Hempstead, NY
JetBlue's Flight 690 landed at JFK and the sun was just setting, though the moon had been round and full in the sky all afternoon. Tired but enthusiastic Bengal Debaters arrived last night after a day-long journey in planes, trains, and automobiles.
Registration for Pi Kappa Delta at the host, Hofstra University, campus is next, followed by an afternoon excursion into Manhattan to see some sites as we acclimatize to the time change before competition begins Thursday morning at 8 am.
As a nod to the Public Forum topic ["The U.S. should rejoin UNESCO with Full Member Status"], the team will tour the United Nations this afternoon, and other notables including Times Square, Rockefeller Plaza, and Penn Station.
Two varisity Public Forum teams are posed to argue tomorrow: sophomores Conner Coutts with Jordan Reynolds, and Junior Kaden Marchetti with Senior Nate Mortimer.
ISU also brings three IPDA Speakers for entry at the competition, including team president Nick Grunig, Rianne Quigley, and Rowan Smith.
Each member of the squad is also participating in individual speaking contests at the competition.
Updates will appear here as the week continues!
Rupp Debate Society at Idaho State University
James M. & Sharon E. Rupp Debate Society at Idaho State University.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Idaho State Debate Squad has solid showing at public debate February 19th
February 20, 2019
POCATELLO - The Idaho State Debate Squad welcomed about 60 students, staff, and faculty -- and many members of the public -- to the Pond Student Union Tuesday, February 19, for a Public Debate. Squad members Kaden Marchetti and Squad V.P. Conner Coutts faced off against Team President Nick Grunig and Jett Smith. The topic was solving Pocatello's homeless issues through implementing "Housing First."
Defined by The National Alliance to end Homelessness, "Housing First [is a federally funded program which] does not require people experiencing homelessness to address all of their problems including behavioral health problems [also including alcoholism, unedployment, or drug addiction], or to graduate through a series of service programs before they can access housing. The Housing First approach views housing as the foundation for life improvementand enables access to permanent housing without prerequisites or conditions beyond those of a typical renter. Supportive services are offered to support people with housing stability and individual well-being, but participation is not required as services have been found to be more effective when a person chooses to engage" (endhomelessness.org).
Moderator Larry Gebhardt provided a framework for the issue, noting the shocking statistic that nearly 22% of people in any given community fall under the definition of "homeless." Gebhardt also assisted the debaters in fielding questions from the audience during the "Grand Cross Examination," where members of the audience pose questions to the competition panel and each side gets to make a response.
The debate was met with many compliments and the decision was made to re-record the debate for posterity. It will be available through the James M. and Sharon E. Rupp Debate Society Facebook page, or by clicking here https://www.facebook.com/pg/idahostatedebate/videos/?ref=page_internal
The Rupp Debate Squad presents public debate opportunities each semester as part of their mission to bring the campus and community interesting, well-structured, and poignant topics for consideration.
# ## #
February 20, 2019
POCATELLO - The Idaho State Debate Squad welcomed about 60 students, staff, and faculty -- and many members of the public -- to the Pond Student Union Tuesday, February 19, for a Public Debate. Squad members Kaden Marchetti and Squad V.P. Conner Coutts faced off against Team President Nick Grunig and Jett Smith. The topic was solving Pocatello's homeless issues through implementing "Housing First."
Defined by The National Alliance to end Homelessness, "Housing First [is a federally funded program which] does not require people experiencing homelessness to address all of their problems including behavioral health problems [also including alcoholism, unedployment, or drug addiction], or to graduate through a series of service programs before they can access housing. The Housing First approach views housing as the foundation for life improvementand enables access to permanent housing without prerequisites or conditions beyond those of a typical renter. Supportive services are offered to support people with housing stability and individual well-being, but participation is not required as services have been found to be more effective when a person chooses to engage" (endhomelessness.org).
Moderator Larry Gebhardt provided a framework for the issue, noting the shocking statistic that nearly 22% of people in any given community fall under the definition of "homeless." Gebhardt also assisted the debaters in fielding questions from the audience during the "Grand Cross Examination," where members of the audience pose questions to the competition panel and each side gets to make a response.
The debate was met with many compliments and the decision was made to re-record the debate for posterity. It will be available through the James M. and Sharon E. Rupp Debate Society Facebook page, or by clicking here https://www.facebook.com/pg/idahostatedebate/videos/?ref=page_internal
The Rupp Debate Squad presents public debate opportunities each semester as part of their mission to bring the campus and community interesting, well-structured, and poignant topics for consideration.
# ## #
Monday, February 18, 2019
ISU debates Pocatello homeless issue on Feb. 19
February 15, 2019
POCATELLO – Idaho State University’s award-winning Rupp Debate Society squad will host a public debate on the topic of homelessness in Pocatello on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Pond Student Union Little Wood River Room.
Students will debate the topic of Homelessness in the City of Pocatello. The city has seen a recent flurry of activity on the topic ranging from the implications of new residential and business development, community growth and non-profit groups looking to create or expand housing to address the homeless issue.
