The extraordinary success of MBA Debate continues to be on display, with the program demonstrating its strength across a number of recent events. This past weekend, the Big Red brought home the National Debate Coaches Association National Championship for the second consecutive season, in addition to earning awards for the best overall season by a duo and Tournament Host of the Year.

Jimmy Li (‘26) and Enno Brandes (‘27) led the way with a perfect 6-0 preliminary record, earning the top seed before winning four elimination rounds to secure the championship. They defeated Newark Science (NJ) in the final, and each finished as a top-five individual speaker. 

In addition, Li, alongside teammate Russell Howard (‘26), was recognized with the Baker Cup for accumulating the most total points in a season-long race, while Res Seibels (‘26) and Oliver Johnston (‘26) finished second. It marks only the second time in the award’s history that one school has claimed both of the top two team finishes. As a group, the quartet combined to win championships at six of the eight major events of the national circuit.

Last, but certainly not least, is the recognition of MBA’s Southern Bell Forum as the most hospitable tournament in the country, with the school receiving the Billy Tate Tournament of the Year Award. This honor reflects the work of MBA students, families, and tournament director Kevin Hamrick, who together create an exceptional experience for visiting schools. It is especially meaningful that the award is named for former program director Billy Tate.

MBA Debate - the only program in the country to have won four national titles since the Coaches Association Championship began in 2006 - will now begin preparation for the prestigious J.W. Patterson Tournament of Champions, hosted by the University of Kentucky.  Four teams from MBA qualified, tied for most in the nation this year. The event dates back to 1972 and has seen MBA finish first or second five times, all since 1999.