For this first time since 1987, a debate team from Georgia State University has qualified for the elimination rounds of the National Debate Tournament.
The team of Joel Lemuel and Kirk Gibson won 5 of their 8 preliminary debates and were to top-seeded team in their bracket. Unfortunately, their reward for their strong performance was a double-octofinal matchup against the Copeland-Award-winning team from Berkeley. Joel and Kirk lost their elimination round on a 4-1 decision.
GSU's success at the 2008 NDT was the result of a tremendous amount of work by Kirk and Joel throughout the year. Thanks must also go out to our NDT coaching staff: Dr. Joe Bellon (GSU Director of Debate), Steve Herro (GSU Graduate Assistant Coach), Dr. Michael K. Davis (former GSU Assistant Director of Debate), and Erik Mathis (GSU debate alum).
The 2008 NDT marked the end of Joel Lemuel's outstanding career as a GSU debater. Joel will graduate at the end of the 2008 Spring semester. Joel's record marks him as the most successful debater in GSU history. He will be sorely missed.