Welcome Sports Fans!

Jason & Kevin wrestle over the future of the blog.

Nick & Sean heatedly discuss strategy.

Matt checks Facebook.

All-

I wanted to help Jason maintain this blog for those of you tuning in at home, mostly because I thought that last year's blog represented a tradition worth continuing. We are presently at the 2007 National Debate Tournament at the Westin Park Central in Dallas, Texas. This NDT will be held entirely at the Westin, diverging from the standard practice of holding tournaments on college campuses.

Juniors Nick Ryan and Sean Jansen, Sophomore Matt Struth, and Freshman Kevin "Special K" Kallmyer will be competing against 76 of the best debate teams in America. Rounding out Mary Washington's NDT contingent are debate coach Adrienne Brovero, DOD Tim O'Donnell, one-man-crack-research team/"Man Scout" Jason Martin, and myself. To offer some background on this year's topic (or if you are interested in pitching in), the caselist is a valuable resource.

This evening we will be taking a team picture, grabbing some dinner at Chipotle, and attending the NDT reception (where the rankings for the top 5 teams in the country and the prestigious Copeland Award are announced). Rounds 1 through 3 will be held tomorrow, with the announcement for round one beginning at 8:00 sharp. I will try to keep you all posted as this weekend progresses.

Clint Woods