Students will debate the topic of Homelessness in the City of Pocatello. The city has seen a recent flurry of activity on the topic ranging from the implications of new residential and business development, community growth and non-profit groups looking to create or expand housing to address the homeless issue.
The debate is a modified “public forum” style, featuring one pair of speakers on each side of the issue. The sides for the debate were determined by a coin toss, and teams have been preparing for several weeks. Each team will provide an opening position – or case – from their research. After both teams have made initial arguments, each side then takes turns answering cross-examination by the opposition. A unique feature, the “grand cross examination,” engages audience members in the questioning with the aid of moderator Larry Gebhardt. Short final presentations will summarize each side’s position.
“We are seeking to expand the dialogue on this important matter, and bring a new and unique view to the table,” said Nick Grunig, the team’s president. “We’ve been talking with many interested parties throughout the community, and have tried to bring their main concerns into a concise debate.”
Audience members will also get in on the action by voting before and after the debate on their opinion of the issue. The function typically lasts about 75 minutes.
The Rupp Debate Society team presents public debates periodically. The most recent function, including those who livestreamed the debate, was viewed by more than 500 local and regional participants.
The Rupp Debate Society is supported by James A. and Sharon E. Rupp, the College of Arts and Letters, the Department of Communication, Media, and Persuasion, and the Associated Students of ISU.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Third Place Finishes at Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament!
ISU Debate Team at Pi Kappa Delta Natinals |
The Idaho State University Rupp Debate Team recently brought
home a pair of third place wins from the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive
Tournament in Nashville, TN, March 13-18, 2018.
Bengal Debaters were named 3rd Place Overall in Division II
Sweepstakes . The national tournament hosts 82 competitor colleges and
universities from 26 states and three countries.
Idaho State also claimed 3rd Place in the Division I Debate
Sweepstakes with a tie between two of its own teams. Bengal speakers closed out the Public Forum
Debate semifinals when sophomore Jack Bradley and freshman Kaden Marchetti tied
for third with ISU’s other freshman duo of Connor Coutts and Alex Vail.
Marchetti was additionally honored as fifth speaker overall
in the Public Forum debate competition, an accolade presented for high quality
execution and presentation in argumentative public speaking.
The Overall Sweepstakes award determined by combining the
total accumulated speaker points in both debate and individual events in the
competition. Schools require
participation in both competitive speaking forms in order to qualify for the
sweepstakes honors.
Nick Grunig |
Squad President Nick Grunig said “This is a great way to end
our traveling season! It shows what the team can do when we really focus on
achieving our goals and put in a little extra effort.”
Kaden Marchetti & Jack Bradley |
“Our team functions incredibly well as a competitive
unit. Everyone has remarkable skills,
but not everyone generally finds their way into the final rounds in stiff
competition,” said Andy Christensen, the team’s Assistant Coach. “Still, the collective contributions of each
member on the squad earned us a national accolade. It’s a well-deserved tribute
to the efforts of the group who operate as a team first, and as individuals
second.”
The Bengals had entries in collegiate NFA-Lincoln Douglas, International
Public Debate (IPDA), and Public Forum debate styles. The Public Forum topic argued at the tournament
was “In the United States, changing the process of presidential election to
popular vote is justified to preserve democracy.” In the IPDA format, debaters have a new topic
for each round and 30 minutes to prepare their cases.
In addition to debate, the speakers participated in individual
event contests including Impromptu speaking, Extemporaneous speaking, After
Dinner speaking, and Slam Poetry.
Conner Coutts & Alex Vail |
The team’s Head Coach is Dr. Sarah Partlow-Lefevre. “This makes me very proud of the entire
team. They have worked hard this year
and it’s a fantastic way to end the travel season. There’s nothing like the
energy and experience at a National tournament.”
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
ISU Debaters Named First and Second Speaker at Online Tournament
Jack Bradley, First Place Speaker and Third Place Finisher |
The ISU Rupp Debate Squad earned top speaking
honors at the first Climb! Online Debate tournament of the semester on January
14th! Jack Bradley was named first speaker and took third place while Raiven
Nickerson was 2nd speaker and took fourth place on the open
division. The team participated with four skilled debaters, Jack Bradley,
Raiven Nickerson, Alex Vail, and Michael Mares. Speakers sparred on issues
ranging from taxation of sugar to banning football.
Alex Vail (right) striking topics in a preliminary debate. |
Bradley and Nickerson performed especially
well during this tournament. Jack’s topic draws saw him arguing against the
implementation of a carbon tax, and debating to banning football. Raiven’s
topics included – among others --discourse on the increased use of wind energy,
and why Democrats politicians should work with Trump. In the end, both competitors
made it to semi-finals, and were named the top two speakers at the tournament!
Jack Bradley debating in Semi Finals with a three judge panel. |
Semifinal topic strike card. |
This tournament was a strong opener for the
team, with two of its members making it to semis, and taking the top two spots
for speaker awards, Jack earning first speaker and Raiven earning second,
respectively. The ISU squad has hit the ground running this semester, and hopes
to take more titles this semester.
