors, Fall 2008 and Spring 2009: Adam McKibben, Alex Zendeh, Ali Edwards, Allison Humble, Blake Barnett, Brian Cole, Brie Coyle, Carson Booth, Charlie Weems, Chris Fleming, Daniel Straus, Dave Mathews, Drake Skaggs, Galen Phillips, Geni Venable, Harry Hixon, Joel Wilson, John-Henry Heckendorn, Jon Riley, Kyle Moen, Lewis Silver, Nate Cohn, Nick Griffin, Nigel Ramoz-Leslie, Paul Wyatt, Roman Goerss, Ruben Raychaudhuri, Sarah Golden, Spencer Janyk, Tim Wilder, Tom Friedenbach. Plus Amy Soderquist, Brett Konen,Kelsey Highet, Manuel Mora, Michael Bell, Olivia Zale, Peter Quattere-Burcher, Sara Rasmussen.	One end is another beginning This year marked both the end of an era for Whitman debate, and the inauguration of a new chapter of competitive success. First, we witnessed the final Northwest CEDA Champs tournament. With the coming merger of NDT districts 2 and 9, the tournament no longer had the support it needed to continue. While everyone was sad to see it go, hopefully the best traditions of the tournament will continue as part of the new district tournament including the tradition of Whitman excellence exhibited at this year’s tournament. Junior Nate Cohn and Sophmore Daniel Straus won the last Northwest CEDA Champs over Gonzaga in the final round, ensuring the crown will remain in Walla Walla for posterity. Nate also received the Becky Galentine top speaker award, a special honor held by many Whitman alums over the years. CEDA Nationals was also a huge success, with 5 Whitman teams reaching the elimination rounds, the most of any in the country. We also qualified two teams to the NDT – Nate and Daniel received a first-round bid to the NDT, placing them in the top 15 teams in the nation. Alex Zendeh and Brian Cole also became the only team of first-years to attend the NDT from Whitman (that we are aware of) – and one of the very few frosh-frosh teams in the whole tournament.
the IM Champs There were some excellent debates at the IM Champs tournament. After the preliminary tournaments featuring 28 debates at the spring tournament and 36 debates at the fall tournament, the best advanced to the Champs tournament. At the Championship tournament, Luke Sanford edged out Sam Henessey in experienced; Tim Wilder defeated Kyl Wellman in intermediate division; and Ruben Raychaudhuri and Zoe Kunkel-Patterson were declared co-winners of the inexperienced division. Zoe, First Inexperienced, IM Champs (tied). Ruben, First Inexperienced, IM Champs (tied). Tim, First Intermediate, IM Champs (Kyl, second, on the left). Luke, First Experienced, IM Champs.			Dovell-Gose Contest The annual Dovell-Gose oratory contest, established in 1918, saw an overt appeal to Jim’s worst instincts win (and by instincts, we mean his power hungry, control the world instincts). Lewis Silver appealed to those instincts by urging that Jim be given control of Whitman College. “The speech was hilarious and I had to agree with it. What can I say? He won.” Jim chuckled. Ali Edwards stunned observers with her treatise on the relationship between a kitten and philosophy. “It sounds absurd and in some ways, it was, but it was also intriguing and very interesting. Nice job Ali.” Also winning awards were Joel Wilson (low carb diets), Nick Griffin (“ginger” people), Nate Cohn (the German invasion of the Soviet Union), Galen Phillips (the institution of marriage), Nigel Ramoz-Leslie (reforming parliamentary debate), and Spencer Janyk (the neo-liberalism of Whitman). Winners receive cash prizes. Lewis Silver (First) and Ali Edwards (Second) in the Dovell-Gose Oratory Contest, a 91 year tradition at Whitman. Brie and John-Henry hamming it up for the camera. Mike, Charlie, and Harry Tom
Ross and Aaron enjoying good times at Jim’s house.					Geni
Remy Wilcox John Ackley Lloyd Newcomer Dean McSloy Bob Withycombe					New Names for our Tournaments Jim has decided to change the names of our tournaments to recognize the contributions five of the longest serving Whitman coaches, each having made Whitman’s Speech and Debate program strong. · The Remy Wilcox High School Tournament Remy started this tournament over 35 years ago and it is one of the largest and most prestigious tournaments on the West Coast. · The Ackley-Newcomer Whitman November Policy Tournament These two great coaches, John Ackley ’35-’45 and Lloyd Newcomer ’46-’51, solidified Whitman’s debate reputation and it is befitting that this policy debate tournament is named after them. · The McSloy-Withycombe Parli-IE Classic Tournament Highly regarded, this national circuit competition tournament recognizes Dean McSloy ’54-’69 and Bob Withycombe ’80-93, both outstanding coaches.
