After debating their way to the top of the Dempsey-Cronin Invitational, seniors Jujhaar Singh and Avi Arfin concluded the final round of the tournament with a closeout on Sunday, Dec. 13 at Santa Clara University.

According to Singh, this was the first time Paly has ever had a closeout, which is when when the two finalists of the entire tournament either end in a tie or attend the same school. Because it is against tournament rules to debate members from the same school, both Singh and Arfin, the finalists of the tournament, were automatically named the co-champions.

“I feel really great about the closeout, because it has never happened to Paly before,” Singh said. “It really reflects the strength of the debate team, since we were able to get two people to the final round.”

Director of Forensics and Paly Debate Coach Jennie Savage is also ecstatic about the end result.

“I am extremely proud of our team,” Savage said. “Our squad is uniquely cooperative and supportive of one another. Before the tournament, they work with each other and their coaches in person, on the phone, via e-mail and chat to perfect their strategies and arguments. During the tournament, they all work together as a unit to support each other and help each other defeat the competition. Our team is proving itself as one of the most successful squads in the country in terms of winning, but also in terms of integrity and maturity.”