Southern Methodist University Debate

Eric Ryan won top speaker at IPDA nationals today.

Brandt Vernon was second speaker in professional division.

Six students advanced to elimination rounds.

Three students advanced to the quarterfinals in professional, varsity and novice divisions

SMU was 7th in natatoriumional sweepstakes

Eric Ryan, Sophia Graham, Brett Russell, Sarah Tedesse, Brandt Vernon, and Evangeline Bulick advanced to the elimination rounds of the National Championship for IPDA debate in Houston. More than 300 competitors nationwide attended the competition among more than 45 collegies and universities across America. Competing universities included: Abilene Christian, Arkansas Tech, Boise State, California State, Dallas Baptist, Grand Canyon University, Lewis & Clark, Louisiana Tech, Marshall University, Middle Tennessee State University, Mississippi State, Oral Roberts, San Jose State, Texas State, University of Arkansas, University of Nevada Reno, Weber State, and William Carey. SMU qualified elimination round competitors in three of the four divisions. SMU won 58 percent of its preliminary rounds.

Proud of the SMU debaters winning the junior varsity championship and the team varsity championship here in Tulsa. All the students are doing a great job from varsity to novice.

We do more debate on Sunday.