SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5026 Offered May 23, 2006 Commending the Liberty University debate team. ---------- Patrons-- Newman and Hawkins; Delegate: Byron ----------

WHEREAS, the Liberty University debate team made debate competition history and set a new milestone in the illustrious team's 25th season in 2005-2006 by winning all three national college policy debate rankings championships; and

WHEREAS, Liberty University, a Christian liberal arts university located in Lynchburg, was founded in 1971 as Lynchburg Baptist College; and

WHEREAS, the exemplary debate team of Liberty University is the first team ever to be ranked No. 1 in the nation by the American Debate Association, the Cross Examination Debate Association, and the National Debate Tournament organizations in the same season; and

WHEREAS, during the highly competitive National Debate Tournament (NDT), Liberty University concluded with an NDT ranking of 566, holding off a late challenge by the University of Kansas debate team, which finished in second place with a NDT ranking of 533; and

WHEREAS, the Liberty University debate team is an inspiration to debate leagues and their many dedicated and enthusiastic members and supporters across the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby recognize the Liberty University debate team for its outstanding 2005-2006 season and its consistent excellence in the three national policy debate rankings championships; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Coach Brett O'Donnell and the members of the Liberty University debate team as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for their championship performances.