Southern Nazarene University is home to a variety of sports teams, clubs, and organizations that offer a place for students of every talent. One such place is our debate team. The SNU debate team started in the fall of 2021 when then-freshman Tim Hough (now a senior varsity debater) approached Dennis Savill, his former debate coach at Crossings Christian School, and suggested that SNU start a debate squad. SNU administration agreed and named Savill the Director of Debate. The team is now in its fourth year with 13 members, four assistant coaches, and an increasingly prominent presence at SNU.
The debate team puts in hours of work that many are unfamiliar with. The team practices together as a squad once a week. Additionally, members often practice one-on-one with coaches to further develop their skills. Savill says, “We are always preparing for the next tournament…even debating against each other.”
Debate competitions are three-to-four-day events that require skill and stamina. During competitions, two-person teams compete in two-hour debate rounds against teams from other universities. An experienced judge listens and decides who wins the round. The same topic is debated throughout the entire season, and this year’s topic is “How to decarbonize the United States economy.” Varsity debater Tim Hough comments, “Debate is beneficial because it encourages a lot of research into the topic. We get to learn a lot about a contentious issue over the course of a year in addition to research and thinking skills.”
While competing, teams affirm or negate the topic, flipping sides each round. Each team is guaranteed six to eight rounds of preliminary competition, and then the top 30 percent of teams get to continue into an elimination, seeded tournament bracket. If a team wins their round they move upward in the bracket, but a loss eliminates them from the competition for good. This system continues until the final championship round.
Competitions continue through nearly the entire school year, with the team attending seven to eight tournaments from September through April. At these tournaments, they compete against several universities: the University of Oklahoma, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Kansas, several Texas schools, and many other highly skilled competitors. The SNU debate team is stacked up against some tough competition but is currently ranked fifth in the nation! Their goal for the year is to finish in the top 20 overall, and so far, they are on track to meet this goal.
When asked how the SNU community can support the debate team, Savill says, “Tournaments are exhausting (students debate 12 to 16 hours over two days), so patience and understanding when they come back from a tournament is very helpful.” Community members are also welcome to attend tournaments to watch these debaters in action. However, Hough warns that “[debaters] talk fast and tournaments are long!” For better understanding, Savill recommends that people attend an open forum they plan to hold next semester where students can come and participate in a round-table discussion on controversial topics.
Debater and sophomore history major, Blaine Yarborough, says she joined the debate team because she “wanted to be at an institution that trusted [debaters’] skills and time.” When asked about her experience on the team, Yarborough expresses, “Being on the team at SNU has been a game-changer for me. The entire coaching staff has been nothing short of wonderful and helpful throughout this semester. My team has also been incredible; I could not be happier with the state the team is in. I am looking forward to growing this program with [my team] and being part of such a strong and encouraging environment.”
Faith is a constant factor in how the debaters approach their arguments. “We always approach debating as teaching students how to defend their faith in Christ. Jesus is the ultimate debater, and we feel that we are pursuing the excellence He exhibits in the New Testament. Debate also helps students see both sides of an issue and develop empathy for people and issues throughout the world, all through a Christian lens. Lastly, we always promote kindness, faith-grit, and a family atmosphere together, as that is much more important than any wins we may have,” Savill explains.
The SNU debate team exemplifies passion, teamwork, and dedication. The team is set to compete next at the Georgetown Tournament in Washington, D.C., in January 2025. With their determination and the support of the SNU community, the team will continue breaking barriers in the world of debate. Whether in the classroom or the country capital, their commitment to excellence will undoubtedly inspire future SNU debaters. Let’s celebrate their dedication and hard work as they make their voices heard!
If you or anyone you know is interested in joining the debate team, contact Dennis Savill at dsavill@mail.snu.edu. The team accepts experienced competitors anytime during the year and walk-ons for their Novice Academy starting in August 2025.
Photo by: Dennis Savill