Source: Justin Green, 785-532-6863, jmgreen@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.k-state.edu/debate/
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-6415, bbohn@k-state.edu

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

K-STATE JUNIOR VARSITY DEBATERS EARN HIGH FINISHES AT JUNIOR VARSITY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University Debate Team member has won top individual honors at two different junior varsity national championships.

Derek Ziegler, sophomore in political science and philosophy, Manhattan, took first place at the National Junior Varsity/Novice Nationals at Towson University, March 6-9, and at the National Junior Division Debate Tournament, March 14-16, at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park.

"Derek also was one of only 12 debaters in the country to qualify for the recent National Debate Tournament as just a sophomore," said Justin Green, K-State debate coach.

Ziegler and his partner, John Grice, sophomore in political science, Manhattan, earned second place in the team competition at the Junior Varsity/Novice National, and fourth place at the National Junior Division Debate Tournament.

Also placing in the top 10 at the National Junior Division Debate Tournament was the team of Ashley Denny, sophomore in English, Manhattan, and Caitlin Reynolds, sophomore in information systems, Topeka, who placed seventh in the team competition at the National Junior Division Debate Tournament. Reynolds also placed ninth individually at the tournament.

According to Green, the success of the junior varsity debaters helped the K-State Debate Team finish the season ranked 10th overall in the nation.