Mighty Mouths: Small USU Debate Team Has Big Wins

Small but mighty could be the best way to describe Utah State University’s  College of Humanities and Social Sciences Speech and Debate Team. Competing with only a half-dozen — and sometimes fewer — students, the team has consistently managed to out-debate much larger teams from around the nation.

Last week was no exception as the team placed second overall at the Northwest Forensic Conference Tournament held at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash. USU’s handful of debaters finished behind Whitworth University, which fields a team of more than 20 students.

“Even with a team that is outnumbered five to one, our USU team delivers quality,” said volunteer team coach Tom Worthen. “We have won more awards per student than any other university in the conference.”

Winners at last week’s tournament included Danielle Parker who was ranked as the top debater at the event, while Mariah Andreason placed second. Both students advanced to the semi-final round where they eventually tied for third place.

Parker took home two other first place awards, one in extemporaneous speaking and another in informative speaking.

Ben Powell placed first in informative speaking and Garrett Smith also took home awards in both persuasive and informative speaking.

“This was a building year for the team,” said Worthen. “With only two returnees from last year’s team, USU had the smallest team at the tournaments they attended this year.”

Given the team’s success, Worthen said he hopes more students will be interested in joining the Speech and Debate Team next year.

This year’s team will compete in its final tournament of the season March 27-30 during the International Public Debate Association debate nationals held at Boise State University.

For more information about the team contact Worthen at 435-994-0023.

Related links:

• USU Communication Studies
• USU Languages, Philosophy and Communication Studies Department
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Writer: Kristin Middaugh, CHaSS communications director, kristin.middaugh@usu.edu

Contact: Tom Worthen, 435-994-0023