Abbey Sophomore Logan Torve Debates His Way to the Top of the Junior Varsity Division
BELMONT, N.C. (April 6, 2016) – Logan Torve, a Belmont Abbey College sophomore, won the junior varsity division of the one-on-one debate format at the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) National Tournament held at Lee College in Baytown, Texas, March 30-April 3.
After a five and three start in preliminary rounds, Torve advanced through the Round of 32 to the Sweet 16 and the Elite Eight, advancing over debaters from Division I colleges like Louisiana State, University of Arkansas, and Boise State. Once into the final four, Torve beat the top ranked junior varsity debater in the nation on a 2-1 decision to advance to the final round against the second ranked junior varsity debater in the nation from Union University. He beat his opponent with a 6-1 decision.
Also, at the tournament in the team division, Mary Rose Stepnowski (sophomore) and Cameron Jones (sophomore) advanced to the Sweet 16 after a three and one record, beating teams from Louisiana State, Lenoir Rhyne, and Union University. They lost to the United States Military Academy at West Point on a 2-1 decision in the round of 16. West Point went on to win the team division of the tournament.
Other members of the squad traveling to the tournament were Nicholas Otranto (senior), Clare Woollen (freshman), and Alexandrya Pouliot (freshman). All three finished with four wins and four loses in their respective divisions, but failed to advance to elimination rounds.
Debate returned to Belmont Abbey in the 2015-2016 academic year after a fifty year dormancy, and this win represents the Abbey’s first national debate championship in the history of the college.