DENNIS DUTTON
Executive Director for the Arts, Sterling College
STERLING, KS — Even during a recent break from classes for fall breather, the Sterling College Debate and Forensics Team has had little time to slow down. With strong performances at two recent tournaments, a high school debate tournament hosted on campus this past weekend, and a major statewide showcase earlier this fall, Sterling’s competitors are demonstrating their preparation, perseverance and growing presence on the competitive circuit.
A month ago, Sterling College Debate and Forensics hosted the annual Kansas State Fair Debate and Forensics Showcases, where more than 500 students and fairgoers had the opportunity to experience some of the best high school debate and forensics performances in Kansas. The annual events highlight outstanding student competitors from across the state while bringing the excitement and skill of competitive speaking to a broad public audience.
“We have been very busy during the past month, and our team is still going strong,” said Ken Troyer, director of debate and forensics at Sterling College. “I am proud of the work they continue to put toward preparation for each event and their ability to support one another along the way. Our debate team is certainly leaving a mark, as Cristian Vargiu, Davi Brooks and freshman Daniel Hawkinson have all emerged from recent tournaments with speaker awards as well as placing in the top ten.”
In late September, the team competed at the DerryBerry Classic, hosted by Southwest Baptist University. Every Sterling competitor brought home an award, highlighted by an impressive performance from freshman Daniel Hawkinson. Competing in varsity International Public Debate Association (IPDA) debate, Hawkinson advanced to the semifinals and finished third—a notable accomplishment for a first-year college student competing at the varsity level.
Cristian Vargiu also advanced through the varsity IPDA bracket, reaching the quarterfinals and finishing fifth overall. In forensics, Bailey Brewer earned fifth place in Poetry.
The team continued its strong showing at the Missouri Mule Tournament at the University of Central Missouri. Davi Brooks advanced to the quarterfinals in varsity IPDA debate from a field of more than 40 competitors, finishing fifth overall and earning recognition as the tournament’s third-best speaker. Brooks also advanced to the finals in Extemporaneous Speaking, finishing sixth.
Vargiu again advanced to elimination rounds in varsity IPDA debate, reaching the octofinals and placing ninth overall. On the forensics side, Brennan Blake advanced to the finals in After-Dinner Speaking, earning sixth place.
These results reflect not only individual achievement but also the preparation, dedication and team support required to compete across multiple events and tournament formats.
In addition to traveling to tournaments, Sterling College recently welcomed high school debaters to campus for a tournament of their own, extending the program’s commitment to competitive speaking and debate opportunities for younger students.
With the season continuing, Sterling’s debate and forensics competitors are building momentum, gaining valuable experience and bringing recognition to the College through their accomplishments.
Sterling College Debate and Forensics also has a distinguished history. One of the few collegiate programs in the nation to remain active for more than 100 years, the program has been recognized by Pi Kappa Delta, the national honor society for intercollegiate debate and forensics. This longstanding tradition of excellence continues today as Sterling students compete at tournaments, earn individual honors and help introduce the next generation of students to the power of debate and public speaking.