VSU Debaters Win First-Ever USG Regents Cup Debate Event

A female duo from Valdosta State University’s Debate Team took home the top prize at the University System of Georgia’s inaugural Regents Cup Debate Series competition April 11. Pictured, from left to right, are Gabrielle Lorentz, a first-year exercise physiology major who moved to Suwanee, Georgia, from Canada several years ago; Dr. Michael Eaves, debate coach; and Reagin Jones, a junior political science major from Lakeland, Georgia. Valdosta State University's winning Debate Team received a handcrafted wood trophy made by Ronny Just, a retired Georgia Power manager and craftsman who views his work as “memorializing wood that matters into things that last.”

VALDOSTA — A female duo from Valdosta State University’s Debate Team took home the top prize at the University System of Georgia’s inaugural Regents Cup Debate Series competition April 11.

“It was such a shock to win, especially because I have only been debating since August 2023,” said Gabrielle Lorentz, a first-year exercise physiology major who moved to Suwanee, Georgia, from Canada several years ago. “This was such a huge tournament with the biggest schools in Georgia being there, so it was a surreal experience when they called VSU as the winner. This was my first in-person tournament, and I had such a great experience with everyone there. I am so excited to continue debating for the next three years.”

In addition to VSU’s overall team win, Lorentz’s teammate, Reagin Jones of Lakeland, Georgia, earned individual runner-up honors.

“This win truly means a lot to me as a debater,” said the junior political science major. “It affirms all the hard work we have been doing. As a competitive debater, not every tournament goes your way — and can ultimately lead to some disheartening feelings — but having been recognized in this sense just shows that all the hard work we put in will prove fruitful.” 

During the USG Regents Cup Debate Series event, which was held at Middle Georgia State University’s Macon Campus, VSU competed against top debaters from five other schools — Georgia College and State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, University of North Georgia, and University of West Georgia. The all-day competition was designed to highlight how USG students can communicate and articulate from different perspectives in a persuasive, respectful way.

The students competed in four rounds of debate, followed by semifinal and final rounds, using the International Public Debate Association structure. They were presented with topics before each round and given 30 minutes to prepare initial arguments, a format that encourages debaters to “think on their feet” and develop strong refutation skills. Debate topics included global economic development, agricultural subsidies, and the impact of artificial intelligence. The final round featured a debate over prioritization of ocean exploration over space exploration.

The Regents Debate Cup was judged by USG Regent Erin Hames, Georgia Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D-Dawson), former USG Regent Robert F. Hatcher Sr., Middle Georgia State University Community Liaison Charles Richardson, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation Chief Operating Officer Jodie Snow, Mercer University School of Law Dean Karen Sneddon, and former Governor Nathan Deal.

“Higher education must cultivate a student’s ability not only for advocacy but also for civil discourse,” said Sonny Perdue, USG chancellor. “We’re trying to create a culture of not only learning to better communicate our ideas but to also listen to others and their ideas. In hosting this debate series, the Board of Regents has demonstrated its commitment to this idea as well as its support of students who communicate and articulate from different perspectives. As we look to grow the debate series, I’m proud of our participating teams this year and congratulate our winner.”

Dr. Michael Eaves, director of debate at VSU, said that being the first school to win a Regents Debate Cup Series event is a defining moment in his 30 years of tenured coaching. 

As the winning team, VSU received a handcrafted wood trophy made by Ronny Just, a retired Georgia Power manager and craftsman who views his work as “memorializing wood that matters into things that last.”

Just created the trophy’s signature look using historical wood from a red oak on UGA’s North Campus, a 100-year-old live oak from the famed Sweetheart Circle at Georgia Southern University, a pecan tree that was planted in 1889 when the Georgia State Capitol was dedicated, and black walnut from North Georgia.

The Debate Team at VSU is open to all majors and does not require previous experience. The team competes in regional and national level competitions and participates in parliamentary debate as well as individual events, including impromptu speaking, extemporaneous speaking, informative speaking, persuasion, dramatic interpretation, dramatic duo, poetry interpretation, and more.

Contact Dr. Michael Eaves at meaves@valdosta.edu or (229) 259-5116 for more information.