Washburn University Debate Hosts First National Tournament of 2025/2026 Season

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University debate hosted the "Washburn National Warm Up" online Lincoln-Douglas Debate style tournament Sept. 20 - 21 for 18 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, Wendo Kimori (junior) was a quarterfinalist, earning her place in the top eight in the tournament. Ziona Jackson (sophomore), Alfonso Rascon (junior) and Grady Smith (freshman) earned their places in the top 16, or the octafinals. In the Junior Varsity Division, Jenna Massey (freshman) was a quarterfinalist. This is a young Washburn University debate squad, with no seniors and just two juniors. The Washburn University debate team is the National Champions for the 2023/2024 season, and ended the 2024/2025 season third overall in the nation. "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 for 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 Chrisangel Adame (sophomore), Khalani Britt (junior), Zachary Buffington (freshman), Sophie Grover (sophomore), Daisy Larson (junior), Madeline O'Leary-Worsley (sophomore) and Grace Springer (freshman). Many Washburn debate alumni helped judge and coach this tournament: Jacob Bailes, '25, Kaitlyn Bull-Stewart, '17, Carlos Martin Cedillo-Silva, '23, Joanna Marks, '25, Matt Parnell, '18, and Emily Unruh, '21, 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 Illinois College, Illinois State University, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Lewis and Clark College, Louisiana State University, Marshall University, McKendree University, Missouri State University, Texas State University, Truman State University, University of Missouri, University of North Texas, University of Nevada, University of Pittsburgh, University of Texas and Western Kentucky University. O'Leary and Steve Doubledee, assistant director of debate and senior lecturer for communication studies for 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 - Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn's six primary academic units - College of Arts & 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 either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech's campus on Topeka's west side or in the East Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations. For further information, contact:Joy BailesDirector of Internal Communications and Brand ManagementTelephone: (785) 670-2153Cell: (785) 230-1648Email: [email protected]