On Friday URDU debaters boarded a bus and we traveled to Hamilton, NY for our last regional tournament of the year, the Colgate Open. The tournament is unique in that – being an “open” tournament – it permits the entry of non-affiliated (non-student) debaters. So, URDU members got to debate against many of the people who typically judge their debates, which made for some extremely challenging rounds! 

Nonetheless, Ben Frazer and Graeme McGuire managed to break in Novice once again – for the FIFTH time! This was perhaps the closest they got to winning a final round, and they look forward to debating at United States Universities Championship in Alaska in two weeks.

Many URDU members tried out judging at the Colgate Open, having not had the chance during the year, as a way to prepare for USU. Sarah Hofmann, a sophomore, was selected to judge in the elimination rounds, and was even slated to judge the final, a great recognition! This reflects the high level of achievement she has attained over the course of the year – congratulations to Sarah!

In the end, the URDU was glad to have this chance to learn from some of the best in BP debate. We are ready for USU in Alaska – stay tuned for more updates.