Dr. Michael Eaves, Director of Debate
This weekend, the VSU Speech and Debate Team virtually competed at the 46th annual Red River Classic Debate Tournament hosted by Louisiana State University at Shreveport. This is one of the longest run southeast regional tournaments, and it was the largest tournament that VSU has competed in this semester. VSU had four debaters in the tournament this weekend, with three of them advancing to elimination. Individual achievements included:
Vanessa Okojie (VSU Debate’s current president and tied with Oluwadare for fourth in national rankings for JV) competed in the Junior Varsity division of 38 competitors. She had the 4th best preliminary record (win-loss record of 5-1) in the division and advanced to the Final round, taking 2nd place in the tournament.
Yetunde Oluwadare (VSU Debate’s current vice president and tied with Okojie for fourth in national rankings for JV) competed in the Junior Varsity division of 38 competitors. She had the 9th best preliminary record (win-loss record of 4-2) in the division and finished as a semifinalist.
Autumn Wibright (First-year member and this was the second tournament she has ever competed in) competed in the Novice division of 64 competitors. She went undefeated in prelims and was ranked 1st in the division (win-loss record of 6-0). She finished the tournament as a double-octofinalist.