USU Freshman Earns Victory at Online Debate Tournament
USU freshman biochemistry major Emmaline Haderlie earned a bronze medal at the Off-Broadway Swing debate tournament.
With finals fast approaching, one last online debate competition was the perfect way to close out fall semester. Over the weekend of December 5-6, dedicated Utah State University debaters woke up bright and early to compete in Eastern time at the Off-Broadway Swing, a tournament hosted by Hofstra University and Nassau Community College. The Aggies won 4th place in debate team sweepstakes, with freshman Emmaline Haderlie earning a bronze medal.
The team’s coach, Chantelle Gossner, explains that the tournament and sweepstakes win were a great way to wrap up for fall semester with plans to come back strong in the spring.
“Throughout this year, I have been impressed with the students’ drive to compete despite challenges and unusual circumstances,” Gossner said. “Speech and debate is very community-focused and very event-oriented, so it can be difficult to transition online. However, dedicated students and incredible coaches alike have come together to make sure we all have the opportunity to build community and learn in a virtual format.”
Freshman biochemistry major Emmaline Haderlie made it through the preliminary rounds of the tournament to compete in elimination rounds and win a bronze medal.
“I've never been a fan of conflict, unless I'm in a debate round,” Haderlie said. “I just joined USU debate team this first semester my freshman year, and I have already learned so much. I choose to participate in debate because it challenges me to become the best communicator and self-advocate I can.”
Gossner agrees that debate is a fantastic companion to any college education.
Then there’s the sheer rush.
“It also feels amazing to argumentatively demolish your opponent,” Haderlie said. “Debate teaches communication skills, thinking-on-your-feet and problem solving like nothing else I've experienced. It opens you up to be a whole new brand of communicator, and it feels powerful. Everything I have learned has been from experience- my mistakes and my successes in rounds- not just from a textbook.”
Both coach Gossner and competitor Haderlie commend the tournament organizers on the event they put together.
“The competitors were fantastic, the tournament was orderly and kept to schedule and the judges were experienced,” Haderlie said. “Debate is an underappreciated, confidence-boosting, beautiful sport.”
Gossner and the team are looking forward to a fully virtual spring competition schedule, including online nationals. They hope to boost recruitment efforts in the new year and return to a pre-COVID team size.
Those interested in joining the team may contact Chantelle Gossner at chantelle.gossner@usu.edu.
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