Debate team earns more accolades

The University of Central Arkansas Debate and Forensics Team continued to earn recognitions and accolades at the International Public Debate Association (IPDA) National Championship held from March 27-29 in Boise, Idaho.

UCA earned second place in the Scholastic Cup, which includes points accumulated in the novice, varsity, and team divisions of IPDA and third place overall, which includes all divisions of IPDA at the National Championship, including the Team Championship hosted by UCA in March.

For the season, UCA’s novice division was ranked fifth of 91 teams and freshman Leia Smith (from Cabot, Ark.) was recognized as the Top Novice Speaker.

Other awards include:

Professional Division

Stephanie Gray (Russellville, Ark.) Seventh place at National Tournament and fifth place for the season
Rickie Mangrum (Ravenden, Ark.) Tenth place Season Sweepstakes

Varsity Division

Brad Allgood (Cabot, Ark) Triple Octafinalist
Danielle Casey (Houston, Ark.) Double Octafinalist
Braxton Johnson (Texarkana, Texas) Triple Octafinalist

Novice Division

Mark Matlock (Little Rock, Ark.) Octafinalist
Brady Shiers (Bentonville, Ark.) Double Octafinalist and fourth place Season Sweepstakes
Leia Smith (Cabot, Ark.) Double Octafinalist and seventh place speaker at National Tournament

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