SMU debate team member Jared Warren took third place at the International Parliamentary Debate Association (IPDA) Southern Forensics Championship semifinals in Shreveport, La. last weekend.

According to Dr. Ben Voth, an SMU communications professor and the university’s director of debate, the competition, which began Jan. 29 and ended Jan. 31, was considered a swing tournament. Each day was treated as a separate competition, focusing on both individual and team debate styles.

As one of the top IPDA style debaters in the country, Warren was additionally deemed the tournament’s second rated speaker for his oratorical skills.

Warren and a partner from Baylor University held a 4-0 in the team portion. The two made it through the initial stages, but lost during the quarterfinals of eliminations.

Voth explained that Warren is not only a new member of the debate team, but also the first member to debate in the IPDA style.

“He usually has been in the top three of just about every tournament he’s traveled to,” said Voth.

Warren will compete throughout the rest of the semester, ultimately aiming to win the national championship in Houston this March.