On October 10-12, FSU’s Debate Team traveled to Portland, Oregon, to participate in the Steve Hunt Classic invitational hosted at Lewis & Clark College. Among the five debaters in attendance, FSU won the Lincoln-Douglas format in both open and junior varsity divisions, a competitive debate that focuses on moral and philosophical issues.

In addition to five winning records, two tournament victories, and two top speaker awards, FSU’s Speech and Debate Team Director, Avery Henry, led the team to qualify for the National Championship Tournament in April 2026.

“The Steve Hunt invitational was unique in that it offered a fully in-person experience for our students. We were able to travel to a tournament and qualify our students for the National Championship Tournament in April,” said Henry.

After joining as the Speech and Debate Team Director in 2018, Henry prioritizes team culture, organization, and preparation, ensuring that his students understand and practice their arguments ahead of tournaments to encourage strong performances. Once at the tournaments, Henry looks forward to coaching competitions where he helps students determine their argument strategy, debriefs with them between rounds, and supports them in understanding their opponent’s arguments.

Henry also expressed his encouragement for professional skill development on the team, highlighting what he calls “portable skills,” including critical thinking, media literacy, public speaking, rhetorical utilization, advocacy, and logical reasoning.

“The FSU debate has produced numerous noteworthy academics, businesspeople, lawyers, politicians, and people working in news and media. It is always a joy watching the students transform from debate students into whatever profession they choose,” said Henry.

Among the FSU Debate Team students were Joseph Alonso, Blake Bole, Harleigh Demchak, Josh Nover, and Zoey Rotenberry. Stay tuned for their performances at the National Championship Tournament in April 2026!