-By Joe Koehle
The 2012-13 debate season was filled with many successes for the Wildcats. The team is led by a new coaching staff comprised of head coach Joe Koehle and assistant coach Martin Osborn. Both new coaches bring big time experience to Manhattan, having previously coached at the University of Kansas and Wake Forest, two of the most storied programs in college debate.
The debate team frequently reached elimination rounds at every level, fielding successful teams at the Novice, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels. Highlights of the season included winning the Junior Varsity championship at the season opener at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, having 4 teams in elimination rounds on the same weekend in October, reaching varsity elimination rounds at both sections of the competitive “Texas Swing” tournaments, and finishing the season having made the round of 32 at the Cross Examination Debate Association national championship tournament held in Pocatello, Idaho.
The 2013-2014 season promises to be even better. The debate team will not only return every single debater next year, but is also adding a talented and motivated group of new recruits. Alumni and supporters who are interested in following the team can find us on Facebook or Twitter.