UR Debate Wins 2019 U.S. Novice Championship

Another major milestone for the University of Rochester debate program during the 2018-19 season, as the Yellowjackets earned the Novice Division title at the United States Universities Championship Debate Tournament from April 11-15 at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.

First-year debaters Natasha Abrol '22 and Prinaya Choubey '21 finished number one out of nearly 60 novice teams competing from Universities all around the United States, including Princeton, Duke and Air Force.

Abrol and Choubey could not be stopped on Monday as the team progressed from the quarterfinals through the semifinals and championship rounds of the tournament.  They entered the elimination rounds as the second seed out of dozens of breaking novice teams.

The pair debated topics ranging from closing U.S. military bases abroad, to the corporatization of American universities, culminating in the final round that raised the question of prison abolition.

When asked about the debate, Abrol recalled, "the Wednesday before the competition, we did a practice round and the motion was about criminal justice. We lost the round, and three days later we’re in the final and what’s the motion about? Criminal justice. Winning a national tournament is incredible to begin with but this just made it extra sweet."

In this case, practice made perfect for these novice debaters: Natasha Abrol '22 and Prinaya Choubey '21 following their win at the USU Novice Debate Championships.

Reflecting on the support she felt from her team, Choubey commented, "debating in elimination rounds is always scary, looking out into the crowd and watching out teammates cheer us on was what defined this experience for us, and in the best way possible."

Natasha and Prinaya's win is the second time Rochester has won the USU Novice Championship, but is the first time two of Rochester's international students finished as the top first-year debaters in the nation.

Fletcher pointed out following the win, "this win reflects not only UR Debate's strong commitment to novice-level competition, but also the diversity and inclusivity of the team itself."

"It is my hope that students will recognized the URDU is here to empower all Rochester students who walk through the debate office doors, regardless of class, race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or creed.  Everyone is capable of great success, however one defines it, and it's our job to help students achieve it for themselves," said Fletcher.

UR Debate is open to all Rochester undergraduates.  They meet Monday's at 7 p.m. in Dewey 1.204.  You can also contact Brady Fletcher at brady.fletcher@rochester.edu for more information.