10 UM Students were introduced to intercollegiate debate competition for the first time at the Sunshine State Scrimmage hosted by UCF in Orlando. Competing against teams from UF and UCF, the UM Novice team of Thalia Garcia and Lucas Baker placed first, with Baker named the 2nd place individual speaker and Garcia 3rd. UM sophomore Bancy Makavana also received individual recognition as the 5th place speaker.

In addition, UM faced National competition at the Henry Clay Debates, hosted by The University of Kentucky in Lexington. The UM Novice team of Ana Shah and Melissa Cavell did not lose a ballot in the tournament, compiling a 6-0 record in the preliminary debates and receiving a bye into the finals. There, they won a 3-0 decision against Samford University to claim the tournament championship, their second in two tournaments (Anna and Melissa won the Georgia State University Tournament two weeks ago)! Shah was named the top individual speaker in the division, with Cavell placing 3rd. The UM Junior Varsity team of Ashley Park and Barbara Puodzius won 5 of 6 preliminary rounds, advancing into semifinals, where they lost a 2-1 decision to the team from Wake Forrest. Puodzius was the 2nd place speaker with Park finishing 6th.

UM Debate is sponsored by the UM School of Communication, is coached by Director of Debate David Steinberg and Assistant Director Patrick Waldinger, and is assisted by Doctoral student Randall Martinez.  Participation is open to all UM Undergraduate students.  For more information contact Professor Steinberg at dave@miami.edu, and visit us online