Carmen Cruz crowned Novice IDPA debate champion

'Debate team brings home two big wins in recent tournaments' (2/2)

In a sweeping victory, Carmen Cruz, a sophomore history major from Madison, Alabama, was crowned Novice IDPA Champion of the H. Neher Bulldog Battle on Jan. 17, 2026.  

The tournament was held virtually by Butler University and consisted of preliminary, semifinal and final rounds. Cruz completed the preliminaries with a 3-1 record, moving her to the semifinals where she defeated Valdosta State University 3-0. 

In the final round, she defeated Simpson College in another 3-0 decision. 

“I am always nervous while debating,” Cruz said. “There were a few times that I felt like I got a good topic but still was nervous speaking. 

“This was not a collapsed tournament, so I only debated other novices, though there was really tough competition.” 

Topics of debate covered the polio vaccine, collegiate speech events, and e-learning in K-12 schools. Cruz also won the second top speaker award while debating.  

Additionally, Cruz gives credit to her mentor for the win. 

“I’ve only been debating since last spring,” Cruz said. “I never debated in high school, everything I know comes from my coach, Professor Gray.” 

Professor Michael Gray, lecturer in the Hall School of Journalism and Communication, explained what it's been like watching Cruz’s development.  

“Carmen has had many opportunities to compete,” Gray said. “She came to the team with adequate critical thinking skills already in place, but I’ve seen those skills deepen over time. 

“Although she is a sophomore, I would say that dedication to debate has accelerated her critical thinking skills such that she's probably functioning near senior level at this point.” 

Gray says that winning tournaments only motivates his debaters to compete even more. 

“We celebrate the victories together,” Gray said. “The reality is that every win only makes us want to win more. 

“We're always looking for the next challenge.” 

Cruz is looking to add another win to her name at the Scheller Forensics Invitational on Jan. 24.