MBA Debaters Begin New Season

Ocean Policy Initiatives Dominate Discussion

Montgomery Bell Academy is the Proud Home of

The Southern Bell Forum

The Speech and Debate Program at Montgomery Bell Academy is a multi-faceted program designed to accommodate a wide variety of student experiences in oral communication. MBA celebrates the communication skills that come from participation in the many different activities in which the school supports specialized training.

Why Debate?

Debate is among the oldest and most highly valued programs at Montgomery Bell Academy.

Debaters ScoreVictories at Wake Forest's Earlybird Invitational

Matthew Clair ('05) and John Patten ('04) advanced to the semifinals before losing a 3-2 decision to Miami Palmetto. Alex Lamballe ('05) and Tripp Rebrovick ('05) advanced to the octafinals. John Patten was 3rd speaker. Lincoln Douglas debater, Spence Patten ('04) advanced to the quarter finals. JV policy debater, Parkes Brittain ('07), was the 3rd speaker in the JV division. More information inside Policy Debate Resources.

Mr. Michael Risen will assume responsibility as MBA's new Head Coach of the Varsity Policy Debate Team this season. Mr. Risen is one of the most capable and successful debaters in MBA debate history. During his senior year at MBA, Michael and his partner, Brian Stults ('97) dominated competitions across the nation, earning both individual and team distinction at every major national tournament during the year. The team was clearly recognized among the top five teams in the nation.

Michael attended William and Mary after completing his career at MBA and went on to begin his teaching career at the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. He joins MBA this year as an English teacher and our head policy coach.

Already, the team is preparing for its first tournaments at a fever pitch. The level of effort is tremendous, and we fully expect the rewards of the season to be incredible.

National Debate Coaches Association

Extemporaneous Speaking

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Mock Trial

Individual Events

History of MBA Debate

Alumni Exchange

Debate Update