Neil Berch believes three qualities set theWest Virginia UniversityDebate Teamapart from all othersteam spirit, unity and dedication to academic success.

Berch, the teams coach and a faculty member in WVU sDepartment of Political Sciencein theEberly College of Arts and Sciences, said the team recently wrapped up a season competing against some of the strongest academic colleges in the nation, including the United States Military Academy at West Point, the University of Vermont and Baruch College in New York City. In addition, they participated in two tournaments in Texas.

Three WVU seniors were recognized with honors:

• Samantha Godbey of Walton , a senior international studies and geography major, was the first WVU debater to receive the Michael K. Davis Award. The honor is presented to an outstanding senior in the Northeast who did not debate in high school.

• Kayden Skinner of New Martinsville , a senior political science and geography major, was a finalist for the Davis Award.

• Michael Stark of Charleston , a senior political science and economics major, and a junior varsity debater, was named third best speaker in the varsity division at the West Point Debate Tournament and the 10th best junior varsity speaker in America at the JV and Novice National Tournament.

Godbey, Skinner and Stark were all named to the Cross Examination Debate Associations National Academic All-American Team.

“The debate team gives students the opportunity to improve their skills in research, public speaking, analysis and self-confidence,Berch said.Students do an incredible amount of research on the debate topic for the season, work on their debating skills and practice debates all year long to prepare.

University students are getting ready for next season with plans for the most ambitious summer of preparation in the history of WVU debate, said Berch. The team hopes to sweep next seasons divisional and regional championships.