After posting a first place win at Middle Tennessee State University last weekend, members of the SIUC debate team say their motivation to win comes from a desire to improve their record from last season.

So far this semester, we have been much more successful than last year, Greg Simerly, director of debate said. Not being very successful motivated the team to work harder over the summer.

Varsity team debaters Zach Anderson, Joey Vuglia, Jeremy West and Matt Moore took first and second place awards at the Blue Raider Tournament.

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We were prepared, Anderson said. We worked all summer long researching the topic and getting all the arguments prepared. When we went to the debate we were far better prepared than last year.

Simerly said the team meets Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the week, and spends many hours organizing and researching their topic The US. should substantially change its foreign policy towards Mexico.’

We have regular meeting times, but we also meet unofficially, Simerly said. The team spends at least 10 hours, sometimes 20 or 30 a week researching and organizing argument briefs. But the time pays off because we’re doing well.

Simerly said the team will travel to Southwest Missouri State University this weekend for the Virginia Craig Invitational, a national level fall tournament.

This is one of five national tournaments of the fall season, Simerly said. Schools like Michigan State, Cornell, and University of California at Berkeley will be there…and so will we.

Anderson said he believes the debate team is headed for national recognition.

I think we’re emerging as a national competitive team, he said. We’re going to bring some pride back to SIU.

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