UW Bothell debate team starts strong

By Jasleena Grewal

During family dinners, do you find your conversations with Uncle Joe transforming into arguments about the latest controversies? Do you often have burning opinions that you can’t wait to share?  Do you have a passion for public speaking, or are you looking to polish up your communication skills?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might be interested in joining UW Bothell’s Debate Society and Team.

Students in Debate Society learn about multiple facets of formal debate, such as public speaking strategies, staying up-to-date with current events, and the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) style. The NPDA style is used for competitive, inter-collegiate competitions. In addition to competing in the NPDA circuit, the team participates in the Model UN circuit.  As Debate Society members continue to practice their skills, they commit to the Debate Team, which travels locally and nationally to compete against other colleges.

Still in its infancy, the team is in its second quarter at UW Bothell. However, it has already experienced enormous victory and recognition.

The team captains, Jeff King and Ismaila Maidadi, recall feeling anonymous and underestimated as they entered their first tournament. As roll was being taken, other teams were confused to hear “Team: UW Bothell,” many unaware that a Debate Team existed at a UW branch campus.

But, the team quickly proved that they were a force to be reckoned with. In each of their NPDA divisions, Maidadi placed first and team member Allison Titchenal placed third.

Every tournament onward, team members continued to rank highly among their competitors, earning regional recognition in the Pacific Northwest. Maidadi took a playful jab at UW Bothell’s sister campus, stating, “In just one quarter, UW Bothell’s debate team has received more recognition than UW Seattle’s team has received in all their years.”

“Now, whenever roll is called, [the other teams] are scared, rather than confused,” Maidadi said.

When asked to reflect upon their accomplishments, the team attributes their success to members’ openness to new ideas, long-term value of acquired skills, and passion for deliberation.

Team member Eric Hopson said that he has broadened his horizons and met interesting people through his participation.

“Staying up-to-date with current events will benefit [people in] any major, whether it’s business, global studies, or psychology,” Matt Bennett, another team member said.

Titchenal closed the group’s reflection with comedic relief. “We all just love to argue,” she said.

On March 2-3, UW Bothell will host a regional championship tournament for the Pacific Northwest’s Junior and Novice Division NPDA debate teams. In order to prepare for this event, now is a great time to get involved with the UW Bothell Debate Society and Team.

The Debate Society meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 in room UW2-221. The Debate Team meets on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in UW2-105.

For a detailed list of tournament results, upcoming events, and contact information, please visit: http://www.uwb.edu/ias/experiential/debate