Pictured from left to right: Chase Chastain, Chris Claibourn, Robert Lowry, Avry Wood, Abby Black (seated), Anna Chandler, Josh Knox, Arielle Chastain, Meagan Hill (seated) and Scot Loyd.
Pictured: Scot Loyd and Chase Chastain.
Submitted photos.
Pictured: Chris Claibourn, Anna Chandler and Abby Black.
OBU Debate Team Ranks Nationally for Season
April 23, 2018
The Bison Debate Team at Oklahoma Baptist University received several awards at the International Public Debate Association National tournament Tuesday, March 27, at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Only in its second year, the Bison novice team finished second in the country.
Out of more than 400 competitors nationwide, Chase Chastain, debate team captain, and Anna Ruth Chandler finished the season at seventh and ninth place respectively in the novice division. Chandler also earned a fifth place speaker award, and she, Chris Claibourn and Abby Black completed the season as octofinalists.
Scot Loyd, assistant professor of communication studies and director of forensics and debate, is pleased with the success of his team.
“This team has been a joy to coach,” he said. “To see their growth as competitors, persuasive speakers and critical thinkers is amazing and crucial to the impact they will continue to have in the world.”
Loyd plans to continue the success of Bison Debate next season by adding new members to the team, which will allow them to compete in all four divisions of the International Public Debate Association.
Loyd is thankful for the support of OBU and its community.
“We are so appreciative of everyone at Oklahoma Baptist University who makes our success possible,” he said.