Whitman Forensics Newsletter

Vol. 12, No. 2, May, 2006

 

 

 

 

The Policy Squad: Front Row: Aaron, Kathryn, Eric C., Luke. Second Row: Candi, Meghan, Andrew. Third Row: Matt, Ross, Sam, Jeff. Fourth Row: Eric S., Ben, Mike, Jake.

 

Whitman sets all time CEDA Nats record breaking 6 of 6 teams!

We closed out the year on a fantastic note, with the policy team traveling to Dallas for CEDA nationals.  In a very large and competitive field, every team put their best foot forward, with all 6 entered teams going 5-3 or better and reaching the elimination rounds. Matt and Eric and Jeff and Ben both went 7-1.  Clearing 6 teams at CEDA nationals is a nearly unprecedented feat, matched in recent years only by huge powerhouse schools such as Emory and even they did not break all of their teams.

The policy debaters have worked exceptionally hard this year putting in long days and nights in the team’s preparation rooms. Candi and Luke won their quads round and then gave Harvard

a run for their money in the triples. Eric C. and Jake lost to Fullerton in the triples. Meghan and Sam hit George Washington, a top ten team, and lost. Ross and Andrew advanced to doubles but unfortunately were seeded to hit Ben and Jeff and so bowed out as 17th. Jeff and Ben lost to Dartmouth in octas, placing 9th. Eric and Matt lost a close 2-1 decision to Harvard in quarters, placing 5th. That Harvard team went on to win the tournament (including getting both Jim and Aaron’s ballots when they judged in finals). The tournament was an excellent showing for a great group and followed a first for Whitman: two teams in octafinals at the NDT (Matt and Eric and Jeff and Ben). It has been a standout year for the policy team.

 

Meghan, Brie, Sally, and Candi with Jim.

 

What are team members doing in their spare time?

Ever wonder what team members do in their spare time? Hmm. Well, we’re going to provide this information anyway. Team members like to play Frisbee Golf with a course running through campus. Some endlessly play Unreal Tournament, a computer game with a bit too much violence. Several team members are quite the poker players. Some like getting a game of basketball going (even Jim has played a few games). The team has a tradition of going to Clarette’s for breakfast after an all-nighter working on debate or school. The team keeps themselves going with Mountain Dew, Red Bull energy drinks, and Gatorade.

Whitman advances 4 teams into elims at NPDA Nationals

Last year, the team graduated an unusually large number of senior parliamentary debaters who left the younger debaters some fairly large shoes to fill. However, this year’s parliamentary debaters stepped up and showed the national circuit that they are still a force to be reckoned with. Senior Rob Olsen and sophomore Jeff Wilson qualified to debate at the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence (NPTE)—an honor only extended to the top 48 teams in the nation. They placed 23rd at the tournament. At the NPDA championship tournament, Whitman did extremely well. Out of the five teams we had debating, four participated in the elimination rounds. The teams of Candi Kissinger and Brie Coyle, Stephen Reed and Chris Chamness, and Lydia Eberly and Mike Meredith all made it to the first elimination debate. Rob Olsen and Jeff Wilson made it to the double octofinals which consisted of the top 32 teams at the tournament. They lost a close 3-2 decision.

 

The Parli-IE Squad Spring 2006: Front Row: Annie, Jeff, Steve. Second Row: Joseph, Rob, Chris C.. Third Row: Sally, Andrew, Nav, Hugo. Fourth Row: Danielle, Asteria, Chris F., Lydia, James.

 

Meghan’s troubles at the Airport

Meghan can’t seem to get a break from airport security. Despite traveling with a smaller bag than most of the men on the policy team (and still being the fashionable one), she has repeatedly been stopped by airport security. One time, her bag tested positive for explosives. Obviously, there weren’t any but that didn’t stop the extensive search security did. It isn’t just her bags, it is also her clothes. One time, her bobby pins set off their system. Another time it was her belt. And even when she tried to cut back on such clothing, her underwear (which had a clasp) set off the system!

