The Harvard debate team won the National Debate Tournament for the third time in eight years last weekend.

Nicholas C. Alpers '89 and Patrick J. Bannon '89 argued through eight rounds until they defeated a pair of Yalies in the finals to clinch the tournament for Harvard. Jason M. Cogan '90 and Andrew B. Clubok '90 placed fourth in the competition.

Almost 60 teams from 29 different schools battled in the competition, which is the culmination of the seven-month college debate season.

Debaters in the tournament at Smith College were assigned topics at the beginning of each match, leaving them no time for prior preparation. Prohibition was the topic of the last debate which Alpers and Bannon won.

Alpers said he would miss debating after he graduates. "[Bannon and I are] roomates, and debating has basically become a way of life for us," said Alpers. "Unlike something like art or music which you can continue throughout your life, there is no real opportunity for competitive debate after college."

Harvard last won the tournament in 1986.

The newly elected debate team president said she was optimistic about the team's chances of winning again next year.

"Jason and Andy will have a terrific showing next year I'm sure," said Carolyn G. Kaufman '91, who was one of the judges at this year's tournament. "Like Nick and Pat, they're among a breed that can combine acute argument with wit."