Pictures from the end of the year Party Jim took many pictures and here are some. Adam and Daniel. Dave and Mike. Allison Nick Tim Commitment to the Cause Freshman and newcomer to the team Paul Wyatt has always been committed to the team and the activity of debate and his success this year has shown it. But there is perhaps no better example of his commitment than what he did for his last elimination round at the NPTE. Before any round, the whole parli squad comes together to prepare arguments and strategies for twenty minutes. This preparation time is critical because it is the only time that the debaters can research and become knowledgeable about the particular topic that is announced at the tournament (as opposed to the vague 'controversy areas' released before the tournaments). Despite its importance, however, nearly anyone would excuse taking a time out during the preparation session for health reasons. But, a diet of primarily energy drinks and fried pancake batter left Paul sick and nauseous by the time the round rolled around (again, Jim says “I do not approve of these eating habits!”). Despite being sick, Paul still prepared with all the effort he could put in and debated with everything he had even though he was in obvious pain.				The End of the Year Party The End of the Year Party was another success with Ali Edwards heading up the cooking producing an absolutely delicious meal of salad, salmon, roasted vegetables, polenta, and ice cream desserts. Mike Meredith, Anjali Vats, and Brie Coyle also helped. Team members received various recognitions of their contributions and achievements. As usual, we cannot publish many of them. :) Lewis Eric Brie and Ali Nigel, Ruben, and Joel Jon and Harry Ali and Chris Drake and Tim
Blake Jim Brie and Nigel Alex Nigel Spencer
Contributions to the Team We are grateful for your contributions to the forensic team! Generous donors December 1, 2008 through May 10, 2009 include: · Barbara Orth · C. Lawrence Lutcher · David H. and Hildred Allard · Eric A. Suni and Kathryn A. Bergh · James B. Hanson · James R. Carlson · Janice Sandra Berman · Jared Phillips and Loan Lam · John R. Miller · Lauren Alexandra Ritter · Microsoft Corporation · PG&E Corporation Foundation · Robert C. Brinton · Robert M. Withycombe · Ryan James Hagemann · Sara and Stephen C. Rowe If we missed you, please tell us because we do appreciate your support!
Send contributions to The Annual Fund Office Whitman College Walla Walla WA 99362 Checks should be made out to Whitman College with a note that says to place the contribution into one of the Debate Team Funds (Salzman-Medica, Withycombe, Walker, or just say “For Debate”).
Ruben Brian Blake, Anjali, Ali Galen
The Pocatello music scene For this year’s CEDA Nationals, the team drove all the way to Pocatello, with seven teams in tow.  Little did we know, we’d also have the chance to boost our cultural credentials in an otherwise small and seemingly isolated Idaho town. First, the team headed out for dinner after the first day of preliminary debates. Since food options that stay open late are limited in Pocatello, we headed to a nearby combo bar/restaurant. Unfortunately, we arrived to find an angry Irish punk band blaring music out the windows at 3000 decibels. While half the team was intrigued by the electric fiddle player and the goateed lead singer wearing a kilt and knee high combat boots, we ultimately decided to find quieter fare especially with Allison’s concussion. Then, after the tournament, we made our way to the ISU campus performing arts center for the banquet and awards ceremony.  On arriving, we had a lengthy moment of confusion at the long line of fourteen year old girls stretched out the door and down the sidewalk. Fortunately, the tournament staff caught us and guided us in through the back door, past the queue waiting amid falling snowflakes to see David Archuletta, a former top American Idol contestant. However, when Aaron Hardy heard it was David Archuletta, he immediately wanted to ditch the CEDA awards and go see him sing heart-breaking (cheesy) pop songs (one of Aaron’s favorite type of music) – but was dragged away just in time by Eric Chalfant to cut cards.
The Policy Team 1^st row: Blake, Nick, coach Aaron, Lewis, Brian 2^nd row: Tom (sitting), Adam, Alex, Ali, Dave, Allison, Nate 3^rd row standing: Daniel, coach Eric Not pictured: Jon and Spencer.
