Washburn Debate Hosts First National Tournament of 2026-27 Season

     Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University debate hosted the “Washburn Season Opener” online Lincoln-Douglas Debate style tournament Sept. 19 - 20 for 16 universities and colleges across the country. This is the kick-off for the intercollegiate debate tournament season which runs September – April.

     In the Open Division, Tarrence Byrd (freshman) was the runner-up (second place). Quinn Largent (sophomore) was a semifinalist and named Top Speaker. Jace Raines (sophomore) was a semifinalist. Madeline O’Leary-Worsley (junior), Alfonso Rascon (senior) and Grady Smith were quarterfinalists.

     In the Junior Varsity Division, Ayla Price (freshman) was the runner-up (second place) and named Top Speaker. Zachary Buffington (sophomore) was a semifinalist. Dexter Cook (freshman) was a quarterfinalist.

     “This tournament helps launch the new debate season, allowing these debaters to start trying out their research and arguments for the new topic,” said Dr. Kevin O’Leary, director of debate and senior lecturer for communication studies, Washburn University. “I’m proud to see members of this team advancing into the finals of the first tournament of the season and look forward to seeing this team grow as the season progresses.”

     Other members of the team attending were Khalani Britt (senior), Ziona Jackson (junior) and Grace Springer (sophomore).

     Many Washburn debate alumni helped judge and coach this tournament: Quintin Brown, ’17, Kaitlyn Bull, ’17, Sarah Dweik, ’18, Matt Parnell, ’18, and Lauren “Knoth” Peterson, ’12, and current graduate student in Washburn’s master’s communication and leadership program, Andrew Rea, ’25. Director of Debate at Illinois State University, Shanna Carlson, ’10, was the director of tabulation for the tournament.

     Joining Washburn at this tournament were Florida State University, Hampden-Sydney College, Illinois College, Illinois State University, Kansas City, Kan. Community College, Missouri Valley College, Missouri State University, Purdue University, Texas Parliamentary Debate, Texas Tech University, Truman State University, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Western Kentucky University and William Pitt Debating Union (University of Pittsburgh).

     The Washburn University debate team won the national championship in the 2023/2024 season, finished third in the nation in 2024/2025 and fourth in 2025/2026.

     O’Leary and Steve Doubledee, assistant director of debate and senior lecturer of communication studies, 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.

–30–

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