Debate team takes two top five spots in tournament

Portland State’s debate team placed in the top five twice at the Pan-Pacific Championship Debate Tournament in Hawaii this weekend.

Universities from California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii participated in the tournament, which was held at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, Haw. PSU placed second and fifth in the overall tournament standings.

Kelly Welch and Josh Gross were finalists in the final round of the tournament. Their team placed second overall. Representing the fifth place team were Sean Partsch and Rebecca Rudowitz.

The annual tournament is made up of six preliminary debates as well as a semi-final elimination-style debate series. PSU was represented by four separate teams at the tournament.