RUSTON – The LSUS debate team wrapped up its fall season with an overall team win at the Louisiana Tech Hot and Spicy Tournament held in early December.
LSUS won the individual debate sweepstakes and overall sweepstakes in a field of nine schools, which included host Louisiana Tech and Southern Miss.
The team win is the first of the season for LSUS.
“This fall has been a great example of growth of leadership,” said LSUS debate coach A.J. Edwards. “We do have a more experienced team this year, and our new folks are learning very quickly.
“Our team leaders are helping the younger members and are growing in their knowledge and experience themselves. They are learning how to win rounds and tournaments on top of all the other educational lessons that debate teaches you.”
Ten LSUS debaters reached at least the quarterfinals round with Micah Robinson appearing in the novice finals.
The Pilots peppered the novice category with all five debaters reaching the quarterfinals, including Robinson (second place debater), Abby Zanoni (semifinals), Emily Dowd (semifinals), Heidi Tyler (quarterfinals) and Addison Jacobsen (quarterfinals).
Zanoni was awarded the fourth-place speaker with Dowd taking fifth in the speaker category.
LSUS also advanced deep into the junior varsity bracket. Chloe Fresne reached the semifinals with Mack Miles and Bailey Brown appearing in the quarterfinals. Brown was named third-place JV speaker.
Varsity debater CJ Longino reached the semifinals with Jordan Guillot named third-place speaker in that division.
Professional debater Megan Veilleux reached the semifinals.
In the team debate category (TIPDA), LSUS placed third.
The Pilots kickstart the spring semester by hosting the Southern Forensics Championships from Jan. 19-21.
