History

History of the N.I.T.
The NIT began in 1999 and was sponsored by the Omaha Jaycees and hosted by Creighton University.  The following year, Creighton University took over as sponsor.  The first 3 years, only Varisty LD existed at the tournament.  Due to its success however, Varsity Policy was added in 2001.  For the upcoming season, Public Forum will be added to the list of events.  The tournament structure has seen changes over the years, but boasts an exciting approach to debate (see the rules).  The point tracking and ranking system is another exciting aspect to this tournament and encourages debaters to compete as frequently as possible.  Many coaches recognize the benefit of this incentive as their students have more opportunities to grow and improve with each tournament.  The tournament missed a year during the 2004-2005 season, but returned in 2005-2006 due to the support of the Nebraska Debate Coaches community.

Past Champions:

1999 LD Champion – Susannah Bohlke – Lincoln Southeast
2000 LD Champion – Tricia Bolin – Millard West
2001 LD Champion – Ted Ashley – Lincoln East
2002 LD Champion – Tom Evnen – Lincoln Southeast
2003 LD Champion – Tom Evnen – Lincoln Southeast
2004 LD Champion – Anna Everitt – Westside
2006 LD Champion – Sol Eppel – Lincoln East
2007 LD Champion – Barb Walkowiak – Lincoln East
2008 LD Champion – Charles McClung – Lincoln Northeast
2009 LD Champion – Brent Young – Millard West

2001 Policy Champion – Cody Sobansky/Matt Cormack – Lincoln Southeast
2002 Policy Champion – Nathan Dallon/Tim Royers – Millard West
2003 Policy Champion – Kyle Fowler/Nailmul Huq – Westside
2004 Policy Champion – Dylan Sutton/Sam Timme – Fremont
2006 Policy Champion – Amy Vanderpool/Brittany Leach – Millard South
2007 Policy Champion – Carly Persell/Ashley Morgan – Lincoln East
2008 Policy Champion – David Frenzel/Andy Specht – Lincoln High
2009 Policy Champion – Ryan Markus/Shane Adams – Millard West

2006 Public Forum Champion – Charles Fisher/Maggie Sullivan – Fremont
2007 Public Forum Champion – Tina Zheng/Kelley Christensen – Lincoln East
2008 Public Forum Champion – Jeri Kohn/Garrett Mardock – Lincoln Southwest
2009 Public Forum Champion – Ben Schoeneberger/Kirk Steirs – Lincoln Southeast

2006 Novice LD Champion – Barb Walkowiak – Lincoln East
2007 Novice LD Champion – Sammi Stahlneckeer – Millard South
2008 Novice LD Champion – Jordan Degner – Millard West
2009 Novice LD Champion – Noemi Berkowitz – Lincoln Southwest

2006 Team Champion – Lincoln Southwest
2007 Team Champion – Lincoln East
2008 Team Champion – Millard West
2009 Team Champion – Millard West