KU News Release

KU debaters take second at Harvard meet, remain first in national rankings

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas debate team of Brett Bricker and Andrew Jennings captured second place at a tournament involving 82 of the nation’s top debate teams held Oct. 27-29 at Harvard University.

The performance of two KU teams at Harvard allowed the KU debate program to remain in first place in the National Debate Tournament varsity rankings. KU also is No. 1 in the country in the overall NDT rankings. The rankings are based on points earned by the combined performance of KU teams at tournaments throughout the season.

“We are thrilled with the performance of both teams because the Harvard tournament is the most difficult tournament of the year,” said Scott Harris, debate coach.

Bricker and Jennings advanced to the finals of the Harvard tournament where they lost a 2-1 split decision to the University of California-Berkeley. Bricker and Jennings won 10 debates at the tournament. Jennings was recognized as the third-place individual speaker, and Bricker received the fourth-place individual speaker award. This was the second consecutive year that Bricker and Jennings took second place at the prestigious Harvard tournament.

The KU team of Nate Johnson and Chris Stone finished in ninth place at the Harvard tournament. The two KU teams met each other in the single eliminations on the final day. Johnson was the 20th individual speaker at the tournament.

Debate team members who competed at Harvard are listed below by hometown, year in school, major, parents’ names and high school, when available.

RILEY COUNTY
From Manhattan 66502
Nate Johnson, senior in philosophy, political science and psychology, son of Ron and Betty Johnson; Manhattan High School.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Derby 67037
Christopher Stone, sophomore in political science, son of Douglas and Gloria Stone; Derby High School.

From Wichita 67206
Brett Bricker, senior in mathematics, son of Gary and Norma Bricker; Wichita High School Southeast.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Silver Lake 66539
Andrew Jennings, junior in political science, son of Joe and Kathy Jennings; Silver Lake Junior-Senior High School.

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