PLU Forensics Finishes Season Strong, Placing Top 30 in the Nation

Parkland, WA- The T.O.H. Karl Forensics Forum has returned from the United States Universities Worlds Debate Championship at Purdue University. Seniors David Mooney and Pam Barker were among the nations elite, defeating 220 other teams to earn a coveted spot in the elimination rounds. “It was extremely rewarding to see our hard work pay off” Barker says.

PLU beat elite teams from all over the country, including Yale, Cornell, Stanford, Loyola Marymount, Bard, and the University of Denver.

Top honors were also awarded to professor Justin Eckstein, as he was named one of the countries best adjudicators.

This national tournament marks the end of a stellar season for PLU forensics. Barker and Mooney made to elimination rounds at every tournament they attended. This places them among the most consistent and competitively successful teams in the storied history of PLU Forensics. Mooney beams, “it was an honor to continue PLU’s legacy as a competitive debate powerhouse.”

This was also the end of seniors, Chris Fournier and Mamie Howard’s, competitive debate career.  While both were new comers to the team this year, they quickly ascended through the ranks and got to compete at nationals. Howard says, “I never thought trying debate would be so fun and rewarding.”

Professor Eckstein says, “I am very pleased with the way the year has progressed and I am excited to see what next year holds.” The 2014-2015 season begins this September.