Debate Team Successful At Carson-Newman Tournament

The Walters State Debate team finished second overall at the 13th Annual Tennessee Porch Swing Tournament held at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City Nov. 11-12. The team earned the Second Place Parliamentary Debate Sweepstakes award in a field made up of strong teams from colleges and universities across the state and region.

 

Walters State was led by two freshman pairs who advanced to the quarterfinals. Cayden Keltgen of Talbott and Emily Kledzik, a dual enrollment student from Bean Station, advanced along with the team of Josh Menza, a dual enrollment student from New Tazewell, and Ethan White of Sevierville.

 

“Our continued success is particularly satisfying when considering that we came into this fall semester with fewer returning debaters than we’ve had at any point in my eight years as coach here,” said Robert E. Pratt II who serves as dean of  the Division of Humanities and debate coach at the Walters State. “It’s also evidence of strong teamwork as all three pairs were made up of partners who’d never debated with each other in a previous tournament.”

 

Walters State plans to compete next at the Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensic Association state tournament at Belmont University in February. 

 

The Debate Team is always recruiting new members and no experience is necessary. For more information, contact Pratt at Rob.Pratt@ws.edu. 

 

In the photo: The Walters State Debate Team finished second overall at the 13th Annual Tennessee Porch Swing Tournament held at Carson-Newman University. From left are Emily Kledzik, Cayden Keltigen, Coach Rob Pratt, Josh Menza and Ethan White.