Policy Awards ADAM MCKIBBEN AND TOM FRIEDENBACH Idaho State FIRST JV WNPT SECOND JV USC SECOND JV ALEX ZENDEH AND BRIAN COLE UNLV OCTAS Idaho State OCTAS USC 4-3 Berkeley, Octas Northwestern, 4-3 NW CEDA Champs, QUARTERS NDT Second Round Bid CEDA Nationals, DOUBLES ALI EDWARDS AND DAVE MATHEWS UNLV DOUBLES Idaho State, OCTAS Berkeley, 4-2 ALLISON HUMBLE AND LEWIS SILVER Idaho State, OCTAS WNPT Quarters Berkeley, 4-2 CEDA Nationals, TRIPLES (Lewis, Academic All American Award) BLAKE BARNETT AND SPENCER JANYK UNLV, DOUBLES Idaho State, QUARTERS WNPT, SECOND (Spencer solo) Berkeley, 4-2 NW CEDA Champs, SEMIS CEDA Nationals, TRIPLES DANIEL STRAUS AND NATE COHN Gonzaga, QUARTERS Georgia State, SEMIS Kentucy, OCTAS Idaho State, SEMIS Wake Forest, OCTAS USC, DOUBLES Fullerton, QUARTERS Berkeley, SECOND Northwestern, DOUBLES NDT, First Round Bid (15^th) NW CEDA Champs, FIRST (Nate, First Speaker—Becky Galentine Award) CEDA Nationals, QUARTERS (Nate and Daniel, Academic All American Award) NDT, DOUBLES JON RILEY AND NICK GRIFFIN UNLV DOUBLES Northwestern, 4-3 NW CEDA Champs, QUARTERS CEDA Nationals, TRIPLES (Nick, Academic All American Award) View our new Awards Page: http://www.whitman.edu/rhetoric/000sweeps.htm
The Parli Team 1^st row: Drake, Kyle, Geni, Paul, Brie, John-Henry 2^nd row: Tim, Manuel, Charlie, Galen, Roman, Harry, Nigel, coach Mike. Not pictured: Ruben, Joel, Chris. Parli and IE Awards ALI EDWARDS AND BRIE COYLE PLU, OCTAS. ALI EDWARDS AND BRIAN COLE Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, OCTAS. ALI EDWARDS AND DAVE MATHEWS NPDA, QUADS BRIE COYLE AND NIGEL RAMOZ-LESLIE Utah-NAU Swing, SEMIS BRIE COYLE AND DANIEL STRAUS Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, OCTAS. BRIE COYLE WWU Impromptu, SEMIS, JV Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, Impromptu, SECOND, JV CARSON BOOTH Lewis and Clark, Jr Extemp, FOURTH. CARSON BOOTH AND SARAH GOLDEN Lewis and Clark, SEMIS, JV. CHARLIE WEEMS AND MICHAEL BELL PLU, SEMIS Novice. CHARLIE WEEMS WWU Impromptu, SEMIS, Novice CHARLIE WEEMS AND RUBEN RAYCHAUDHURI Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, FIRST, Novice CHRIS FLEMING AND PAUL WYATT PLU, OCTAS UPS, OCTAS WWU, SEMIS UPS Free, OCTAS Whitman Classic 1 McSloy: QUARTERS NPTE At Large Bid NPTE 16^th Place (4 elims) CHRIS FLEMING AND JOEL WILSON Washburn Swing, Part 1, OCTAS Washburn Swing, Part 2, DOUBLES CHRIS FLEMING AND NICK GRIFFIN NPDA, DOUBLES CHRIS FLEMING Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, Impromptu, FIRST, JV DAVE MATHEWS AND CARSON BOOTH PLU, OCTAS. DAVE MATHEWS AND NICK GRIFFIN Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, DOUBLES DRAKE SKAGGS AND ROMAN GOERSS Lewis and Clark, QUARTERS JV UPS, FIRST JV WWU, SECOND JV UW JV CHAMPS, FIRST GALEN PHILLIPS AND JOHN-HENRY HECKENDORN PLU, FIRST Novice Lewis and Clark, FIRST Novice WWU, OCTAS, JV Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, SECOND, JV UW JV CHAMPS, FIRST GENI VENABLE AND TIM WILDER PLU, SECOND Novice UPS, QUARTERS JV HARRY HIXON AND KYLE MOEN Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, SECOND, JV HARRY HIXON AND TOM FRIEDENBACH Lewis and Clark, FIRST JV HARRY HIXON AND RUBEN RAYCHAUDHURI UW JV CHAMPS, QUARTERS HARRY HIXON WWU, SEMIS, Extemp, JV Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, Extemp FINALIST JOEL WILSON Pacific, Sr Impromptu SEMIS. WWU, JV Impromptu FOURTH JOEL WILSON AND NIGEL RAMOZ-LESLIE Pacific, DOUBLES UPS Free, SEMIS Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, OCTAS NPTE At Large Bid NPTE 6-6 (missed advancing on tie breakers) NPDA TRIPLES JOHN-HENRY HECKENDORN WWU Impromptu, SEMIS, Novice KELSEY HIGHET AND TIM WILDER Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, FIRST, Novice KYLE MOEN Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, Extemp SECOND, JV NIGEL RAMOZ-LESLIE Lewis and Clark, Jr Impromptu, SECOND WWU Impromptu, SEMIS, JV Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, Impromptu, FINALIST PAUL WYATT Pacific, Sr Extemp, SEMIS Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, Extemp FIRST, JV Whitman Classic 2 Withycombe, Persuasion, FIRST PETER QUATTERE-BURCHER AND SARA RASMUSSEN PLU, QUARTERS Novice View our new Awards Page: http://www.whitman.edu/rhetoric/000sweeps.htm
Joel Nate and Allison Kyle
Thanks for Reading the Newsletter!