BPCC DEBATE TEAM EARNS SIXTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

BPCC DEBATE TEAM EARNS SIXTH NATIONAL cHAMPIONSHIP
 
Coach Bob Alexander inducted into IPDA Hall of Fame

Bossier Parish Community College’s debate team returned to the top of the standings as the nation’s largest intercollegiate debate organization concluded its national championship tournament on April 7th. The BPCC team earned the Community College National Championship at the International Public Debate Association’s national championship tournament.  This marks the sixth national championship for the team.
 
“This national title stands out from past awards,” said co-coach Preston Langley. “This team faced incredible odds, starting the season with small numbers and competing against much larger programs. Their strength of character, hard work, and consistency were key. Despite falling just short at earlier tournaments, they persevered and culminated their efforts with this remarkable win.”
 
The BPCC team was led by co-captains Lindsey Brown and Jackson Csoma. The duo advanced through 10 rounds of team debate, ultimately finishing as runners-up in the team debate division. In individual events, both Brown and Csoma reached the Sweet 16 in the varsity debate division, with Csoma earning fifth place as a speaker. Other notable performances included TJ Jones advancing to the round of 32 in the junior varsity division and Danielle Sanson reaching the round of 64 in the novice division.
 
Assistant coach Matthew Gedeon reflected on the team's journey, stating, “It has been a privilege to start my coaching career with this group. Watching them grow and excel this season has been inspiring, and I am confident they will continue to achieve greatness.”
 
For the season, BPCC’s team earned 76 awards, with three students ranking in the top 20 among college and university competitors. TJ Jones ranked 7th in the junior varsity division, while captains Brown and Csoma finished 3rd in team debate standings.
 
“This incredible group of students never ceased to amaze me,” said Debate Team co-coach Bob Alexander. “It has been an honor to work with them, and I am excited to see what they achieve in the future and how the program continues to grow under Preston and Matthew’s leadership.”
 
The tournament also marked a significant milestone for Alexander, who concluded his 17-year tenure coaching at BPCC and was inducted into the IPDA Hall of Fame. Alexander, who founded BPCC’s debate team in 2008, became only the ninth inductee in the organization’s 28-year history.
 
“I am honored to receive this recognition, but this award is about so much more than one person,” said Alexander. “It represents the collective efforts of coaches, mentors, students, and institutions that have supported academic debate. I am proud to have been part of this journey.”
 
Co-coach Preston Langley added, “Winning our sixth national title and seeing my mentor and co-coach Bob Alexander inducted into the Hall of Fame makes this one of our program’s most memorable seasons yet.”
 
   
 
Courtesy Photo Attached: BPCC Debate Team members celebrate their national championship victory.  Pictured (left to right) are TJ Jones, Danielle Sanson, Lindsey Brown