Two debate teams from The University of Texas at Tyler claimed top prizes last weekend at the 2022 Steve Hunt Classic hosted by Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
“We won the whole thing!” Debate Coach Joe Provencher, Ph.D., said. “With competition from our elite rivals in Texas, such as Rice University, and strong liberal arts colleges from across the country to excellent state school programs like UC – Berkeley, UT Tyler emerged as tournament champions.”
The partnership who won the varsity contest is comprised of Hunter Parrish and Josh Smith (pictured). Parrish has debated for UT Tyler three years, and Smith is in his second year.
Two first-year students and first-year debaters, Angie Carroll and Harlin Dean, won the tournament’s JV division.
“The team is excited to have such a strong finish from two first-year competitors, at their very first tournament no less,” Provencher said. “The future is bright at UT Tyler debate.”
Individually, Harlin was named the #1 overall JV Speaker at the tournament. At the varsity level, Smith ranked as fourth overall speaker, and Parrish came in at fifth.
UT Tyler’s Department of Communication Chair Brent Yergensen, Ph.D., heaped praise on the team and its coach.
“Joe’s tireless efforts, expertise and dedication are bringing us success at the highest levels,” he said.
Next, the team competes at the Pat Kennedy Invitational Debate Tournament in Stockton, California.
