USU Debate Team "Champ" after First Tournament

The Utah State University Debate team, based in the Department of Languages, Philosophy and Communication Studies in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, returned as champions after competing in its first tournament Sept. 25 and 26 at the College of Southern Idaho, according to coach Tom Worthen.

The USU team competed against Boise State University, College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, Idaho State University, Northwest Nazarene University and Snow College and, according to its coach, “dominated debate” and had more teams in the elimination rounds than any other school at the tournament.

USU student Ashley Waddoups, competing in her first college tournament, took first place in open division debate from the 35 teams competing. The USU team closed out novice debate with first, second and third place finishes, with Danielle Parker first, Emily Clark second and David Emery third.

The USU coach said that of the 10 debate speaker awards that recognize the 10 best speakers, USU took six. Danielle Parker, David Emery, Jackson Murphy, James Mason, Emily Clark and MaryJulia Gillespie were honored.

Other USU students speakers placing include Jackson Murphy, 5th place, after dinner speaking; James Mason, 5th place, informative speaking; Garrett Smith, 4th place, informative speaking; and Shelby Ruud, 4th place, persuasive speaking.

In the overall sweepstakes, USU took second place behind first place Boise State. Worthen is joined be fellow volunteer coach James Boyd. Both said they were pleased with the results of the young USU team that includes only two returning team members.

USU’s Speech and Debate team next travels to Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., for competition Oct. 9-11.

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