Campus Debaters Host Weevil Wars

Staff Writer

   Scott Kuttenkuler, Jim Evans and the University of Arkansas at Monticello debate team hosted their annual Weevil Wars tournament beginning Oct. 3. Eleven schools participated.

   UAM welcomed debaters from public, private and high schools. Debaters also came from colleges in Nacogdoches, Texas, Shreveport, La. and Missouri.

   Using the International Public Debate Association format, students from Arkansas as well as neighboring states came together debating national champions, on teams and individually, debating various topics that ranged from politics to celebrity gossip.

   Every entrant pays a fee which covers room and board, a stipend and awards to winners. UAM doesn’t make a monetary profit from this tournament but UAM doesn’t lose any money.

   With more than 100 people participating in the tournament, the city of Monticello benefits economically. Participants stay in hotels and students report that they eat at Ameca and go to the movies.

   Scott Kuttenkuler, director of Debate and Forensics said, “The goals of this tournament are to serve the people who join us, maximize the university’s strengths and allow UAM students to conduct a business for three days. The students gain experience in management, administration, critical thinking and conflict management.”

   Kuttenkuler praised staff and students for their support of the tournament.

   “UAM is behind the students,” said Kuttenkuler.

   Jim Evans, assistant director of Debate and Forensics ran two divisions on four formats.

   Kuttenkuler’s argumentation and debate class provided more than 150 topics for the Weevil Wars using several resources. UAM students and students from other programs assisted in judging this competition.

   Deanna Wallace, student at Louisiana State University at Shreveport said, “This is my first time attending the Weevil Wars. I have really enjoyed the topics being debated. They are fun and relevant.”

   During the first day of the tournament, the university experienced short term technical difficulties with the Internet services. Although students could not use the internet to fully research topics, competitors still enjoyed themselves.

   Dan Eldridge, Steven F. Austin University student said, “The computers being down allowed us to create our own arguments with the information provided. I enjoyed it. You have to think more as well as be prepared. In the words of Forrest Gump, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get,’ it’s the same with debate topics.”

   Chris Brown, UAM student and first year debater said, “This tournament is a great experience. You debate against the best of the best, meet new people and form friendships that last forever.”

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