Bowling Green, Ky. - Debate members of the Western Kentucky University Forensic Team placed third in the country at the National Parliamentary Debate Association National Tournament.

Ten members of the squad represented WKU at the March 24-27 tournament held on the campus of Oregon State University. Willamette University was first and Colorado College was second in team sweepstakes.

WKU was the runner-up in total season team sweepstakes behind Willamette.

Joelle Perry, a Florence junior, was awarded top speaker out of an open field of 546 competitors. Lauren Nelson, a freshman from Wheaton, Ill., was awarded fourth speaker in the novice division. The top speaker awards recognize students who not only excel at argumentation, but also succeed at presenting ideas in a polished and clear manner.

The WKU debate coaching staff includes head coach Glenn Prince, assistant coaches Jennifer Corum and Jenn Sullivan, and Lincoln-Douglas debate coach Steve Doubledee.

This weekend, the WKU Forensic Team will compete at the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament at the University of Florida in Gainesville in hopes of reclaiming the national title.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Judy Woodring at (270) 745-6340.