Debate opened its season this past weekend at the Washburn Rural Debate Invitational, a meet that featured 56 teams in Varsity teams, 52 in the Open division and 72 in the Novice Division.

“The season opener at Washburn Rural is definitely one of the highest-level and longest tournaments available to us. We are guaranteed two days of competition with a possibility of a third,” coach Mac Phrommany said. “This tournament sets the bar high and sets the tone for what we need to do for the rest of the season.”

Novice sophomore Ashlyn Dobson was recognized as the eighth best speaker. Junior Allie Cloyd, competing in the Open Division, was recognized as the third best speaker.

“Overall …just a fun first tournament of the season,” Cloyd said.

Cloyd has some goals for herself this season.

“Doing the best I can,” Cloyd said. “I was happy to [get] the speaker award.”

Leading up to this tournament, students have been preparing for the tournament. 

“Some speeches you can have pretty much pre-planned out,” senior Ianni Ianni Morales-Diaz said. “Like I came up with a general negative strategy that… if it doesn’t go against any of the cases, I can just use that and it’s already prepped out for me.”

Debate will compete next Sept. 24 at Emporia and the Lawrence Free State tournaments.0