Southeast Missouri State Universitys Redhawk Debate brought home first place and a top speaker award at the Otterbein University Spring Cardinal Tournament March 1-2 in Columbus, Ohio.

Redhawk Debate continues to represent Southeast well, and debate gives our students an opportunity to shine, said Dr. Glen Williams, chair of the Department of Communication Studies and Modern Languages. We are proud of our students and appreciate Coach (Travis) Lakins leadership.

Taylor Looney, a global cultures and languages major of Arnold, Missouri, was honored with the top speaker award after marching through the preliminary rounds undefeated. She advanced into the final round as the top seed against Ball State University, and on a unanimous decision, she was awarded first place

Taylor Looney brought home the top speaker award.

I was excited to place first and get a speaker award, Looney said. These awards show that my speaking has improved, and I am now looking forward to nationals.

In addition to Looneys success, Southeasts Debate fielded several novices. Grace Boyum, an environmental science major from Rochester, Minnesota, debated as a one-person team. Also, Andrew Miller, a political science major with a communication studies minor from Jerseyville, Illinois, teamed with Taylor Spencer, an agribusiness major from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and they were impressive in their debut, missing advancing into the semi-final round by one ballot.

Redhawk Debate will next compete at the National Tournament at Ball State University March 15-16.