Raiven Nickerson debating in Semifinals with a three judge panel. |
Jack Bradley |
Raiven Nickerson |
Kaden Marchetti |
Alex Vail debating online in the CMP Ifft Speech Lab |
Michael Mares debating online in the CMP Ifft Speech Lab |
Raiven Nickerson, 2nd Speaker. Jack Bradley, First Speaker. |
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
ISU Debate Team Ends the Semester with a 3rd Place Finish
On December 10th, ISU’s Rupp Debate Team took
high honors at a Climb! Online Debate Tournament. Kaden Marchetti represented
the ISU team, with other members in busy prep for Finals Week beginning the
next day. Topics ranged from the death penalty to discussion of nuclear codes,
and spanned three qualifying rounds.
ISU’s Marchetti was successful in the
tournament’s open division. A seasoned veteran, Kaden made it to the semi-final
where he affirmed that “The
US should require two years of national service [by] Americans”. While he
didn’t break to finals, Kaden tied for third place overall and was recognized
as 5th best in top-speakers at the tournament!
Monday, November 6, 2017
Idaho State Debate Wins Both Divisions In Climb Online Tournament
Cameo Curnutt Preparing to Debate. |
Final Round Slate of Topics |
In IPDA, the debaters are given a set of five topics for each debate. The opponents then choose the topic through a process of elimination where each debater gets to strike or veto topics sequentially. This means that the topics vary in each round and in each debate, requiring the students to be prepared to address a wide variety of issues. After the topic is chosen the debaters have thirty minutes to prepare for the debate.
Raiven Nickerson in the Final Round - Top Right. |
Alexander Vail in the Final Round - Top Right |
Notably, this tournament took place on a new online debating platform called idebate.online. The platform provides an integrated system that makes online debate easy. According to Sarah Partlow Lefevre, "The online debating platform opens up debate as an opportunity for a broad cross section of our students. It provides a format accessible to those who can travel and to those who would otherwise be unable to participate on the debate team due to family or work obligations. We are excited about the increased opportunity for all students to participate in online debating at ISU."
The Final Round Match Ups |
Thursday, October 26, 2017
ISU Hosts Public Debate About Military Spending
Idaho State University’s James M. & Sharon
E. Rupp Debate Squad held their first public debate of the fall season on October
24. The team argued the topic:
“Resolved: The United States should significantly increase military spending in
order to better respond to international conflicts.” The event packed in a
crowd of nearly 125 people. The function was supported by the ISU PoliSci Club
and the Veteran Student Services Center.
Todd Johnson moderating the debate. |
Todd Johnson, M.A., the Director of the ISU
Veteran Student Services Center was the Moderator.
Two teams debated the topic. Nick Grunig and
Cesar Suarez argued for increased military spending, while Connor Coutts and
Kaden Marchetti opposed additional spending. The teams even dove into specific
areas of spending, such as certain missile defenses used by the US, and whether
their cost is warranted by their effectiveness. Both teams did an excellent job
presenting their arguments, as well as interacting with the crowd.
Audience members voted on their positions
before and after the debate, (agree, disagree, or undecided), to gauge how many
people were swayed by the arguments. Discussions about military prowess and
potential alternatives for funding were presented during the debate, which
included an audience Q & A period.
Nick Grunig and Ceasar Suarez |
Kaden Marchetti and Connor Coutts |
In the end, more of the audience agreed with
less military spending. The total percentage of ‘undecided’ voters went down,
showcasing the debate as a tool for education. Audience members left informed,
and newly engaged with important political issues.
Audience poll before the debate. |
Audience poll after the debate. |
Table of results showing the negative team won the debate/ |
Assistant Director of Forensics Andrew Christensen |
The debate was broadcast on live on Facebook,
and can still be viewed from the James M. & Sharon E. Rupp Debate Society,
Idaho State University Facebook page.
Nick Grunig addresses the crowd. |
Kaden Marchetti |
The crowd at the debate. |
Connor Coutts |
Nick Grunig |
The crowd at the debate. |
Monday, October 9, 2017
Idaho State Debater Cameo Curnutt Takes Second Place in Climb Online Debate Tournament
Debate Team Members, Spring 2017 |
Cameo Curnutt placed second overall in the novice division based on her competitive record, winning 66% of her debates. Shelley Zimmerman, debating in competition for the first time, was recognized for her excellent presentation and speaking skills as the second place speaker in the novice division.
In open, Alexander Vail made his debut in intercollegiate debate and was recognized as the 4th place speaker in the division. Remington Grunewald, who is new to the team this year and previously debated at College of Western Idaho, was recognized as the 5th best speaker in the open division. Additionally, Connor Coutts placed 6th overall in Open.
Thanks to all the Bengals who participated this weekend. The online debates are a fun competition and provide great practice for live, in-person tournaments. The team will be competing again this weekend at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
Cameo Curnutt |
Remington Grunewald |
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