For Immediate Release - Lawton, OK, Feb. 26, 2003

Cameron to host national speech/debate tourney

Cameron University will host the 2003 Novice National Speech and Debate Tournament Feb. 28-March 2 in Lawton.
 

This year marks the 21st year that the Novice Nationals have been held. The event is designed to be a low-key, educational, yet competitive tournament for first-year intercollegiate debate competitors. The tournament will feature competitions in parliamentary and Lincoln-Douglas Debate as well as many individual events.
 

The Cameron Speech and Debate Team has garnered numerous state a national awards. So far this year, the team members have brought home more than 160 individual event awards and they are Oklahoma's current state collegiate champions in debate.
 

While Cameron hosts its own speech and debate competition each December, this is the first time the university has hosted a national speech and debate tournament. For many years, CU has also sponsored one of the longest running summer speech and debate camps in the region.
 

"Cameron has an outstanding reputation for our excellent speech, debate and communications programs," said Eddie Skaggs, an assistant communications professor who coaches the CU Speech and Debate Team. "We are thrilled to have so many schools participating and we look forward to welcoming them to our campus."
 

So far, nearly 200 students from 26 different colleges and universities have registered for the event.
 

Judges and volunteers for the tournament are needed. Interested individuals can call Skaggs at 580/581-2555.-30-

Editors and Broadcasters: For more information, contact Mr. Skaggs at the number in the last graf.