  Meghan Hughes

Jason Smith In Iraq

Jason Smith, ’97 graduate, emailed Jim, informing him that he would be stationed in Iraq until about September, 2006. We send strong thoughts for his safety. Jason was a very successful parliamentary debater on the team including winning two tournaments his senior year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Jim Hanson

 

     

 Aaron Hardy

 

 

Dave Guidry

 

 

Stephen Reed

 

Andrew Lum

 

Staff: Jim Hanson, Director of Forensics, Aaron Hardy, Assistant Policy Coach; David Guidry, Assistant Parliamentary and I.E. Coach; Beth Schueler, Thad Blank, Gaurav Reddy, Policy Debate Helpers; Andrew Lum, Student Assistant and Intramural Debate Manager; Rob Olsen, Student Sweepstakes Assistant, Steve Reed, Dramatic Interpretation Student Assistant; Bob Withycombe, Professor, Rhetoric and Film Studies; Pat Keef, Dean of Faculty, Chuck Cleveland, Dean of Students; and George Bridges, President.

 

49 Competitors, 2005-06: Adam Maldonado, Aisha Fukushima, Andrew Kelly, Andrew Lum, Andrew Stokes, Anne Hickman, Ashley Lau, Asteria Valusek, Ben Meiches, Beth Kerley, Brie Coye, Bryce McKay, Candi Kissinger, Carson Booth, Cat Lewis, Chris Chamness, Chris Fryefield, Curt Bowen, David Ogle, Eric Chalfant, Eric Suni, Graham Trail, Hugo Vargas, Jake Ginsbach, James Hovard, Jeff Buntin, Jeff Wilson, Joseph Bornstein, Kathryn Bergh, Laura Buriu, Laura Hanson, Luke Sanford, Lydia Eberly, Matt Leonard, Matt Schissler, Meghan Hughes, Mike Meredith, Nicholas Dollar, Nora Hawkins, Rob Olsen, Robert Crenshaw, Ross Richendrfer, Sam Allen, Sam Bell, Sally Sorte, Sam Booch, Shirley Lou, Stephen Reed, Todd Fritsch

 

 

Rob Olsen, 17th at NPDA Nats, will be the Parli-IE Assistant this coming year.

 

 

Dawn at the IM Debate Championship.

 

 

 

NEXT YEAR’S TEAM

Each year the face of the team changes a little bit. Debaters graduate or go abroad, while assistant coaches, who are often recent graduates, decide to move onto other things. This year is no exception. On the policy side of the program, two of the strongest workers over the past couple of years will be leaving the program. First round debater, Eric Suni, will be graduating along with two time NDT participant, Jeff Buntin. Although the team just can’t seem to get rid of Buntin quite yet because he’s taken a part-time coaching position for the team to help at national tournaments.

On the parliamentary side of the program, Rob Olsen, Nav Rehki, and Lydia Eberly are graduating and saying their goodbyes. Well, Rob isn’t quite saying goodbye. Even after four years of being a member of the team, he decided to take the parliamentary debate and speech coach position for the next academic year. The position is opening up after current assistant, David Guidry, decided to finally leave Walla Walla after six great years.

As for the rest of the staff, not too much is changing. Of course you’ll still be able to find Jim in his office heading up both sides of the program. After a great first year, Aaron Hardy will return to coach the policy side. Also, Jeff Buntin isn’t the only former team member that will be helping out. Thad Blank, two time first round debater, will use his invaluable skills to help the team throughout the year. Andrew Lum, team assistant, and Stephen Reed, Interp assistant, will remain for their senior years. With this great group, next year is going to be a good year for the Whitman debate team.

 

       

Alums Rowland Hobbs, Jared Phillips and Charlotte McCluskey joined Jim at the NDT.

 

 

 

Luke, Meghan, Jake, and Candi

 

End of the Year Party

It’s that time again. As the school year winds down, Jim generously invites the team to invade his house for the end of the year party. The party is a great way to reflect on the more entertaining aspects of the year through the awards given to the debaters by the coaching staff. The awards, for those of you who don’t know, are usually designed to remind the team about funny moments involving individual team members. For example, Eric Suni received the El Goucho award for his amazing ability to eat steak. Besides the awards, there is of course food and lots of it. Chef Matt Schissler and Sous Chef Jim Hanson served up a great meal for those who could still eat after being greeted by a huge buffet of snackies upon arrival. The party is a great way for all the team members to bond one last time before everyone goes their way for the summer.

