The debate team at the time even gave money to the fledgling football team. In 1969, the program was ranked No. 1 in the country. Frank since has led the team to hundreds of awards at state and national competitions. Last year, one debate duo made it to the octafinals at the national level, placing them ninth in the country. In 1987, the team won the Northwest Forensic Conference and a list of other major events.
Tournaments require travel and giving up many weekends.
While students earn credit through the Robert D. Clark Honors College, the commitment is rigorous and time-consuming. But Boyd, for one, wouldn't have missed the road trips. He remembers piling into a van and talking for hours about politics, art and sports en route to regional tournaments. This program best exemplifies what an undergraduate education ought to provide.