Debate duo garners first place at nationals

While concentrating on speaking swiftly in order to emphasize the final point of her rebuttal, College sophomore Liz Rogers was not aware of the looks of admiration coming from the judges in the crowded room at Swarthmore University. Feeling dazed, Rogers realized moments later that she had just become the second woman ever to win the national title in competitive parliamentary debate. On the weekend of April 26 through the 28, Rogers and College junior Peter Stris became the first team from the University to win the nationals of the American Parliamentary Debate Association. In addition, Stris was elected president of the APDA and will be in charge of debates during next year. He will also represent the United States in the World Debate Tournament next year, which is planned to be held in South Africa. Rogers and Stris are the first junior team ever to win the title. "We were very, very amazed by our victory," Rogers said. The University sent two other teams to compete at Swarthmore. College sophomore David Derman, College junior Gordon Dritchilo, College sophomore Jen Marzulo and College senior Josh Wolson also competed. The teams, which came from more than 60 schools, participated in six preliminary rounds of debating. Rogers and Stris lost to Stanford during second round competition. But in the final round, they defeated Stanford 15-2. "It seems unreal when I look back on it," Rogers said. "But? I knew my friends in the audience would support me no matter what happened." In the wake of their victory, the champions noted that a recent cut in their Student Activities Council funds could harm the team's future success.