COM hosts first Duck Debates
Debating sports, politics, pop culture and debate itself, students from four colleges
participated in COM’s Duck Debates, the first tournament hosted by COM. During the
two-day tournament, students from College of the Mainland, Stephen F. Austin State
University, Louisiana College, East Texas Baptist University participated in both
varsity and novice levels of debate.
COM student Sonia Hernandez medaled as the fourth-best varsity speaker. COM novice
debaters Kyle DeVasier and Taryn Clark were ranked as the seventh and eighth-best
novice speakers, respectively.
“Receiving a fourth place speaking award was extremely exciting for me,” said Hernandez.
“It was the first tournament where I competed at the varsity level, and it was the
first speaking award of my debate career.”
Students discussed topics ranging from Adele’s future in music to whether senior adults
should have to retest to maintain their driver’s licenses.
“I love to argue,” said DeVasier. “When you learn how to argue, it can be fun and
productive as long as you do it with respect and courtesy. Debating involves a lot
of critical thinking and listening skills.”
Students from all participating colleges, including more than 30 COM students, helped
judge the many rounds of debates covering more than 75 topics.
“It was exhausting but a lot of fun,” said Dr. Nakia Welch, debate tournament director
and COM speech professor. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”
The COM Debate Team is open to all COM students, regardless of level of prior experience
in public speaking or debate. The team also recently traveled to East Texas Baptist
University in Marshall, Texas, to compete in ETBU’s first hosted debate tournament.
“I am looking forward to competing at other debate tournaments throughout the season,”
said Hernandez.