Arnold Henry Tournament

Arkansas Tech University

January 21-22, 2000

University of Arkansas debaters, under the auspices of the Arkansas Union Society, were among 17 schools from seven states participating in the Arnold Henry Tournament at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville on January 21-22, 2000. The Arkansas Union Society placed 9th in the Overall Sweepstakes and 7th in Parliamentary Debate.

Bill Horton, Union Society President, said, "We were pleased with our showing, especially in view of the fact that our budgetary constraints limit the number of University of Arkansas students we can enter in tournaments and, therefore, are limited in the number of sweepstakes points we can earn. The Union Society received $200 from the Associated Student Government this year, while schools such as Arkansas State and UA-Monticello receive more than $20,000. Our students must cover their own travel costs to participate in tournaments, and that is a significant burden on most undergraduate students." Horton added, "We are very grateful to Dr. Jimmie Rogers and the Department of Communication for supplemental funding to pay for the team's entry fees. Without that, we would not be able to represent the University in these tournaments."

Horton led the team and compiled a record of 7-2, advancing to the Semi-Final Round in Public Debate and placing 3rd in speaker points in that competition conducted under the rules of the International Public Debate Association. Robin Miller had a 3-3 record and 203 speaker points through the preliminary rounds, the best record for a Novice Debater in her first tournament competition.

"We were especially proud of the performances by Horton and Miller in the Public Debate competition," said UA Communication Professor Stephen Smith, faculty advisor for the Arkansas Union Society. "In addition, both Andy Long and Justin Tilley were quite impressive in Parliamentary Debate, each receiving first-ranked debater in several of the preliminary rounds."

Other members participating in the tournament included Steve Fox, Gary Moody, Bryan Poe, and Brent Conrad. Leah Potts and Charon Jenkins served as Judges.