Washburn University Debate Begins the New Year with Another Win

     Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University debate team began the spring season with a win at the “Gorlok Gala” hosted by Webster University in St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 24 -26. In the Open Division, Cade Blenden (senior) won the tournament and was also crowned the top speaker, defeating Western Kentucky in the finals.

     Alfonso Rascon (sophomore) was a semifinalist. Wendo Kimori (sophomore) was named in the top 10 overall speakers, placing seventh. Olivia Fonseca (freshman), Ziona Jackson (freshman), Madeline O’Leary-Worsley (freshman), Andrew Rea (senior) and Hunter Squires (senior) also debated in the Open Division.

     In the Junior Varsity Division, Chrisangel Adame (freshman) was named the top speaker. Sophie Grover (freshman), Daisy Larson (freshman), JoAnna Marks (senior) and Jyaira Ware (sophomore) also represented Washburn in the Junior Varsity Division.

     Washburn debate alumni helped judge and coach this tournament: Jaishivani Balram,’21, Logan Michael,’24, and Emily Unruh,’21.

     “The big thing about this tournament is it marks our spring ramp up to the National Championship in April, hosted this year by Wayne State University in Detroit,” said Dr. Kevin O’Leary, director of debate and senior lecturer for communication studies for Washburn University. “Our younger competitors are moving up the competitive ranks, getting ready for April's Championship - our novices have jumped up to the Junior Varsity Division, and so on.”

     Joining Washburn and Western Kentucky University at this tournament were Cameron University, Ferris State University, Illinois College, Illinois State University, Lewis & Clark College, McKendree University, McNeese State University, Missouri State University, Missouri Valley College, Newberry College, Northwest Missouri State University, Ottawa University, Sacramento State University, Simpson College, Southeast Missouri State University, Southeastern Illinois College, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, The University of Central Missouri, Truman State University, University of Missouri – Columbia, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Pittsburgh.

     O’Leary and Steve Doubledee, assistant director of debate and senior lecturer for communication studies for Washburn University, are the debate coaches for Washburn University. The Washburn University debate program focuses on Lincoln-Douglas, or LD, debate format. LD is a debate format that follows the basic time schedule 6 - 3 - 7 - 3 - 4 - 6 - 3. Each debater gets 13 minutes of total speaking time, and three minutes of question time. The rounds take approximately 45 minutes in total. Each debater receives four to five minutes of preparation time to use between speeches however they like.

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     Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 6,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn’s programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn’s six primary academic units – College of Arts and Sciences, School of Applied Studies, School of Business, School of Nursing, School of Law and Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).

       All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech’s campus on Topeka’s west side or in the East Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.