04/16/2024
At the IPDA National Championship over the weekend, our members earned several awards and had a fantastic time! Held at Mississippi State University, all attendees had a chance to showcase their skills, participating in team and individual events.
⭐️ In Team IPDA, freshmen Evan Thomas and junior Michael Isaac held a 4-1 record in the preliminary rounds, advancing to the elimination stage and earning an octofinalist award. Mary Lyle and Caroline Moore also competed in Team IPDA for the first time.
⭐️ Senior Caroline Moore achieved a 4-4 record in the preliminary rounds of the novice division, advancing to the elimination stage and earning a triple octofinalist award.
⭐️ Mary Lyle, a freshman, earned the eighth place speaker award in the novice division. “It was an extremely wonderful surprise to place in speaker awards,” said Lyle. “I can’t wait for the next tournament.”
⭐️ Rebecca Pool, a junior marketing major competing in her first tournament ever, said she “loved the opportunity to try individual debate for the first time.”
⭐️ President Michael Isaac believes that the team has shown persistence in becoming comfortable with the IPDA format. “I would like to express my extreme gratitude to all members of the team and their hard work and tenacity,” said Isaac. “I believe the success we have gained far outweighs any trophy.”
⭐️ “I did not get to compete, but it gives me the opportunity to see my teammates do great in their round,” said Lizbeth Roa, a junior.
Our team welcomes new members at all experience levels, as well as all majors. Current members are majoring in political science, economics, mathematics, communication, marketing and public relations.
Our team would like to thank IPDA and MSU for hosting such a successful championship, and give a special thank-you to Cheryl Chambers, Dug Bedsaul, Brett Harvey and the MSU team for making this possible.
Last but not least, our team wants to thank Coach McMullen for preparing us so expertly. His dedication to training us from the ground up means so much.
If you are interested in joining UCA Debate, email Coach McMullen at [email protected].
