Washburn University Debate Team Finishes Third in the Nation

       Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University debate team ended the academic debate year third in the nation at the National Forensic Association (NFA) Lincoln-Douglas Debate Championships April 17 – 21 in Detroit, Michigan. Western Kentucky won the overall tournament, with the University of Nebraska at Lincoln placing second, Florida State University placing fourth and the University of Pittsburgh coming in fifth. This tournament was hosted by Wayne State University.

     Cade Blenden (senior) earned a top four finish in the tournament in the Open Division. Blenden was the national champion last year. Also earning top honors are Madeline O’Leary-Worsley (freshman) finishing in the top 16, Alfonso Rascon (sophomore) and Hunter Squires (senior) finishing in the top 32, and Jacob Bailes (senior) who advanced through to the top 64. O’Leary-Worsley was named the fourth overall best speaker and Andrew Rea (senior) was named the 10^th overall best speaker in the Open Division.

     Khalani Britt (sophomore) and JoAnna Marks (senior) also competed in the Open Division. Marks placed second overall and Britt advanced through to the final four in a "break out" set of elimination rounds for the four top novice debaters.

       Chrisangel Adame (freshman), Olivia Fonseca (freshman), Sophie Grover (freshman), Ziona Jackson (freshman), Wendo Kimori (sophomore) and Daisy Larson (freshman) also joined the Washburn debate team for Nationals.

      Washburn debate alumni helped judge and coach this tournament: Aly Fiebrantz Awsare, '11, Logan Michael, ’24, Matt Parnell, ’18.

       The NFA Championship is the national championship for collegiate Lincoln-Douglas debate. These debaters have been preparing for this event by competing in tournaments throughout the year over a year-long topic.

       “This tournament is the culmination of all our work since August,” said Dr. Kevin O’Leary, director of debate and senior lecturer for communication studies for Washburn University. “I was proud of our first-place finish in 2024 and I’m proud of our third place ranking this year. Both illustrate the strength of the Washburn debate program, but it also shows the quality of our students. Washburn had a lot of debaters advance through the rounds and we supported each other the entire tournament. I couldn’t be more pleased with their hard work and perseverance.”

        Joining Western Kentucky, the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Florida State University, the University of Pittsburgh and Washburn University at Nationals were Arizona State University, Ball State University, Bradley University, Butte College, California State University, Long Beach, California State University, Chico, California State University, Fullerton, California State University, Sacramento, California State University, San Marcos, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Fullerton College, George Mason University, Hofstra University, Illinois College, Illinois State University, Kansas City Community College, Lafayette College, Lewis & Clark College, Linfield University, Louisiana State University, Marshall University, McNeese State University, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Missouri State University, Missouri Valley College, North Central College, Northern Arizona University, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, Ohio University, Pacific University, Rice University, Saginaw Valley State University, San Francisco State University, San Joaquin Delta, Santa Rosa Junior College, Simpson College, Tennessee State University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, Truman State University, University of Akron, University of Central Missouri, University of Illinois, Chicago, University of Minnesota, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, University of North Texas, University of Northern Iowa, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, University of the Pacific, University of Utah, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater and Wayne State University.

        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 8,000 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, Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, Harmon J. Hines 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.