TL/DR –
The University of Michigan debate team won its first championship title, achieved in a 5-0 decision against the University of Kansas. The team, which was first established in 1903, won thanks to debaters Bennett Dombcik and Kelly Phil. The two-person teams debated on a year-long topic concerning U.S. nuclear weapons policy, with the Michigan team finishing the preliminary rounds with a 7-1 record.
University of Michigan Debate Team Wins First Championship
The University of Michigan debate team celebrated its first championship victory, on April 8, by defeating the University of Kansas with a 5-0 decision. This victory, a first in their history since the program began in 1903, is a significant achievement in the world of U.S. college debate.
Key contributors to this momentous win were debaters Bennett Dombcik and Kelly Phil. Dombcik, a philosophy senior from North Carolina, and Phil, a South Korean senior studying political science, led the team to victory in the 78th annual tournament held at Emory University in Atlanta.
“I can’t overstate how thankful I am for the coaching staff and my partner, Kelly,” Dombcik expressed. “To cross the finish line after overcoming some of the best teams in the country reflects the hard work put into this year.”
“Winning the National Debate Tournament is a goal I’ve always had. This win is a testament to our coaches and support system. This win is for all of us, not just Bennett and I,” Phil acknowledged in the university release.
The topic for this year’s debate revolved around U.S. nuclear weapons policy. The University of Michigan team finished preliminary rounds with a 7-1 record. They defeated Michigan State University, Georgetown University, California State University Long Beach, and Emory University before their championship victory against Kansas.
“We are thrilled to follow in the football team’s recent national championship and bring the Larmon Trophy to Ann Arbor for the first time,” said U-M debate coach Aaron Kall.
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