Season starts strong for MSU debate team

For Abby Schirmer, debating offers the chance for a challenge after doing hours of careful and detailed research.

“I love the research that goes along with creating successful arguments and love the adrenaline rush you get from the fast-paced debate style,” the international relations senior said.

The hard work and desire of Schirmer and others have helped lead the MSU debate team to two strong performances to begin the season. The team had success at the University of Kentucky on Oct. 6-8, as well as during the season opening debate at Georgia State University on Sept. 21.

The team of Gus Eyzaguirre, an international relations sophomore, and Eric Lanning, a first-year James Madison student, have fared particularly well in both debates. In Kentucky, they made the octofinals — the final 16 teams — and lost to the University of Kansas. At GSU, the team made the quarterfinals before bowing to Emory University.

One enjoyable moment for the team was their opening elimination round win over the University of Michigan at GSU.

“Our debate against the University of Michigan in the elimination rounds was a really enjoyable win. I was wearing an Appalachian State shirt and this particular team included two very talented seniors which added to the excitement significantly,” Lanning said.

This year’s debate theme deals with whether or not the U.S. should increase its engagement with Middle Eastern countries, including offering them security and foreign aid.

The 10-person team is comprised of students from all over the country, some of whom have been debating since high school.

Even though it’s early in the season, the debaters are encouraged by the team’s success and are hoping it will lead to bigger things. The team won the National Debate Tournament in 2004 and 2006.

“Overall, our success at the first two tournaments of the year points to what will hopefully be a very good season for Michigan State debate,” international relations junior Garrett Abelkop said.