Weber State Debate Wins Multiple Awards at National Tournament

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s debate team brought home several awards from the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) National Tournament, held April 3-8 at California State University, Long Beach.

Weber State Debate won first place in the western region sweepstakes, awarded to the most successful debate team throughout the

Ryan Wash

regular season. Weber State also received the 2019 National Public Debate Award, given to the intercollegiate debate program which has best advanced the values of debate in the public sphere during the past academic year.

“Our debate students are perfect examples of how much intellect and talent we possess at Weber State,” said Ryan Wash, Weber State Debate coach. “The team’s accomplishments demonstrate the quality of the education and leadership they receive here.”

Wash served as interim debate coach this year. He was awarded Critic of the Year for the western region. This honor is awarded to the top-ranked adjudicator in his or her district. As Critic of the Year, Wash judged the final round of CEDA nationals.

“The Weber State Debate team has had an impressive season under the leadership of Ryan Wash,” said Scott Sprenger, Dean of the Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities. “It’s been exciting to observe the team’s dramatic progress over the year, with a few individuals emerging as surprise standouts.” 

During the CEDA tournament, Weber State senior Bianca Morales received multiple awards. Morales was named a national All-American, a recognition of competitive and academic success, good conduct and team contribution. Morales also was recognized as the second-place speaker in the nation.

“Winning second-place speaker was a personal accomplishment for me,” Morales said. “Speaking well has been my weakest area. My coach worked beyond hard with me to develop my speaking skills. This award demonstrates all the hours, sacrifices and tears were well worth the effort.”

Roey Sellouk, Zachary Baker and Jordan Stephens received National Debate Scholar recognition, awarded to students who maintain strong academic records in addition to their competitive accomplishments.

Established in 1922, Weber State Debate is the oldest competitive team at Weber State University. The team specializes in academic policy debate, and regularly ranks in the top 25 programs in the nation.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Ross Rosier, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • rossrosier@weber.edu

Contact:

Ryan Wash, Weber State Debate coach
801-626-6220 • ryanwash@weber.edu