Posted on March 23, 2015
CCU Defends Debate Trophy on Home Turf
For the third year in a row, Colorado Christian University was the top school in the National Christian College Forensics Championships. Unlike previous years, however, students won't be bringing the trophy home. It's already here, as CCU hosted the tournament over the weekend.
"Our team did an amazing job," noted Director of Debate Chris Leland, Ph.D. "CCU won the team debate national title, the runner-up national title in individual events, and was crowned the overall national Christian college champion for 2015.
"I don't know if I have ever been prouder of a group of young people for their competitive efforts, their perseverance, and most of all, their Christian character."
Team members Matthew Erickson, Ali Gordon, Sarah Hartland, and Nicolas Leland all notched titles of their own for team debate. Erickson also won the team debate division at last year's tournament.
Additionally, CCU alumni showed up, former debaters themselves, to help coach the team as Leland had additional logistical duties from hosting the tournament. Caleb Rawson and Matt Lenell added veteran savvy to a debate team that is only in its fourth year of existence.
Overall, the event was a huge success for the University. Staff and faculty contributed by judging debates and working behind the scenes to execute the event without a hitch.
"Visiting coaches and students complimented our facilities, our staff, our leadership, and our students," added Leland.
The national tournament ends the year for the debate team, but the future remains bright. With unparalleled success, including multiple national titles in just four years, CCU has firmly placed itself among destination schools for students interested in debate. The competitiveness of the team also proves the academic prowess of the student body and the rigor of a CCU education.