Forensic Union Ranks High at Invitational Debate Tournament

Two Truman parliamentary debate teams reached elimination rounds at the Hatfield Invitational Debate Tournament, hosted by Williamette University (Salem, Ore.) Feb. 25-26.

The senior duo of Matthew Harms, economics major from Galesburg, Ill., and Ryan Walsh, philosophy and religion and communication double major from Cassville, Mo., reached semifinal play before losing to the tournament’s champions from Lewis and Clark College (Portland, Ore.).

Tyson Helder, senior communication and political science double major from Sioux Falls, S.D., and Samuel Hodge, freshman political science and communication double major from Blue Springs, Mo., competed among the top 16.

Harms and Walsh’s performances placed them ahead of teams from the nation’s top debate programs. Additional honors went to Hodge as the ninth place speaker in a field of more than 140 students and Walsh, who was ranked 11th.

The Forensic Union hosted the Bulldog Free Debate Tournament at Truman March 5-6, concluding their regular season tournament schedule. They will travel to the National Championships in Lubbock, Texas, during midterm break.