Last weekend, a busload of BUDLers made their way to New Jersey for the Jersey Urban Debate League (JUDL)'s 4th annual College Bridge tournament. We joined the New York, Rhode Island and Boston Leagues, in addition to a number of schools from the host League, at the combination college fair and tournament.

In addition to exposure to some great debate (College Bridge IV featured many area teams who had competed in the prestigious Bronx Science national circuit tournament the weekend before), B'More represented to more than 20 colleges and universities - many of whom sent representatives from their speech & debate teams to scout the next generation of college debate.

In the varsity division 7 of our teams finished with winning records. Jasmine Coleman of Talent Development received a medal as 7th place speaker, and Brion (not Brian) Gill of Freedom Academy walked away as the third place speaker.

In JV, both of our teams from Digital Harbor placed as teams! Kliffi Blackstone and Brittany Herring came in as the 9th place JV team, with their squadmates Juan Peralta and Randy Johnson edging them in 8th place by 1.5 points.

The trip was a rewarding experience from debate & college access perspectives - a great time was had by all involved. At home and away - BUDL ROCKS!!!

To look at pictures, please (click here).