 

  

Kyle Krohn and Robert Crenshaw

 

   

Kathryn, Jeff, and Stephen

 

Carson, Todd, Matt, and Sally

 

IM DEBATES

Jim Hanson and the rest of the debate team invited students from campus to participate in the annual intramural debates. Dozens of students came to debate in Hunter Conservatory on the topic of diversity at Whitman College. Maybe it is the draw of free food or maybe the possibility of prize money, but the popularity of the debates continues to grow. Senior Drew Johnston said, “The whole experience is really fun. I really enjoyed it.” The event is also good for the rest of the squad as well except for Andrew Lum who gets the privilege of putting the bulk of the competition together. The debates allow our team members to judge debates and see what it is like on the other side of the podium. At the championship tournament, Kyle Krohn, a former team member, won the experienced division and Rand Biersdorff won the inexperienced division.

 

 

 

 

Sam can’t remember

Sam Allen just can’t seem to remember. He lost his cell phone three times on the rides at Disneyland. By the time he got to the Berkeley tournament, he had lost it permanently. Then, at Northwest CEDA Champs and at CEDA Nats, Meghan had to run to Sam’s room to get the laptop. Sam, please stop forgetting.

 

Eric Suni finally wins the Dovell-Gose Oratory Contest

Each spring, the Whitman debate team hosts the Dovell-Gose public speaking contest that was first established in 1918. The only guidelines for the speech are that it must be persuasive and within six to ten minutes. Speakers are allowed to use visual aids if they desire. This year, senior, Eric Suni, finally managed to speak his way to the top after being relegated to second place for the last three years in a row by Beth Pearson. Suni dazzled the judges with his humorous, yet informative, speech on campus parking issues. Matt Schissler, Andrew Kelly, Lydia Eberly, Jeff Buntin, Sam Allen, Rob Olsen, and Kathryn Bergh also won awards for their respective speeches.

 

Matt’s Superstitions

When you competed on the team, did you have little superstitions about what you had to do to win? Well, Matt Schissler has an unusually large number of superstitions. He will wake up to alarms only set at 5 minute increments (e.g. 6:15am). He had to use his “lucky” pens in high school. He speaks off a ragged Expando each round in college. He shaves his head before each tournament. Matt has plenty of talent and does lots of work but he still thinks these superstitions are critical to winning.

 

 

Jim hosts 6 Tournaments this year!

During the 2005-06 season, Jim served as tournament director at six tournaments! In fall, he was co-director with alum David Kearney at the Reed tournament. Then, he hosted the traditional high school tournament. Two weeks later, he was back at it again with the Whitman November Policy tournament. This past semester, Jim hosted the “Classic” parliamentary debate and individual events tournament and then the Northwest CEDA Championship (revived after a year off), and the NPTE at the University of Oregon. At each tournament, Jim served up tons of food and hospitality. “I like hosting tournaments. That way, they get run the way I like them to be run!”

 

      

Candi, Brie, and Ross           Hugo                         

 

   

 Asteria                            Ben and Jeff

 

The Classic and NW CEDA Champs

At “The Classic,” policy debaters participated by judging events, debating, and coaching during prep time. Junior Matt Schissler commented how much he loved coaching the parliamentary teams because it was great to just sit and think of all the arguments during the preparation time before each round. In the senior division, Whitman cleared 3 teams but, unfortunately, all were eliminated early on. In the junior division, there was a Whitman close out by Brie Coyle and Candi Kissinger along with Andrew Kelly and James Hovard. David Ogle and Carson Booth were semi-finalists. In the novice division, Whitman’s Sally Sorte and Anne Hickman took first place!

