The Vanderbilt debate team scored a win at the James Madison University Debate Tournament, with junior Cameron Norris and sophomore Nick Brown taking first place in the varsity division of the competition held during winter break.

"I am really proud of them for their hard work," said Senior Lecturer of Communications and Director of Debate Mary Sandoz. "Having this win means that our debate team's standings in the national rankings will go up, and Nick and Cameron will have gained more recognition as well."

About 19 teams from various universities across the nation competed, among them Appalachian State, Liberty University, University of Mary Washington and James Madison University.

Norris and Brown, who worked as partners, spent hours over break going over the topic of subsidies in preparation for the tournament, according to Norris.

"We spend about 20 to 35 extra hours a week researching and looking at other teams' arguments. It's like taking an extra two or three classes," Norris said.

"It was really rewarding to win since it's the first fairly big tournament Vanderbilt has won in a long time."

Norris said their goal is to make it to the prestigious National Debate Tournament this year, to which only the top 50 best teams are invited.

"Vanderbilt hasn't qualified since the ǃÚ80s and this win is definitely a step for us towards reaching that goal," Norris said.

According to Sandoz, debate provides a unique experience for students.

"Students can compete with the best debaters from other universities and not only gain an educational experience, but also an opportunity for head-to-head competition," Sandoz said.

For Norris, while debate is demanding, the experience is enjoyable.

"The best thing is that you get to learn so much and get to know people from all over the country who are talented at debating," he said. "It's also a really intensive preparation for me for law school."