Re-instated Forensic Arts Society Leaps Back into Competition
BELMONT, N.C. (September 28, 2015) — After a forty-six year dormancy, the Belmont Abbey College Forensics Arts Society resumed competition and senior John Young took second place in the novice division of the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) format of debate. After defeating strong competition from Middle Tennessee State University and Morehouse College in the elite eight and final four of the tournament, Young was to face the top seeded novice competitor from Valdosta State; however, based upon a squad decision, Young forfeited the final round so that the members of the team could make it to Sunday evening Mass in nearby Cummings, Georgia.
In addition to Young’s success, other squad members also did very well in IPDA division of the tournament. Out of those represented in the IPDA division’s elite eight, Belmont Abbey had three: Young, Emily Wieck, and Mary Rose Stepnowski. Nicholas Otranto (sr.) was within one speaker point of advancing.