UCO Debate Team Competes Among Nation’s Top Programs at National Tournament
May 29, 2026
The University of Central Oklahoma Debate team competed at the national debate tournament hosted by the University of Houston, March 27-30, marking Central’s 12th consecutive appearance at the national level.
UCO students Eric Eckard, a recent forensic science and psychology graduate from Edmond, Oklahoma, and Kensington Walker, a recent interpersonal communications graduate from Oolagah, Oklahoma, earned two preliminary round wins at regionals and qualified for the national competition.
Eckard competed in his first year on the Central Debate team, while Walker returned to the national competition after qualifying last year. Although the team did not advance to the final rounds of the tournament, its performance marked a strong showing among national competitors.
“This was a phenomenal showing for UCO, and we’re excited to continue building on this momentum next year,” said Nyx Moore, head debate coach at UCO.
“Our students worked incredibly hard to earn a place at nationals while balancing the demands of school and life, and I have the utmost admiration for their dedication.”
This year’s debate topic focused on labor relations, challenging students to analyze and argue complex policy issues while strengthening their research, critical thinking and public speaking skills.
For more information about the UCO debate team, email debate@uco.edu.
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Cutline: The University of Central Oklahoma Debate team competed at the national debate tournament hosted by the University of Houston, March 27-30, marking Central’s 12th consecutive appearance at the national level. Pictured, left to right, Eric Eckard, Coach Nyx Moore and Kensington Walker represent the UCO debate team at the 2026 national debate tournament at the University of Houston.
Hannah Wagar