Washburn Debate Earns Top Squad

     Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University debate team earned Top Squad in Sweepstakes at its third tournament of the 2025-26 season, the Redbird LD Debate Tournament, hosted by Illinois State University Nov. 1-2. The team edged out Truman State University by one ballot to bring home the honor.

     Additional tournament results:

• Alfonso Rascon, junior, was named Tournament Champion in the Open Division.
• Chrisangel Adame, sophomore, and Khalani Britt, junior, were semifinalists (Final Four) in the Junior Varsity Division.
• Grady Smith, freshman, and Madeline O’Leary-Worsley, sophomore, were quarterfinalists (Elite Eight) in the Open Division.
• Wendo Kimori, junior, and Ziona Jackson, sophomore, were octafinalists (Sweet 16) in the Open Division.
• Speaker Awards: Jackson (Champion, Open Division), O’Leary-Worsley (Second Place, Open Division), Smith (Fifth Place, Open Division), Adame (Champion, Junior Varsity Division), Britt (Fifth Place, Junior Varsity Division), and Sophie Grover, sophomore (Fourth Place, Junior Varsity Division).

     Also representing Washburn were Jenna Massey (freshman), Grace Springer (freshman), Daisy Larson (junior) and Zachary Buffington (freshman). Washburn alumni judges and coaches included Andrew Rea (current graduate student in Washburn’s master’s in communication and leadership program, ’25), Quintin Brown (’17), Matt Parnell (’18) and Emily Unruh (’21). Shanna Carlson (’10) served as tabulation director for the tournament and is the director of debate at Illinois State University.

     Other universities competing included Florida State University, Illinois College, Illinois State University, Lewis & Clark College, Texas State University, Truman State University, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, University of North Texas, Western Kentucky University and University of Pittsburgh.

     “I am extremely proud of the progress our team has made,” said Kevin O’Leary, director of debate and senior lecturer in communication studies, Washburn University. “Although the season is still in its early stages, this young team has already demonstrated remarkable commitment and professionalism. Since July, they have worked diligently to uphold Washburn University’s distinguished record of success in collegiate debate.”

     The Washburn University debate team is the reigning national champion for the 2023-24 season and finished the 2024-25 season ranked third in the nation.

     O’Leary and Steve Doubledee, assistant director of debate and senior lecturer in communication studies, coach the Washburn debate team. The program focuses on the Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate format, which follows a 6-3-7-3-4-6-3 time schedule. Each debater receives 13 minutes of speaking time, three minutes of question time, and four to five minutes of preparation time between speeches. Each round lasts approximately 45 minutes.

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     Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn’s programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctor of nursing practice, and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through six primary academic units: the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Applied Studies, Greg 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 Washburn’s 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kansas, at Washburn Tech’s west-side campus, or in the East Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, and many individual programs have additional accreditations.

For further information, contact:

Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: (785) 670-2154
Cell: (785) 845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu