Hudson Winchel, freshman, and Benjamin Wagner, senior, have joined forces on Concordia’s Forensics team, and their partnership has yielded many positive outcomes this speech and debate season. Each has several awards to their name, and together, they are currently ranked third in the nation in NPDA (National Parliamentary Debate Association) debate with a 5/1 win-loss ratio.

“We’ve gone to three major debate tournaments this year, each of which was grueling and hard with stiff competition,” said Wagner. “We placed first at PSCFA (Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensics Association) with an undefeated record.” The team placed second and made it to the quarter-finals at their other major tournaments.

Sean Nowlan, Director of Debate at Concordia, said, “Benjamin and Hudson have been joys on this team to have. They bear the perfect mix of competitive spirit, care for their teammates and enthusiasm for debate. As captain of the team, Benjamin has served an admirable role as both a spiritual and competitive leader to his lowerclassmen.”

“Being in a freshman-senior team has been a huge blessing for me, primarily because Benjamin has been able to mentor me every step of the way, teaching me the ropes of the new debate format (NPDA) that I am unfamiliar with,” said Winchel. “I wouldn't be doing nearly as well this year if it wasn't for Benjamin's guidance and patience. I'm also glad that we've been able to see success, especially since this is Benjamin's last year. I think the pressure it has put on me has been healthy and ultimately led to more success on the team.”

Winchel and Wagner both recognized how their faith impacts their partnership. “Hudson, more than anything, is my brother in Christ,” said Wagner. “This means that we’re able to have a lot more than debate partners; we’ve had a ton of lovely discussions about theology. All in all, I’m glad Hudson is my partner, he’s a great guy and an equally great debater."

“I think what makes Benny and my partnership special is the fact that, despite being fiercely competitive, we have a firm foundation on what matters most, which is our focus on Christ,” said Winchel. “Sometimes I get a little competitive, and Benny brings me back to Earth, and sometimes Benny gets a little bit humble, and I need to spark a competitive spirit within him. But ultimately, both of us have very similar moral compasses, which have helped us ground our debates with clear perspective on what really matters.”

“I’m astonished at how well Hudson has grown this year as a freshman,” said Wagner. “He soaks up information like a sponge and is constantly improving in every facet of debate. Not only that, but he is relentlessly positive. Hudson is nothing short of a remarkable human being who is always willing to put in extra work, and—win or lose—give glory to God in it all!”

Winchel comes from a speech and debate family, and has been involved with speech and debate for over seven years. His experience has paid off, as he has won IPDA several times this year and received the top overall debater award at the Bernacchi DVC tournament. At Concordia’s home tournament, one of the largest of the year, he was a finalist in extemporaneous speaking and IPDA, and won impromptu speaking. “[I] ultimately took the tournament champion award,” Winchel said, "which recognizes the top overall debater and speecher at the tournament, which was a huge unexpected blessing.”

“Speech and debate at Concordia is a tremendous blessing and is an amazing environment,” said Winchel. “It allows me to refine my public speaking ability while allowing me to more accurately know what I believe, and the reasons behind it. Being involved in speech and debate has given me a strong voice to accurately articulate what I believe and why I believe it.”

Concordia’s Forensics team has several spring tournaments coming up that they are currently preparing for. Winchel and Wagner plan to attend Nationals, where they will close out their season of success. 

For more information about speech and debate and Concordia’s Forensics Team, contact the Director of Forensics, Konrad Hack, at konrad.hack@cui.edu.

Tags: Forensics

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