Team sweeps three major team categories, makes TIFA history with bracket-busting novice debate co-champions
Belmont’s Speech and Debate team continued its record of excellence at the Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensics Association state tournament hosted by Tennessee State University, Feb. 14-15. The team secured its eighth consecutive state title, setting both school and state records along the way.
Collectively, Belmont competitors entered a record 86 individual and team events over the course of the weekend. Their performance earned first place finishes in all three main categories: Debate, Individual Events and Overall.
A historic highlight came from Belmont’s novice debaters. Lydia Alvarnaz, Cate Dolezal, Erin Martin and Savannah Sexton made TIFA history by blocking out both novice debate brackets, becoming the event’s four co-champions.
“It's really cool to see this team come together and help their peers improve their speeches,” said Ryan Greenwalt, instructor of communications studies and director of Belmont Speech and Debate. “It's this perfect storm of camaraderie where everyone is really competitive but they also want to see their teammates succeed, and that is a beautiful thing.”
Rising to the Top
Just weeks before the state tournament, novice speaker Cate Dolezal did not expect to compete as a debater. But with less than a month to prepare, she stepped into the role and quickly rose to the challenge. It was the motivation of her teammates and coach that made busting the IDPA bracket an unforgettable experience.
“There was a feeling of incredible pride once we realized everyone had won,” Dolezal said. “To make that happen with only three weeks of training was a special moment for us. It made me want to continue competing in both debate and speech until I graduate.”
When Belmont’s novice debaters shut out the competition at semifinals, the accomplishment imbued the team with a new energy. As they continued that streak into the next day, a quiet confidence took hold.
“Our team of 25 people was knocking out schools with a lot more manpower,” said senior Lela Oliviera. “But the quality of our competitors is unmatched, and that made all the difference.”
In addition to the novice co-champions, the team brought home more than 50 individual and group awards in both speech and debate events. Three competitors earned individual state champion titles:
- Ava Meyer — Informative Speaking
- Greiner Gumerson — After Dinner Speaking
- Adam Everhart — Communication Analysis
A complete list of the team's awards can be found at the bottom of the article.
Practicing Skills with a Greater Purpose
In the process of preparing their pieces for competition, the Speech and Debate team doesn’t just produce compelling prose — they build community and skills that will serve them long after graduation.
Team members practice research, ethical leadership, confident communication and the ability to respond thoughtfully to new ideas — qualities that help them become strong advocates for their communities.
“It’s beautiful to see this team get so close while representing such different perspectives,” said sophomore Adam Everhart. “In learning to be an advocate, you are given the chance to learn from and lift up others’ voices with purpose.”
The team’s continued success at the state level reflects both the students’ hard work and dedication and the strong sense of community that defines Belmont Speech and Debate.
TIFA State Competition Awards:
Lydia Alvarnaz: Co-State State Champion in Novice IPDA Debate, State Champion Top Speaker in Novice IPDA Debate, 3rd in Communications Analysis, 5th in Radio Broadcasting, 6th in Informative Speaking, 6th in Dramatic Interpretation, Impromptu Speaking Semifinalist.
Ava Munyer: State Champion in Informative Speaking, State Champion in Persuasive Speaking, State Champion in Radio Broadcasting, 3rd in Duo Interpretation (with Amy Hoffman), 6th in Program of Oral Interpretation.
Greiner Gumerson: State Champion in After Dinner Speaking, State Champion in Impromptu Speaking, 4th in Communication Analysis, 6th in Duo Interpretation
Adam Everhart: State Champion in Communication Analysis, 2nd in Radio Broadcasting, 3rd in Impromptu Speaking, 5th in Duo Interpretation (with Amy Hoffman), 6th in Duo Interpretation (with Greiner Gumerson), 6th in Prose Interpretation.
Bryce Crawford: 3rd in Prose Interpretation, 3rd in Dramatic Interpretation, 4th in Program of Oral Interpretation, 5th in Poetry Interpretation.
Cate Dolezal: Co-State Champion in Novice IPDA Debate, 2nd in Informative Speaking, 3rd in Radio Broadcasting, Impromptu Speaking Semifinalist.
Ava Armstrong: 3rd in After Dinner Speaking, 4th in Radio Broadcasting
Abbie Cartwright: IPDA Debate Octofinalist, 6th in After Dinner Speaking
Lela Oliveira: IPDA Debate Octofinalist, 3rd in IPDA Debate Top Speaker Sweeps, 5th in Communications Analysis
Amy Hoffman: 3rd in Duo Interpretation (with Ava Munyer), 5th in Dramatic Interpretation, 5th in Duo Interpretation (with Adam Everhart), 5th in Program of Oral Interpretation.
Noelle Porterfield: IPDA Debate Semifinialist, 3rd in Extemporaneous Speaking.
Avery Gibson: IPDA Debate Semifinslist, 4th in Extemporaneous Speaking.
Erin Martin: Co-State Champion in Novice IPDA Debate
Savannah Sexton: Co-State Champion in Novice IPDA Debate
Marko Vrhovac: IPDA Debate Octofinalist
Reeva Lalani: 6th in Persuasive Speaking
Ainsley Mahoney: Top Novice in Dramatic Interpretation, Top Novice in Informative Speaking
Christina Haynes: Impromptu Speaking Semifinalist, Extemporaneous Speaking Top Novice
Shady Khader: IPDA Debate Quarterfinalist, 2nd in IPDA Debate Top Speaker Sweeps
Learn more about the program in this story