Everyone involved in the Lawrence Debate Union knows that Jackie Massey has been the heart and the soul of the squad for the last four years. He has been to more tournaments, judged more debates, done more research, done more pre-round coaching, and lifted more spirits than anyone else on the team. While the mutual admiration between the LDU and Jackie continues at a high level, Jackie has announced that he will be leaving the LDU and UVM at the end of this year.

Jackie indicated that he strongly feels the need to be much closer to his daughter in Texas and also feels the call to study law and begin to apply some of his strong beliefs and extensive skills in ways that can lead to individual and societal change.

Jackie has had an amazing coaching career. Before arriving at UVM he coached at Eastern New Mexico, and brought that previously unknown school into national prominence with strong showings at CEDA Nationals and the National Debate Tournament. Since coming to UVM his hard work, creative sense of argument, and soft heart have strengthened UVM debate. In 1999 UVM reached the elimination rounds at CEDA Nationals, in 2000 they reached the elimination rounds at both CEDA Nationals and the NDT, and in 2001 again at CEDA Nationals. This year the squad has set new records for wins and total debates, and has been riding high in the national sweepstakes race. While these results have clearly been a team effort by students and coaches, few would deny that Jackie is the one in the vanguard.

LDU fellow coach Snider was lavish in his praise of Jackie. "I have been continuously impressed by his dedication and determination over the last four years. He has set high standards for our students and has also exhibited them as a role model. Jackie has inspired our students to view their debate arguments as an opportunity for advocacy of ideas and causes they believe in, and has thus given them skills they will use throughout their lives as they make a difference wherever they go. It will take at least two people to replace him."

Everyone wishes Jackie the best of luck and the team hopes to send Jackie off with a competitive flourish at both upcoming national tournaments. Upcoming issues of this newsletter will feature comments from students about working with Jackie. Alums are invited to send in their comments and memories. Jackie's position as a lecturer will be filled this Spring after an extensive search in which students will be directly involved.

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THE NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES RACE!

NDT sweepstakes can be found at http://www.whitman.edu/offices_departments/rhetoric/ndt/00zoverall.htm
CEDA sweepstakes can be found at http://esc.wichita.edu/ceda/ceda0102.htm