Denton, TX – February 24, 2025 – The University of North Texas (UNT) Debate Team showcased their exceptional talent and dedication at the recent tournaments held at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and Western Kentucky University.

Bowling Green State University Tournament Highlights:

Varsity IPDA Division:
Miles Garcia was a semifinalist.

Sophie Polma emerged as the undefeated champion.

Novice IPDA Division:
Luke Vazquez, Elinor Tiffany, and Sean Newman reached the quarterfinals.
Luke Vazquez was the second speaker and Sean Newman was the top speaker at the competition

Freddie Smith was crowned champion of the division.

Program of Oral Interpretation:
Julette Miranda secured 5th place.

Team Achievement:
UNT Debate Team placed fourth overall.

The tournament, held on February 22 and 23 at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, saw participation from 35 prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Arizona State University, and Louisiana State University.

In the second part of the tournament, Freddie Smith and Sophie Polma closed out the IPDA division becoming co-champions of the weekend, with Sean Newman reaching the semifinals.

Western Kentucky University Tournament Highlights:

Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate:

Zach Jones was a semifinalist and the second speaker at the tournament.

Junior Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate:
Jack Hasper was a semifinalist.
Nicolette Sharp took second place in this competitive division and was the tournament’s second speaker in JV.

Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate:
Naren Ganesh reached the quarterfinals and was named the third speaker at the tournament in novice..

Additionally, on February 20 at the Alexis Elliot Round Robin, a prestigious competition among the top 10 Lincoln Douglas debaters in the country, Zach Jones was recognized as the third speaker.

The Western Kentucky University tournament featured participation from top institutions such as Florida State University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Texas State University.