Former Bates debaters are all smiles as they return to parliamentary debate for the weekend. (Photo Credit: Virginia Flatow)

On January 21st and 22nd, teams from all over the country (and one team from Canada!) braved the weather in order to debate at Brooks Quimby's annual American Parliamentary debate tournament. Although threat of a morning storm did deter a couple of teams from attending, tournament directors Kate Fetrow '13 and Cat Djang '13 were pleased at the above-average turnout; the tournament featured debaters hailing from 15 different colleges and universities!

By the end of the second day of debating, Brandeis "Navajo Blanket" (Keith Barry & Russell Leibowitz) were named the varsity champions of the tournament. The tournament's top varsity speaker was Ashley Woods from Northeastern University. The tournament's judging pool was augmented by seven outstanding dino debaters, among them five Bates alums: Matt Marienthal, Jared Levy, Brendan Jarboe, Rachel Kurzius, and Geoff Shaughnessy. It was great to catch up with all of them and have their level of expertise for judging out-rounds.

Ultimately, the tournament would not have been possible without what team president Ian Mahmud '12 described as a "tremendous effort" shown by every member of the BQDC. Ian, the tab director, along with Joseph Kibe '11, Ben Smith '13, Qasim Mahmood '13, and Jack Stewart '14, toiled away in the tab room ensuring that rounds were paired efficiently and with care. Colin Etnire '12 was also in charge of judging. Previous tournament directors Andrew Wong '12 and Andy Kageleiry '12 took on the responsibilities of housing and food, respectively. Numerous other team members contributed in invaluable ways by transporting teams, running ballots, helping with set-up, and housing debaters. All in all, it was a resounding success for the BQDC!