The Marist Debate team engages in two-person competitive policy debate. The team travels across the United States challenging students from other schools. The emphasis is on strong reasoning, good argument, compelling research and critical thinking. Debaters each deliver a nine minute constructive speech, a six minute rebuttal speech, and ask and answer a three minute cross examination. Marist debates the topic determined by the members of the Cross Examination Debate Association and National Debate Tournament. The 2005-2006 topic is:
"Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase diplomatic and economic pressure on the People's Republic of China in one or more of the following areas: trade, human rights, weapons proliferation, Taiwan."
Featuring a young team of 6 core debaters, the Marist Debate Team is poised to spring into prominence. Focusing on regional debate and supporting a strong novice program, the Marist Debate team represents a critical part of Marist's future. The 2005-2006 debate season has served as a core building year, with Marist debaters competing in elimination rounds at the Novice, JV or Open (Varsity) levels at every tournament this year.
Marist's policy debate team is coached by Jim Maritato, a Marist alum and former member of the Red Fox squad. Jim studied at the University of Wyoming following his graduation from Marist and received a Master of Arts in Communication. While at the University of Wyoming, Jim taught public speaking and assistant coached the nationally competitive policy and parliamentary debate teams. He has also been a recurring staff member at the Wyoming Forensics Institute for high school debaters as well as the Wyoming Debate Cooperative for college students. Jim's stylistic and argumentative focuses in debate include critical and performative advocacies alongside traditional policy debate, affording Marist with a strategic pluralism.
The Marist Policy debate team is a competitive activity that is open to all Marist Students who meet academic standards. Students receive priority points towards housing for participation and involvement in debate often furthers academic success as students learn key research and critical thinking skills. Scholarships are available to students who show commitment to the activity, exemplify a positive work ethic towards personal and team goals and who excel in developing persuasive speaking and logical reasoning. If you are interested in the debate team, please contact us.
