University of Virginia Library

Debaters Invited To Oberlin

In recognition of an outstanding fall
record, the University debater's varsity
unit was invited to the Ford Motor
Company Invitational at Oberlin College.
This is an exclusive invitational tournament
which is subsidized by a $4,000 grant
from the Ford Foundation.

In keeping its purpose of promoting
excellence in intercollegiate debate this
tournament attracts the outstanding teams
from the eastern United States. The
University's varsity unit of Jim Poe and Greg
Bittner compiled the top record at this
tournament, finishing the 8 preliminary rounds
with the only 7-1 record.

In a field of 88 of the top debaters on the
east coast, both team members were recognized
for outstanding individual performances. Mr.
Poe was named sixth speaker and Mr. Bittner
finished eight. The team was upset in Octafinals
by Augustana on a 2-1 decision.

During the semester break at Mardi Gras
Invitational at Tulane University, the varsity
extended its winning record. Finishing fifth
seed of the 86 teams with a 6-2 record, the
Virginia unit again received individual
recognition with Mr. Bittner finishing twelfth
and Mr. Poe capturing seventh position. The
varsity defeated Marquette 3-0 in Octafinals and
was eliminated 2-1 in quarterfinals by Loyola
of Chicago.

Also during semester break, two novice units
distinguished themselves in varsity competition
at the Marshall Wythe Tournament at William
and Mary. First yearmen Rich Robol and Ken
Shuman complied a 5-3 record but had
insufficient speakers points to qualify for
elimination rounds. The unit of Ellen Lewis and
David McCaskey finished 3-5.

Last weekend at the University of
Richmond, the novice team of Mr. Robol and
Mr. McCaskey ended second out of 42 teams.
Mr. Robel was named second out of 84
speakers. They lost 3-2 in the final round to
Ohio University. Also in this tournament the
varsity unit finished with 2-4 record.

This coming weekend the University
debaters will compete in tournaments at
Northwestern and Old Dominion.