Cleveland State Debate Team Named Champions of Robot Rumble

Holly Vincent
Sunday, March 21, 2021 12:00 AM
Community, Academics, Students

This past Saturday, February 27, 2021, the Cleveland State Debate Team, led by Coach Laurie Rowland, were named the champions of the Robot Rumble hosted by Bowling Green State University. CSCC was one of 24 collegiate teams competing. Previously described as an “up-and-coming team to watch,” this new achievement firmly establishes Cleveland State as a contender in collegiate debate circles. 

This season, Cleveland State has six debaters competing in both International Public Debate Association (IPDA) and National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA). Both types of debate require a variety of topics announced 20 minutes before the round starts, and competitors cannot access any information beyond what they gathered before the rounds start.

Due to the pandemic, all tournaments are virtual this season presenting new technical challenges including audio glitches and failed connections. Other debate rules remain the same as teams argue in real time in front of computer screens across the country.

The sophomore team of Katie Rockhill and Caleb Spires broke into outrounds after the first four preliminary rounds on Saturday advancing over Grand Canyon University to battle Hillsdale College for the championship.

According to Coach April Kidd, the Robot themed tournament surprised everyone with a difficult resolution for the finals: “Be it resolved that droids should be valued over druids.” Each team only had 15 minutes after the topic was announced to prepare their case. The team of Rockhill/Spires presented and defended their case assuming the resolution as symbolic of the value of human progression versus the limitations of human tradition. Despite four failed internet connections during the final round, Rockhill and Spires persevered with determination, having lost their last tournament by one vote to Bryan College. Their efforts paid off as the judges awarded Cleveland State victory.

Viewing the awards ceremony via Zoom, the entire team erupted in celebration as the decision was announced. Along with claiming the championship, Cleveland State also walked away from the tournament with two top speaker awards. Freshman Donnie Burnette earned the sixth top speaker award. (Burnette has won a speaker award at each tournament this year). Sophomore Brooke Bargeron was honored as the overall top speaker.

Coach Laurie Rowland reflects, “This team persevered through a pandemic, changing debate types, economic and technology challenges. I don’t know that I could be more proud of each and every one of them for all that they have accomplished - not only at this tournament and all tournaments, but in everyday life.”

The Cleveland State Speech and Debate Team will begin recruiting for the fall soon. To find out how to join the team or offer your support, please contact Coach April Kidd at akidd@clevelandstatecc.edu. 

Photo Caption: CSCC Debate Team were the champions of the Robot Rumble on Saturday, February 27. Pictured from left to right: Coach April Kidd, Burch Harbison, Katie Rockhill, Devin Hollingsworth, Brooke Bargeron, Caleb Spires, Donnie Burnette and Coach Laurie Rowland.