Breaking News: MNUDL Debaters Make Out-Rounds at UDNC 2025
At the yearly Urban Debate National Championship, the top debaters from the nation’s Urban Debate Leagues convene to compete for the title of Urban Debate National Champion. Teams are chosen both by their competitive records and by a community vote, reflecting a balance of recognizing skills and contributions to the urban debate community. It’s a moment each year where we celebrate the power of Urban Debate, and we’re grateful that our MNUDL debaters got a chance to take the spotlight among their peers across the nation.
Please send your congratulations for our teams’ successes at UDNC:
MNUDL debaters were runners-up in the first National Spanish Debate Championship!
For the first time, the Urban Debate National Championship held a special Spanish Debate division at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Roosevelt High School’s Kuyllur C. and Jose V. made finals.
Let’s send our congratulations to their team and coaches Robyn Eliason and Leah Laurent. Special thanks also goes to Sandy Bolton, who not only served as coach this weekend, leading our team to the finals, but also authored the evidence packet used in the tournament and throughout the season. (Leer más en español)
Central High School debaters advance to Semifinals, earn speaker awards
Kiernan Baxter-Kauf and Max Ulven from Central High School earned their way to the Urban Debate National Championship by the number of points they earned across the competitive season. They made Semifinals and were the 4th seed at the Urban Debate National Championship!
Both of them also earned speaker awards: Kiernan earned the honor of 13th place and Max earned 15th! Congratulations!
Tartan High School’s crew make Octafinals, rank 12th in the nation
From Tartan High School, seniors Lillie Perez and Inah James earned a 4-2 record in preliminary rounds, advancing into Octafinals as the 11th seed. They represented the MNUDL as the Community Choice team. On a 2-1 decision, Tartan placed 12th in the nation.
Inah was also recognized as 20th overall speaker! Great work, Titans!
Stay tuned for a longer report on the students’ experience at this exciting event!
