Debating excellence has returned to Sam Houston State University.
SHSU’s debate team competed at a tournament in Shreveport, LA, two weeks ago, and took home six awards.
The tournament, called the Red River Classic, was the largest in the history of the International Public Debate Association. Joining SHSU’s debate team in Louisiana were teams from Stephen F. Austin State University, the University of Alabama, and Louisiana State University.
Addison Reed won the 2nd place impromptu speaking award and advanced to the quarter-finals in the varsity division. Clayton Goss won the 2nd place speaker award in the varsity division and was an octo finalist. Adam Key won the 3rd place speaker award and the 2nd place debater award in the open division.
Grayson Posey competed for the first time and won his first two rounds.
“I had fun and I learned a lot. I’m looking forward to the next tournament,” Posey said.
The team was formed at the beginning of this semester and has already competed in two tournaments. It has 10 members and is looking to expand.
SHSU has not had a debate team for some time, yet the university has a rich debate history. Sam Houston debate dates back to the 1800’s and was once ranked higher than Harvard.
Adam Key, the teams founder and advisor, said that the team is for any interested students on campus.
“Anyone who’s opinionated and likes to argue, which is almost everyone. We are always looking for new members, no experience necessary,” Key said.
Key said the form of debate the team competes in is designed for novices, so anyone can participate and have fun.
The team is scheduled to compete in Mississippi Dec. 5 through the 6 and hopes to have more success there too.