[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 96 (Tuesday, July 13, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITON OF THE MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY DEBATE TEAM

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize the tremendous accomplishment of Michigan 
State University and its debate team. On April 6, 2004, Michigan State 
University won the National Debate Tournament hosted by Catholic 
University in Washington, DC. This date was a milestone in that it 
marked the first National Championship awarded to the Michigan State 
Spartans in the field of debate. In addition, the Spartans demonstrated 
the high quality of Michigan's public institutions of education, as it 
was only the third occasion in 20 years that a public university has 
won the title.
  During the tournament, the Spartans defeated many of the Nations' 
most respected academic universities. These include Harvard, Dartmouth, 
Emory, Northwestern, and finally, long-time rival UC Berkeley in the 
championship match. It is also worth noting that Michigan State was 
represented by two separate teams in the tournaments final four. 
However, as they were matched against one another, the higher ranked 
team advanced while the other willingly conceded.
  In the final round, the Spartan team consisting of Dave Strauss and 
Greta Stahl, defeated the team from Berkeley that was ranked No. 1 
overall entering the tournament. Michigan State was declared the winner 
4-1 by the 5 judges scoring the debate. The Sigurd S. Larmon Memorial 
Trophy is awarded annually to the National Debate Tournament Champion 
and will remain in East Lansing until the 2005 tournament.
  Michigan State University's debate team, led by head coach Will 
Repko, is now the reigning national champion. This accomplishment was 
made possible through the hard work and dedication of all those who 
support Michigan State's debate program. The university's first 
national championship signals the beginning of what will surely become 
a great tradition.
  It is with great pleasure that I offer my sincerest congratulations 
and appreciation to Michigan State University as it celebrates its 
victory at the National Debate Tournament. Those who participated 
should be very proud of the manner in which they represented their 
school. I know my colleagues in the Senate join me in honoring MSU, the 
team, and its staff as they continue with their pursuit of academic 
excellence.

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