Grove City College is a premier Christian undergraduate institution for debaters measured by the moral and academic caliber of team members, their maturity as individuals and as Christians, their willingness and ability to skillfully defend truth in a fallen world, and their history of success.
Debaters compete in Christian and secular debate tournaments, where they aspire to win and provide cultural witness through their arguments and principles. While the structure of debate can implicitly endorse relativism, Grove City College debaters reject that assumption and learn how to make strong arguments without violating conscience or indulging in fallacies. They are instructed to speak the truth exclusively and win debates and arguments honorably.
Committed to upholding the mission of the College, debaters are encouraged to put academics ahead of extracurricular activities and recognize – during and after competition – that they represent their faith, family, and Grove City College.
A Word from Our Head Coach “At Grove City College we are committed to training young people to win debates through speaking the truth beautifully. Our motto is to ‘speak better and know more.’ Our success speaks to the effectiveness of the formula, but frankly, I am more pleased by the fact that the team is a true community that fosters development in all aspects of life not just argumentation. Our commitment is to developing men and women dedicated to truth and capable of defending it.” - Dr. Jason R. Edwards, Professor of History and Forensics Head Coach
“At Grove City College we are committed to training young people to win debates through speaking the truth beautifully. Our motto is to ‘speak better and know more.’ Our success speaks to the effectiveness of the formula, but frankly, I am more pleased by the fact that the team is a true community that fosters development in all aspects of life not just argumentation. Our commitment is to developing men and women dedicated to truth and capable of defending it.” - Dr. Jason R. Edwards, Professor of History and Forensics Head Coach
The GCC Debate Team poses with their debate awards in Dayton, Ohio 2021.
Grove City College participates in multiple forms of debate, but emphasizes two types (listed below) to help students fulfill their God-gifted potential in forensics. The strength of each style is a focus on the development of real-world skills and breadth of knowledge:
“Competing as a member of the debate team has been one of the most formative experiences I have had as a student at Grove City College. On the debate team, we emphasize critical thinking, eloquent speaking, and – above all – truth. Our prioritization of these values has resulted in a consistent track record of competitive success at a national level. The Grove City College debate team does all of this while also fostering a Christ-centered community in which students have an opportunity for meaningful engagement with coaches and peers.” – Sebastian Anastasi ’23, GCC Varsity Debate Team Member and Senior Captain
The GCC Debate Team poses in front of the Appomattox Court House, where Lee surrendered to Grant at the conclusion of the Civil War.
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Students on the Grove City College Debate Team receive training in persuasive communication in a friendly and supportive community. Debaters develop skills and deepen faith as they compete in tournaments, travel the country, and eat a lot of barbecue.