CU's debate team clinches tournament

CU’s debate team won an astonishing unanimous 7-0 decision at the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence.

William Van Treuren and Than Hedman debated against a team from the University of Oregon on March 30th at Asuza Pacific University in Los Angeles, Ca.

They have been practicing and competing since September, debating against 180 teams from 100 different schools. The 3 days competition tested their critical thinking, research, and speed skills. In addition, it tested their ability to communicate convincingly.

Threuren and Hedman both said they think their advantage is their science background. They think that they were able to make convincing arguments by knowing a lot of facts and being able to put them together in a persuasive matter. Threuren is majoring in biochemistry and Hedman is majoring in chemistry.

Perhaps what is most astonishing is that these two young men won the tournament without much coaching, besides a few law students volunteering to help. Nor have they received much financial help. They both agreed that their greatest struggle was to get time off from school for competition and finding classrooms to study in. When the speed-reading practice start, it is both loud and perhaps embarrassing to do in front of people.

There is no monetary prize in winning the tournament and not much sponsorship to fill up the bank account, but Threuren and Hedman debate because they love it. And after a much-deserved break they will start practicing and competing in September for yet another round of tournament.