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Sterling College shines at Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament
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Courtesy photo Four members of the Sterling College Forensics/Debate team brought home awards from the National Pi Kappa Delta Tournament recently. They are (left to right): Miquala Purscell, Brennan Blake, Aubrie Powell, and Davi Brooks. Others who competed at Nationals and scored points for the team’s overall success included Bailey Brewer, Chandler Reiman, and Natalynn Gulick. Ken Troyer is the coach of the squad.

Sterling College’s Forensics and Debate team made a significant impact at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament held at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, competing against 51 schools in individual events and 46 schools in debate. With a storied history—being one of only five programs to have competed at Pi Kappa Delta, the country’s oldest collegiate honor society for debaters and speakers for over 100 years. 

Among the standout performers was Davi Brooks, Sterling, who earned the title of 6th Speaker in the Novice International Public Debate Association (IPDA) Debate category. Aubrie Powell, Colorado Spring, delivered impressive results, securing 5th place in Novice IPDA Debate, earning a spot as the 7th Speaker, and receiving an Excellence Award in Interviewing. Miquala Purscell, Hoisington, distinguished herself in the Varsity IPDA Debate, finishing in 3rd place and also receiving an Award of Excellence in Interviewing. Brennan Blake, Cambridge, Minn., showcased his talents in prose, finishing 7th. In addition to these individual achievements, team members Bailey Brewer, Hutchinson, Natalynn Gulick, Eureka, and Chandler Reiman, Kinsley, also competed and added points to the team scores.

Sterling College’s Forensics team not only excelled individually but also proved their collective strength, finishing 8th in both Debate Team Sweeps and Individual Events (IE) Team Sweeps. This performance reinforces the program’s longstanding reputation and their consistent ranking among the nation’s elite. It’s a proud reminder that, for over a century, Sterling College has been at the forefront of competitive forensics—a tradition that began at the inaugural Pi Kappa Delta tournament in 1914.

“It’s always great to see the result of hard work. The upper classmen, Aubrie and Chandler, really stepped up in debate and the freshmen, Davi and Brennan, took advantage of their opportunities and brought home some hardware as well,” remarked Sterling Coach Ken Troyer. This spirit of excellence, dedication, and teamwork is what has propelled Sterling College to be recognized as one of the nation’s top forensics programs.

Consistently ranked in the top 25 programs nationwide, the team’s performance this year is a testament to their unwavering commitment and skill.

This exceptional performance at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament not only reinforces the reputation of Sterling College’s Forensics and Debate team but also serves as an inspiration for future competitors. Their success is a testament to a program steeped in over a century of history and achievement—demonstrating that with hard work, talent, and a supportive community, excellence is not just achieved but sustained.