Later in the semester, Whitman held the Northwest CEDA Championships. This tournament has a long tradition in the Northwest. Even though it’s a weekend of competition, the whole time is pretty relaxed. Florida, Emporia, Denver, and Pepperdine joined the Northwest’s teams and were made to feel right at home with rides around town, endless amounts of food, and Jim doing whatever else he could to make the trip enjoyable for the visiting squads. Frank Irizarry, coach at the University of Florida, said that it was one of the most relaxed and enjoyable tournaments that he had ever been to. Even though the tournament wasn’t as large as it has been in the past, it was great to hear that the Whitman team could keep the spirit of it alive. Matt Schissler and Eric Suni did their parts in keeping tradition going by winning the semi-finals against Florida, thus creating a close-out with Jeff and Ben for first place.

 

             

Keola visited Jim             Annie, Chris C., and Nav

In May.

 

Meghan and Sam at NW CEDA Champs.

 

Texas

Texas was the best combined team-wide showing Whitman has ever had at a major national tournament, with all five teams going 5-3 or better in the prelims.  Unfortunately, in a tournament as large as Texas, it was very difficult to clear, even with a winning record, and only Jeff and Ben and Eric and Matt reached the elimination rounds.  Eric was also the 18th speaker.

Eric and Matt pulled through a very tough fought debate on a 2-1 in the double against Iowa, while Jeff and Ben had a very unlucky draw and lost a very, very close 2-1 to Michigan State, who went on to win the tournament.  Eric and Matt then had a breakout win in the Octas over Dartmouth’s top team, which would help solidify their berth as a first-round bid to the NDT.  They then very nearly won their quarters against George Washington, losing a close 2-1. With that, the team celebrated at a steak house where Aaron and Meghan, vegetarians, munched on broccoli and baked potatoes.

 

 

 

 

Aaron Hardy resting at the the NDT where he worked tirelessly for the team.

Matt and Eric in their round against Idaho St. We won a 2-1 decision.

 

Jeff and Ben listening  to a decision at the NDT.

 

Hugo and Sarah discussing case Strategies.

Chris and Andrew enjoying themselves during NW CEDA Champs.

 

 

 

 

Contributions to the Team

We are grateful for your contributions to the forensic team! Generous donors December 1, 2005 through May 20, 2006 include: Janice S. Berman, Theodore B. Blank V, Susan R. and Lloyd T. Danielson, Donna C. Gardner, James B. Hanson, Samantha G. Howell, Bridget S. Kustin, Jared Phillips and Loan Lam, Nicole A. and Matthew P. Levin, C. Lawrence & Priscilla Lutcher, John R. Miller, Rachelle N. and David B. Perry-Campf, Sara and Stephen C. Rowe, CDR Carolynn M. Snyder, Abigail J. St. Lawrence; Keola R. Whittaker; and Robert M. Withycombe. If we missed you, please tell us because we do appreciate your support!

Send contributions to 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”).

  Brie and Candi

 

          

Splash Mountain                  Luke and Sam                                       Mike                              

 

   

Eric Chalfant                 Andrew and Sam

 

Policy Awards

BEN MEICHES AND JEFF BUNTIN: Gonzaga, QUARTERS; Kentucky, OCTAS, Pepperdine, FIRST, Wake Forest, OCTAS, USC, OCTAS, Fullerton, OCTAS, Berkeley, SECOND, Texas, DOUBLES, NW CEDA Champs, FIRST, NDT, OCTAS, CEDA NATS, OCTAS.

ERIC SUNI AND MATT SCHISSLER: Gonzaga, FIRST, Kentucky, OCTAS; Pepperdine, FIRST; Wake Forest, DOUBLES, USC, OCTAS, Fullerton, DOUBLES, Berkeley, QUARTERS, Texas, QUARTERS, NW CEDA Champs, FIRST, NDT, OCTAS, CEDA NATS, QUARTERS.

MEGHAN HUGHES AND SAM ALLEN: Pepperdine, DOUBLES; Whitman November, SEMIS, Berkely, OCTAS, Texas 5-3, NW CEDA Champs, QUARTERS, CEDA NATS, TRIPLES.

ANDREW STOKES AND ROSS RICHENDRFER: Kentucky, 5-3; Pepperdine, DOUBLES, Wake, 5-3, Berkeley, OCTAS, Texas, 5-3, NW CEDA Champs, SEMIS, CEDA NATS, DOUBLES.

