Two debate teams from Michigan State University have qualified for the National Debate Tournament at the district qualifying tournament. This is MSU Debate’s second year in a row clinching the top two qualification spots out of the regional district tournament.
Nate Glancy, a senior majoring in economics in the College of Social Science, and David Koster, a sophomore majoring in political science in the College of Social Science, finished in the top qualifying spot. Piper Meloche, a senior majoring in social relations and policy in James Madison College, and Tony Miklovis, a freshman in James Madison College, finished second at the tournament. Koster, Meloche and Miklovis are also students in the Honors College.
Both teams defeated their rivals from Northwestern University, Purdue University and Wayne State University.
Only 78 teams nationally qualify to attend the NDT each year out of hundreds of teams that participate in regional qualifying tournaments. MSU Debate’s regional district includes Indiana University, Northwestern University, Purdue University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
“The whole team has worked hard all year and our district tournament was incredibly competitive,” said Will Repko, head coach of MSU Debate. “It’s exciting that we’ll get to finish our season at the NDT with a great group of students.”
MSU has a legacy of success at the National Debate Tournament. The team has qualified for 26 consecutive years and has won the tournament three times.
“MSU Debate has a long tradition of participation at the NDT. We have one of the longest streaks of qualifying of any public university,” said Repko.
MSU Debate, part of the Honors College, will compete at the American Debate Association Nationals tournament next weekend. The NDT will be hosted by James Madison University the last week of March.