Georgia Debate Union wins Samford tournament

The Georgia Debate Union earned first and third place at the Samford University debate tournament, which was held in Birmingham, Alabama October 14-16.

Junior Katie Marshall, a Calhoun High School alumna, and first-year Genevieve Hackman, a Milton High School alumna, finished in first place with multiple victories over Emory University, the University of Florida, and Georgia State University. They both received individual speaker awards as well at Samford; Genevieve was recognized as the second place speaker while Katie was recognized as the fifth place speaker. 

Junior Cameron Henderson, a Houston County High School alum, and first-year Alyssa Hoover, a Milton High School alum, placed 3rd overall at the Samford tournament, with victories over Emory University, Vanderbilt University, and Georgia State University.  Alyssa was also recognized as the tenth place speaker at the tournament.  

The Georgia Debate Union has three remaining tournaments in the fall semester, including Liberty University, University of West Georgia, and Wake Forest University.  Their spring tournament schedule will likely include trips to the University of Miami, the US Naval Academy, Indiana University, Northwestern University, Emory University, and two national championship tournaments (one at George Mason University and the other at the University of Kansas).  

Congratulations to our students on their hard work and winning arguments, and thanks to Head Debate Coach Hays Watson for sharing the news.

Image: UGA students Katie Marshall (left) and Genevieve Hackman