Concordia University, Nebraska Speech and Debate Team Shines in Fall Semester

Front, from left: Jacy Jackson, Americ Bergstrom, Esther Molina, Casey Perlinger-Jett, Daisy Calloway, Acacia Carlson. Back: Thomas McKinnon, Quinlan Hendrickson, Eden Lehr, Megan Lange, Aidan McKinnon

Concordia University, Nebraska’s speech and debate teams have enjoyed a remarkable fall semester, achieving significant milestones and showcasing exceptional talent across competitions. Under the guidance of head coach Malia Frerking and graduate assistant Angelina Stinson the team consistently excelled, ranking high at tournaments and achieving both team and individual successes. 

This semester, the debate team stood out with impressive rankings at multiple tournaments, including securing 2nd and 3rd place overall finishes. Freshman Jacy Jackson, freshman Aidan McKinnon and junior Brynn Holtmeier all qualified to nationals. At a recent tournament, every pairing on the team achieved a winning record, with three out of four teams advancing to the quarterfinal bracket. The duo of sophomore Thomas McKinnon and Aidan McKinnon had an extraordinary semester, losing only one debate round across multiple tournaments and claiming first place at the prestigious Vocal Viking tournament in Mankato, Minnesota, in November. 

On the speech side, the team saw four members qualify for nationals: senior Madelyn Graham, junior Esther Molina, junior Alayna Laughridge and freshman Alyvia Hardy. Seven additional team members are just one bid away from qualifying. Notably, Molina achieved double first-place bids, a rare accomplishment, while Graham has reached finals at every tournament she’s entered this year. The freshmen have also made their mark, with every first-year competitor advancing to at least one final round in their events. 

The little improvements in process and mindset are going to make the biggest difference. I am so proud of their dedication and grit.

Head coach Frerking expressed pride in the group’s adaptability and perseverance, especially in the face of a leadership transition and other challenges this semester. “Our big accomplishments this year—winning debate and placing second [in speech] at Vocal Viking, finalling at every tournament, getting third at Hastings—have been great,” she said. “But the little improvements in process and mindset are going to make the biggest difference. I am so proud of their dedication and grit.” 

The team’s success is due in no small part to the growth and determination of its members. The junior class has taken on leadership roles, setting a strong example for their peers. Marlie Mundt has excelled in persuasive and duo performances while serving as an encouraging teammate. Alayna Laughridge’s growth as a performer has earned her an early qualification to nationals. Freshman Duncan Carrasco has impressed with his dramatic interpretation, leveraging his theater experience to bring depth and emotion to his performances. 

Other standouts include Thomas McKinnon, who ventured into impromptu speaking for the first time and reached finals, and Holtmeier, the team’s most versatile competitor, who demonstrated significant growth in interpretive events.  

“Other than giving them the confidence to speak well and articulate themselves well, I think it's made them more likely to get involved on campus,” Frerking said. “We have so many students involved in student government, activity council, mission work and other clubs, and I think that the skills that they learn in the activity help push them to get more involved and care about their communities. There's the typical skill building, of course: writing, researching, speaking, oration, rhetoric, etc. But you also learn to empathize with people who have lived wildly different ways than you. I think it's a great place to grow your faith and your voice, and I've definitely seen that on the team.” 

As the fall semester concludes, the Concordia University, Nebraska speech and debate teams looks forward to building on their success in the spring. Their hard work and commitment ensure a bright future for the program. 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s speech and debate program is committed to providing a Christ-centered, team-centric and supportive environment where students use competitive public speaking as a context for forming lasting friendships, building confidence and more.