LCU takes top speaker at MSU inaugural debate tournament

Louisiana Christian University Wildcat Debate Team took the first-place speaker’s trophy in the novice division of the inaugural MSU StarkVegas tournament at Mississippi State University in Starkville over the weekend.

Jolie Dore’, a sophomore pre-law major from Lake Charles, took first-place speaker and advanced to the quarterfinals in the novice division.

The MSU-hosted tournament featured teams from across the South, including the University of Arkansas, Southern Methodist University, Dallas Baptist University, Louisiana Tech, and others.

“This weekend was so much fun! Our team is so supportive and amazing, and we always have a great time together,” Dore’ said. “Our coaches go above and beyond for the team and always make sure we are prepared and provided for!”

Wildcat Debate Coach Brian Manuel is pleased with the great start to the competition season.  LCU has done well over the first two tournaments.

“We haven’t fielded a team like this one in a while,” Manuel said. “There is something special about this crew. They genuinely love to debate, and they are good at it. I look for the Wildcats to end the season ranked high in the nation and competing for a national championship.”

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Media Release     |    Oct. 14, 2025     |     Pineville, Louisiana
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Clarke, Director of University Communications | Elizabeth.clarke@lcuniversity.edu