By Allison Bucknell, Staff Writer
This spring marks the final semester at Union for charter debate team members Jordan Hughey and Emily Welborn.
Hughey and Welborn, senior biology and social work majors, respectively, have been members of the debate team since its inception in 2008.
Dr. Web Drake, associate professor of communication arts and director of debate, said each year the team’s dynamic changes with the addition and loss of personalities. However, this year two original members will be graduating.
“It’s been an incredible four years,” Hughey said. One of the original charter members, Hughey remembered the circumstances surrounding the beginning of the team.
“(There were) about 10 members in the beginning,” he said. “It was difficult because there weren’t any older members to help us along. It was hard to know what to expect.”
The administration was helpful in getting the team off the ground, Drake said.
Four years later, the team has proven itself a capable contender by bringing home season-long awards, closing out two seasons with championship tournaments and winning other regional and individual awards.
Hughey said he hopes the foundation laid in the past years will remain a solid base for the team as it grows and changes in the years to come, and that there will be continual support for the team.
Drake is sending off two other seniors, Kaleb Noblett and Jed Dugger, senior political science and music majors, respectively, in addition to Welborn and Hughey. Though the loss of the seniors will be felt, Drake said the expectation for the team to continue excelling is high.