ANDREW STOKES AND JAKE GINSBACH: Whitman, FIRST.

CANDI KISSINGER AND LUKE SANFORD: Pepperdine, JR. FIRST, Whitman, SEMIS, .USC, JR. SECOND, CEDA NATS, TRIPLES.

JAKE GINSBACH AND STEVE REED: Pepperdine, JR. QUARTERS.

ERIC CHALFANT AND MIKE MEREDITH: Pepperdine, DOUBLES, Texas 5-3.

ERIC CHALFANT AND JAKE GINSBACH: CEDA NATS, TRIPLES.

ERIC CHALFANT AND KATHRYN BERGH: USC, SEMIS.

 

Parli Awards

BRIE COYLE AND JEFF WILSON: Reed, QUARTERS; Lewis and Clark, OCTAS; Lewis-Clark State, SEMIS.

ADAM MALDANADO AND LAURA HANSON: Lewis and Clark, Jr. OCTAS.

CHRIS FRYEFIELD AND HUGO VARGAS: Lewis and Clark, DOUBLES.

CURT BOWEN AND JOSEPH BORNSTEIN: Reed, QUARTERS.

LYDIA EBERLY AND ROB OLSEN: Reed, OCTAS; Lewis-Clark State, FIRST.

LYDIA EBERLY AND JOSEPH BORNSTEIN: Fullerton 1, OCTAS, Fullerton 2, QUARTERS.

JEFF WILSON AND ROB OLSEN: Fullerton 1, OCTAS, Fullerton 2, OCTAS, WWU QUARTERS, Point Loma,  OCTAS, NPTE, 23RD, NPDA, DOUBLES.

ROB OLSEN AND ERIC SUNI: Whitman, OCTAS.

JEFF WILSON AND NAV REKHI: Whitman, OCTAS.

LYDIA EBERLY AND MIKE MEREDITH: Whitman, OCTAS, NPDA, QUADS.

LYDIA EBERLY AND NAV REKHI: WWU, DOUBLES.

CHRIS CHAMNESS AND STEVE REED: WWU, DOUBLES, NPDA, QUADS.

ANDREW KELLY AND JAMES HOVARD: WWU, JR. QUARTERS, Whitman, JR. FIRST.

ANNIE HICKMAN AND SALLY SORTE: WWU, NOVICE SECOND, Whitman, NOVICE FIRST.

BRIE COYLE AND CANDI KISSINGER: Whitman, JR FIRST, NPDA, QUADS.

CARSON BOOTH AND DAVID OGLE: Whitman, JR. FIRST.

 

Individual Events Awards

ADAM MALDANADO: EXTEMP: , Lewis-Clark St., SECOND, Novice

ASTERIA VALUSEK: PROSE: Lewis-Clark St., JR. FINALIST, WWU, FINALIST, DRAMATIC: Lewis-Clark St., FINALIST, Whitman, THIRD.

BRIE COYLE: NFA-LD, Lewis and Clark, FOURTH,

CHRIS CHAMNESS: EXTEMP, WWU, SEMIS.

CHRIS FRYEFIELD: EXTEMP: Lewis and Clark, FIRST; Lewis-Clark St., FIRST, WWU, JR. SECOND, Whitman, FIRST.

CURT BOWEN: NFA-LD: Reed, FIRST.

HUGO VARGAS: PROSE, Whitman, SECOND.

ROB OLSEN: NFA-LD, Lewis and Clark, FIRST, Point Loma, FIRST.

LYDIA EBERLY: PERSUASIVE: Lewis and Clark, JR. THIRD; Lewis-Clark St., FIRST, Whitman, JR. FIRST.

JEFF WILSON: NFA-LD, Lewis and Clark, SECOND; IMPROMPTU, Whitman, FIRST.

ROBERT CRENSHAW: NFA-LD: Reed, FIRST, Lewis and Clark, THIRD

SALLY SORTE: EXTEMP: Whitman, NOVICE FIRST.

 

          

Robert enjoys listening to music.                               Eric and Mike share good times.