Idaho State University Forensics Team Wins High Honors at GSL/UTEP Swing

The James M. and Sharon E. Rupp Debate Society at Idaho State University delivered a standout performance this past weekend at the Great Salt Lake (GSL) Invitational and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Swing tournament. Competing against a robust field of regional programs, ISU speakers secured several finalist positions in both Persuasive and Informative speaking events.

Individual Standouts and Academic Excellence

Team members participated in three final rounds over the two days of competition:

• Alex Kuyper secured an impressive 3rd place finish in Open Persuasive Speaking at the UTEP tournament on Saturday. Judges praised Kuyper’s technical mastery and structure, noting his "fantastic" organization and "excellent transitions."
• Maleah Dilworth earned 4th place in Informative Speaking on Saturday. Judges highlighted her strong command of subject matter and her ability to engage the audience with clear, compelling research.
• Chelsea Blanchard rounded out the team’s success with a 6th place finish in Informative Speaking at the GSL Invitational on Friday.

Blanchard’s success is particularly remarkable as she is currently defending her Honors Thesis this week. A member of the ISU University Honors Program, Blanchard is part of an elite tier—approximately 15 students annually—who complete a multi-year independent research project. Her ability to secure a regional speech final while finalizing her thesis underscores the high level of scholarship within the Rupp Debate Society.

A Legacy of Leadership: Sarah Partlow Lefevre’s 25th Year

This season marks the 25th year at Idaho State University for Director of Debate  Sarah T. Partlow Lefevre. Since 2001, she has led the program to hundreds of awards and multiple national titles. A recipient of the Lucy Keele Award and the George Ziegelmueller Award, Partlow Lefevre is recognized nationally for her service to the debate community.

She is supported by a dedicated coaching staff, including Assistant Debate Coach Jack Quigley and Assistant Speech Coach Heather Gilmore, who provide specialized mentorship in both speech and debate disciplines.

Upcoming Events and National Circuit

The community is invited to see the team live at two upcoming events:

• Speech Showcase: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1–3 p.m. (Room TBD).
• Public Debate: Wednesday, April 1, 6–8 p.m. (Topic to be announced).

These events serve as preparation for the team’s upcoming national appearances:

• Pi Kappa Delta (PKD) Nationals: March 18–22 in Springfield, MO. Students will compete in a full slate of NFA/AFA events, including After Dinner Speaking (ADS), Poetry, and Extemporaneous Speaking.
• IPDA Nationals: April 10–13 in Murfreesboro, TN. This features both Team and Individual formats across Novice, JV, and Senior divisions.

"Our students demonstrate the critical thinking and advocacy skills that are the hallmark of ISU Debate," said Partlow Lefevre. "We are incredibly optimistic as we head into the national tournaments this spring."