Debate Team at UT Tyler Ranked Fourth in Nation

TYLER — The debate team at The University of Texas at Tyler is now ranked fourth among the more than 350 collegiate teams across the nation, Dr. Dennis Cali, Department of Communication chair, announced. Much like national rankings for college sports, the debate rankings play a major role in the seeding of teams for the national tournament, according to Dr. Charles Walts, assistant professor of communication, who is in his second year as director of forensics.

�This is a major accomplishment for the program,� said Walts. �The higher your rank, the better chances you have of succeeding.� Previously, UT Tyler�s highest rank held was 60th during the 2009-10 season. �This kind of jump in the rankings is an indicator of how well we are debating this year and how we have transitioned from a regional program to a national contender,� Walts added.