Barton Debate student shines against national competitors

 
October 23, 2014
Story by Joe Vinduska
Courtesy photo submitted

The Barton Debate and Forensics team participated in its second tournament of the year Oct. 17-19 at the University of Central Missouri and Barton’s Chase Pumford was a standout performer.

Pumford, a sophomore from Great Bend, earned a sixth place individual speaker award in National Forensic Association Lincoln Douglas (NFA-LD) Debate and tied for third in NFA-LD Debate.

Barton Forensics Coach Bill Sheffield said Pumford really shined at this event.

“This was a great breakout tournament for Chase,” he said.  “In only his second NFA-LD competition, he was able to compete with some of the best debaters in the country.  He was the only community college competitor in the entire open division.  He was battling the big dogs and held his own.  He’s helping to put Barton on the debate world map.”