MACON – Mercer University's debate team had its best-ever showing at the Mile High Swing, the largest debate tournament in the nation, Jan. 5-8, at the University of Utah.
A total of 144 debaters from more than 30 colleges and universities participated in the 11th installment of the annual tournament. These institutions included the University of California at Berkley, Rice University, William Jewell College, Colorado State University, the University of Nevada, Western Washington University, the University of Oregon and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.
The four days of competition was divided into two complete tournaments.
During the first half, junior Kyle Bligen was named 11th-place speaker and junior Jaz Buckley finished 14th, as they reached the octofinals round.
In the second half, junior Daniel Alvarez and sophomore Keanu Lowo reached the quarterfinals. Alvarez was named second-place speaker, and Lowo finished third.
“These victories signal that Mercer continues to compete academically on the national stage,” said Dr. Vasile Stanescu, director of debate. “However, these successes, while impressive, are not why I'm proud of this team. It is the way the team continues to support one another that always makes me the most proud.”
