With only four members and a small budget, UMKC Debate aims for nationals

  UMKC’s Debate Team has continued its underdog success story with half of its team qualifying for the National Forensic Association tournament in Nashville this April.

  Despite the success, the team lacks funding. An appearance at nationals is not yet guaranteed.

  Team president Joseph Rice and team treasurer Ariana Holmberg are the nationally qualified debaters.

  “For us to go to nationals, we are trying to secure funding. Our budget is only $5,000. It takes more than that for us to travel to nationals,” said assistant coach Lauren Woodall.

  The team is working with UMKC administration to secure funding for the trip. Despite a minor setback with funding, the team is still thrilled with their surprise success.

  “I feel great about it. When we started off the year, we were just looking to engage in the activity and have fun,” said Holmberg, “It was mainly about self-improvement and getting the team somewhere. So the fact that we’ve been so successful has just been really awesome.”

  Holmberg, who had no prior experience in debate, has quickly become the cornerstone of the team.

  Currently, the team boasts a meager four members, though the team thinks that may be part of the reason for their success. 

  “Most debate programs that are competing in the format (NFA Lincoln-Douglas debate) are much larger. We have two coaches and currently four active debaters, and it means that each one of us can receive a lot of time and attention on coaching,” said Holmberg.

 Despite that, the team hopes to grow the program and continue their success for the foreseeable future. 

  “My responsibility is to the team, not to myself, and ultimately, staying stagnant, just because it might increase my personal chances at another trophy, is not what’s best for the program, and ultimately not even what’s best for myself,” said Holmberg.