Washburn secured third place nationally, trailing behind Western Kentucky University (first) and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (second), while outperforming Florida State University and the University of Pittsburgh in the National Forensic Association (NFA) Lincoln-Douglas Debate Championships which were held on April 17-21 and hosted by Wayne State University.
The NFA Championship is the national championship for collegiate Lincoln-Douglas debate. Debaters prepared for this event by competing in tournaments throughout the year over a year-long topic.
Kevin O’Leary, director of debate and senior lecturer in communications studies at Washburn University, and Steve Doubledee, assistant director of debate and senior lecturer in communication studies at Washburn University, served as coaches for the university’s debate team. The program focused on the Lincoln-Douglas debate format, which followed a time structure of 6-3-7-3-4-6-3. Each debater spoke for a total of 13 minutes and participated in three minutes of cross-examination. Rounds typically lasted about 45 minutes, and each debater allotted four-to-five minutes of preparation time to use at their discretion throughout the round.
O’Leary reflected on the Washburn debate team’s hard work and success throughout the season, expressing pride in their performance and teamwork during the tournament.
“This tournament is the culmination of all our work since August,” O’Leary said. “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.”
Cade Blenden, senior communication studies major, secured a spot in the top four of the Open Division.
Madeline O’Leary-Worsley, freshman social work major, reached the top 16, while Alfonso Rascon, sophomore political science major, and Hunter Squires, senior political science major, advanced to the top 32.
Khalani Britt, sophomore communication major, and Joanna Marks, senior political science major, 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.
These events reflect the university’s strong sense of community, support, and involvement among students, faculty, and staff. Whether it’s an academic showcase, cultural celebration, or volunteer initiative, they offer students meaningful opportunities to connect with others, grow personally and apply what they’ve learned outside the classroom.
Edited by Reid McEvoy and Stuti Khadka
