The first intercollegiate debate was held by the men's team at Penn State in 1898. Thereafter, men's and women's teams competed across the nation, debating on a variety of topics. Penn State teams saw great success at tournaments at University of Pittsburgh, Case Western Reserve University, Ursinus College, University of California, and even Oxford University. The debate teams stressed the importance of the art of intercollegiate discussion.
From the description of Penn State Debate Team scrapbook, trophies, and memorabilia, 1913-2001. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 610046565