By: Emma Rasmussen

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)- The UARK Speech and Debate team participated in the Missouri Mule tournament at the University of Central Missouri over the weekend. 

The team won 3rd place in debate program and 3rd place in overall program across 23 groups, earning them sweepstakes.  

Seven students were recognized with titles of finalist, champion, and undefeated, while also receiving several place awards, including 3rd place professional speaker, and 2nd place junior varsity speaker. Overall, the team left with 12 awards.

Hanna Morris, UARK Speech and Debate Coach, said how she encourages students before each tournament, never focusing on victory, yet still receiving it. 

“I don’t tell them to win, only to learn and become better for themselves.  However, I don’t have to tell them to win – they just do.”

Currently, the Speech and Debate team have a 63% winning rate. At the Missouri Mule, all participants claimed victory of at least one round. 

“That’s what I think is so amazing about this group of students.  Their talent stands on its own and speaks so loudly to what impact this activity has for campus,” said Morris.

The team is already preparing for their next tournament. 

“As far as strategy moving forward to the next tournament, we plan to do a lot of ballot review – we’ll take time combing over all the comments each student received so we can pinpoint where each person needs to improve the most. ” said Morris. 

However, Morris admits that funds will be the biggest focus for the tournament.

“We’re always prepared heading to our competitions, but it’s really just the act of getting there that requires the most preparation.  Hotels and gas are expensive, and hard to cover without that fundraising element.” 

On November 3-5th, the team will head down to Shreveport for the Red River Classic tournament.