by Araceli Esparza
Features Editor
At the National Debate Championships two weeks ago in Lubbock, Texas, the University of La Verne debate team failed to qualify past the preliminary round, and had other problems throughout the trip.
The team of sophomore Fabiola Ochoa and junior John Keller ended with a 3-5 record. A second team, freshman Sean Krispinsky and senior David Randall, qualified for a 4-4 break in further rounds, but were unsuccessful in advancing.
“Going into the tournament, there was a lot of pressure on the people,” said Jason Sandford, director of speech and debate.
Senior Elizabeth Contreras, an individual events coach, said the team’s performance was an effect of the previous night.
Their vehicle, the University Towne Car, overheated and broke down in Barstow late Wednesday (March 18), and further problems led to a loss of sleep for the team.
Ochoa, Randall, Keller, Krispinsky and assistant director of speech and debate Mark McKellip stayed overnight in Barstow. Senior Billy Baccus, a judge for the team, Contreras and Sandford were already on their way to Texas via Greyhound.
When Dr. George Keeler, Communications Department chair, arrived in Barstow Thursday afternoon to assist, the team had been advised by Sandford to go to Texas “anyway you can.”
The team acquired one-way airline tickets, using personal funds for the expenses.
“They made no regard for the trip back,” said Dr. Keeler.
“We took the one-way ticket because it was cheaper,” said Ochoa. “We figured we could worry about the way back later.”
Sunday afternoon, Baccus rented a car for the return trip.
“I wanted to go in the car,” said Sandford. “But then I realized there were people in the car who did not want me there, and I didn’t want to go in the car anymore.”
Dr. Gingrich and Dr. Keeler met with the debate team and staff this Monday to resolve internal problems and clarify the situation. At this time, they have not reached an agreement.
