The Towson University Speech and Debate Team traveled to the 46th Annual U.S. Naval Academy Debates on January 30, 2004-February 3, 2004. Continuing a stellar 40th anniversary year, the team distinguished itself as a force of tigers not to be underestimated.
Trinya Smith and Shawntia Diggs advanced to the Octa-final round of debates. In a close 2-1 decision, Smith and Diggs were defeated by a team from Boston College. Their efforts earned them an award for being the 5th place team at the tournament. Individually, Smith was the tenth place speaker and Diggs the eleventh place speaker out of a field of 40 debaters in the junior varsity division.
?I am so proud of myself for earning this speaker award. It is an affirmation of the ways that I have grown in Debate since my involvement in high school,? Trinya Smith said.
Debaters Sergejs Saksonovs, Sabina Cudic, Rafal Kosmider, Candice Stokes, Tomekar Matthews, Normunds Pelnens, Chad Henson, and Lawrence Grandpre also took part in this educational opportunity afforded by the men and women of the Naval Academy.
?The hospitality at this tournament was second to none and the midshipmen on the Navy Squad deserve kudos for their efforts,? commented Darren C. Goins, Director of the Speech and Debate Program. ?This tournament aims to please with an on-time forensics experience and succeeded. Dan Overby and his team ran a tight ship.?
The Towson Speech and Debate Team coaching staff and members are contributing to a bellwether year for forensics at the University.
