It is one in the morning of January 20 and the Northwest Arkansas Forensics debate team is finally trudging back to their hotel after 20 grueling hours of vexing over topics ranging from gun control to the magnitude of the Super Bowl at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

“Saturday the team put in a twenty hour day, leaving the University at 1 a.m.,” said Coach TaNeisha Marshall. “Debate is about having perseverance and stamina, considering they were up at 5:30 the next day facing another 14-hour day.”

In addition to the challenge of time, the team encountered opponents equipped in a differing style of debate know as policy. The speakers were well versed in speed talking and possessed exponential knowledge of politics.  They also attended the tournament with intricate cases applicable to various situations prepared as opposed to composing their arguments in the thirty minutes, leading up to their debates. The team prepared for this challenge by educating themselves on policy vernacular.

“It was a slight challenge, but a welcome challenge,” said senior Blake Tucker.

Despite the difficulties they faced, the team proved to illustrate vitality and success.  They came in first in International Public Debate Association sweepstakes and first in the team and individual debate categories. They also had the first and second place teams and had semifinalists in the novice, varsity, and pro divisions.

Personal goals were also attained on the tournament as senior Kate Mangham and junior Harlee Marcum progressed past preliminary rounds in the varsity division for the first time.

“It was as if all my goals were realized,” said Marcum.

In preparation for the event the team practiced in class, read news reports, and took advantage of after school practice sessions.  The team will continue to prepare in the same fashion in the upcoming months as they are vying for a national title in the novice division.

Regardless of what the future holds, the Knoxville tournament will remain a highlight of the debate season due to the amount of success generated.

“The best part [of the tournament] was getting to debate good people and having good clash,” said sophomore Kerim Gales.