Speech and Debate Team Excels in First Fall Tournament

Jefferson State’s Pioneer Speech and Debate Team earned the top community college award at the Razorback Rumble virtual tournament hosted by the University of Arkansas.

The tournament was the first for coach Jacob Humphries as well as some of the team members.

Soren Troffkin placed in the top 32 of the novice division, which included 67 competitors from colleges and universities across the country.

Kalah Knight also placed in the top 32 of the novice division.

Zachary May placed in the top 16 of the junior varsity division, which had 63 competitors.

Samuel Hollingsworth competed in his first-ever debate tournament and represented Pioneer Speech and Debate well in his rounds. Although he didn’t place, Humphries said that Hollingsworth is a valued member of the team and a hard worker.

“He’s always at practice and is always willing to be the first to try something new,” Humphries said. “I’d also like to recognize our judges: team manager Camille Hawkins, Shamya Lewis, and Alexandria Agee. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to compete!”

The Pioneer Speech and Debate Team’s next tournament is Oct. 17–18 at the University of Alabama. The team will also compete in the Red River Swing at Louisiana State University Shreveport on Nov. 6-8.

The team meets on Monday nights at the Jefferson Campus in Bethune-Deramus Hall, Room 210, and on Tuesday nights from 5-7 p.m. at the Shelby-Hoover Campus in the General Studies Building, Room 215.

Everyone is welcome at the meetings, and no experience is required. Scholarships will be available beginning in fall 2027.