Debate Society Finishes 4th at NFA Nationals & Secures Highest Individual Event Placing

The John R. Park Debate Society wrapped up its national season at the National Forensics Association Championship Tournament hosted by Tennessee State University from April 15-20, 2026.

The team advanced four slots to the elimination rounds, securing a 4th-place finish for the team. This finish makes the University of Utah the only team in the nation to secure a top-five finish at both the CEDA (debate) and the NFA (individual events) national tournaments.

Notably, University of Utah junior Samantha Watrin claimed the team’s highest-ever ranking in varsity competition at the NFA, finishing with a second place in impromptu speaking. Samantha, a communication studies, political science, and computer science major, demonstrated excellence throughout the season as she competed across forensics genres. Her placement at the national tournament is a result of an indescribable amount of work, including a season-long qualification process, competition against 179 peers while at the tournament, and successfully advancing through four elimination rounds. It is truly a lifetime achievement.

The Society will transition into its post-season activities, with a focus on recruiting for next fall, and hosting the Beehive Forensics Institute during the first week of August.

 

COMPLETE RESULTS

Overall Awards:

4th Place – President’s Three Division – University of Utah

Individual Speech Awards:

2nd Place – Impromptu Speaking - Samantha Watrin

Octo-Finalist - Impromptu Speaking - Myra Hicks

Octo-Finalist - Dramatic Interpretation - Jeremy Parrish

Octo-Finalist – Extemporaneous Speaking - Samantha Watrin

 

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