LSUS Debate Team wins inaugural Tiger Invitational | Events

The LSUS Debate Team took top honors at the first ever Tiger Invitational Debate Tournament, held at East Texas Baptist University on Nov. 9 and 10. The 12 student's representing the school won a total of 15 awards both as a team and individually.

The team also received an award for the highest winning percentage at the tournament, 63%, winning 63% of its preliminary rounds.  A total of seven LSUS debaters made it to the elimination round portion of the competition.

Individually, team members had great success.  Varsity LSUS debater Kate Ryland competed in the finals and won on a 2-1 decision against University of Arkansas Monticello debater, Jon Hoskins.  Novice debater Chynna Coleman won a first place speaker award.  Joseph Lawson ranked top seed in the novice division and took home the second place novice speaker award. Professional debater Kirsten Howard and novice Chaz Coleman also received speaker awards for the team.

“This was my first time to win a speaker award so I was very excited when I found out,” said Chynna Coleman.  “I was proud of my younger brother and teammate, Chaz, for winning a speaker award too as well as helping me advance to the next round.”

“I am always proud of our squad and how the team represents LSUS,” said Trey Gibson, Debate Coach and Director.  “We have a long road ahead of us but I am confident we will surpass all odds and finish out as strong as always.”

The LSUS debate team will compete again the first weekend in December at Mississippi College.