Over the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 weekend, the reigning Arkansas Champions for the 2021-22 season, the U of A Speech and Debate Society, competed virtually in its first tournament of the 2022-23 season. Hosted by Union University (Jackson, Tennessee), 28 teams across 10 states participated in three days of competition. 

The UARK Speech and Debate Society, composed of eight competing students this tournament (Daisy Rehbock, Megan Dial, Luke Hubbard, Edward Onisei, Jaci Sabatini, Sophie Barrantine, Luke Thurmon and Hadley Adkison) brought home many accolades. Out of eight competitors, six qualified to enter the next level of competition (a 75 percent break rate). Of those competitors, there were three octofinalists, two quarterfinalists, a first-place overall speaker in the novice division and a fifth-place overall speaker in the junior varsity division.

The team experienced a first this weekend by having a novice champion debater who went undefeated (6-0) in preliminary competition and went on to win the entire tournament. This marked an undefeated run the entire weekend, something which is difficult to accomplish. 

Finally, the team itself was ranked first out of the 28 teams in terms of win percentage, meaning that of teams composed of more than three students, the UARK Speech and Debate Society won the most rounds of every team in attendance. 

The team will compete next at the Louisiana Tech University "Hot n' Spicy" Debate Tournament hosted Oct. 14-16 in Ruston, Louisiana. 

The UARK Speech and Debate Society is always accepting new members. If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining the team, please email derehboc@uark.edu or arkansasforensics@gmail.com to learn more.