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Cabin Fever: Last Debate of the season

Finalists Mark Zimmerman and Quin Sweeny hold their trophy high. Photo by Cian Abad.

Cabin Fever Debates held its final intramural debating tournament Tuesday, Feb. 27. On the side of the proposition arguing that billionaires should not exist, Mark Zimmerman and Quin Sweeny took the trophy. Students gathered in the lecture room of Social Sciences Building Room 118 to watch the proponents and the opposition debate . A very interesting topic that had everyone pounding on tables, both sides gave compelling arguments.

Assistant coach Shawn Briscoe, said the contestants are students who wanted to give debating a try without yet becoming part of the competitive Seawolf team. Cabin Fever was first established in 2006, and is held each year in the spring semester. The event is organized by the director of the Seawolf Debate Program, Steve Johnson, whose passion for debate began when he too was in college. His “I AM UAA: Steve Johnson” article has more information on why he chose the path of debate. Former contestant Eisa Chang said that she was able to better her public speaking skills and meet new friends with Cabin Fever. She participated in last year’s Cabin Fever, which she can no longer compete in any more, but she is now a member of the Seawolf Debate Program and can act as a judge for the Cabin Fever debates.

The plaque and trophy for the Cabin Fever finalists. Photo by Cian Abad.
Steve Johnson introduced the teams and welcomed the audience. Photo by Cian Abad.
The audience, some being part of the Seawolf Debate team, are excited for the debate to start. Photo by Cian Abad.
Assistant coach Shawn Briscoe with some of the Cabin Fever participants. Photo by Cian Abad.
Because of the topic “Should billionaires exist?”, a couple debaters decided to dress for the occasion. Photo by Cian Abad.
Intermission begins as the judges leave the room to decide which team is the winner. Photo by Cian Abad.
Contestants Mark Zimmerman and Quinn Sweeny waiting for the results. Photo by Cian Abad.
Profile shot of former Cabin Fever contestant Eisa Chang, who is now part of the Seawolf Debate Program. Photo by Cian Abad.
Mark Zimmerman before the win going through his notes. Photo by Cian Abad.