Debate Forum Competes at the National Championship

The West Point Debate team travelled to Binghamton University in Binghamton, NY, to compete in the Cross Examination Debate Association National Championship. The Class of 2016 Debater CDT Michael Barlow, stole the show this weekend taking home the Brian Johnson Outstanding Debater Award and the Third Place Speaker Award. CDT Barlow earned the CEDA Debater of the Year award for his outstanding performance and competitive success, as well as his commitment to service throughout the debate community and the Army team as a leader and an activist influencing other competitors from other schools, and the entire Corps of Cadets beyond other debaters; CDT Barlow’s accomplishments and importance to the debate community were highlighted over the weekend with speeches and tributes. CDT Barlow, along with CDT Quanzel Caston advanced to the Quarterfinals of out-rounds in a field of 87 teams and over 170 debaters; they eventually lost to Stanford in the Elite 8. This was by far the program’s most successful run at CEDA Nationals to date.