Speech and Debate Team Ranks Nationally

It is not often that decorated Villiger speaker James McGraw ’10 finds himself speechless.

When asked to reflect on his four-year tenure on the Villiger Speech and Debate Team at Saint Joseph’s, the senior star, who has nationally medaled in Limited Preparedness and Impromptu Speaking, was at a loss for words. During a brief pause, McGraw sifted through the memories of what he calls one of the “keystone experiences” of his time at SJU, to respond.

“Initially, my goal was always to compete, to place and to bring back the top prize,” McGraw said. “My teammates worked incredibly hard, but they also reminded me of what was most important. Looking back, it is the people, the conversations, and the friendships that I’ll remember the most. The trophies are nice, though.”

In his senior year and as the president of the team, McGraw blazed a trail to the national scene. His personal success significantly contributed to the achievement of this year’s team, comprised of Joe Dineen ’11, who placed No. 6 overall in Impromptu Speaking and in the top 24 in After Dinner Speaking at the American Forensics Association (AFA) competition, Erica Kane ’11, Kelsey Hockenberger ’12, Kate Hardy ’12, Dennis Feldman ’12, Matt Emery ’12, and Raya Abat ’13. Robb Del Casale ’85 serves as the team’s moderator.

This year, McGraw won the national championship in Informative Speaking, placed fifth in Impromptu Speaking, and finished in the top 24 in Persuasion, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Communication Analysis, garnering him a national ranking of fourth overall at the AFA competition, leading the Saint Joseph’s team to No. 15 in the country.

In the National Forensics Association (NFA) tournament, the team ranked No. 9 in the country, with McGraw bringing a national championship in the Communication Analysis category, third place in Extemporaneous Speaking and Informative Speaking, sixth in Impromptu Speaking, a top 12 finish in After Dinner Speaking, a top 24 placement in Persuasion and a No. 2 ranking overall — a first for Saint Joseph’s. The AFA and NFA are the two gold standards for speech and debate competition at the collegiate level.

Though McGraw is graduating, Dennis Feldman ’12, remains optimistic about next year’s team.

“Our team is losing an amazing competitor and a great friend,” said Feldman. “But the competitive nature of our group will keep all 11 of our students intense, working toward achievement similar to this year and last. The dynamic of the program changes each year, but the success and the fun atmosphere that has defined our program continue.”

The Villiger team has thrived in local and national competition throughout the years, but its influence is also felt in the classroom.

“I’ve always enjoyed having Villiger students in my classes, because they bring an insight and creativity to their papers and discussion that you don’t see from their peers,” says Lisa Baglione, Ph.D., professor and chair of political science at Saint Joseph’s. “They are incredibly well-read and bring a remarkable level of conversation and ability to articulate to class discussions. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with them.”

Beyond skill development and competition, the Villiger team encourages and engages youth through an annual competition at Saint Joseph’s. Their tournament invites approximately 1,000 high school students from around the country to come to Saint Joseph’s and compete in a variety of areas of speech and debate. McGraw, who was inspired to apply at Saint Joseph’s following participation in the tournament, feels it is one of the best things the Villiger team does for the University.

“For hundreds of [high school] students, it is the first time they ever get to experience Hawk Hill,” said McGraw. “After all, it was my first visit to campus and it left a lasting impression. I know classmates that are not on the current Villiger team that chose St. Joe’s based on their experiences during the competition. I’m proud to have been a part of such a great tradition.”

For more information about the team, visit https://clubs.sju.edu/villigerdebate/.