Georgia Debate Union places 3rd at national championship tourney

Emory, Harvard and UGA went 1-2-3 at the American Debate Association national championship tournament held recently at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

Nathan Rice (sophomore from Roswell) and Johnnie Stupek (sophomore from Sandy Springs) debated teams from around the country, including victories over the University of Minnesota, Indiana University, and the University of Kentucky. Other schools competing at the tournament include Wake Forest University, Georgetown University, Michigan State University, among many others. 

Nathan was recognized as the 5th overall speaker and Johnnie was recognized as the 9th overall speaker at the tournament.  

Teams from Emory University and Harvard University finished first and second. Rice and Stupek's third place finished tied them with Northwestern University.

"The Georgia Debate Union was able to attend the tournament thanks in part to support from Franklin College," head debate coach Hays Watson wrote in an email. "Teams representing the University of Georgia have won four intercollegiate debate tournaments in 2016-17 and aim to finish the season on a strong note at the National Debate Tournament in Kansas City.  The University of Georgia has qualified teams at the National Debate Tournament for 28 consecutive seasons."

Great job to coaches and students. Thiei serious commitment to excellence is positioning UGA well among the very best public and private universities in the nation and we are proud to support the team's efforts.

Image: Johnnie Stupek left, and Nathan Rice at George Mason University.