Michigan Debate team wins second straight fall term ’national championship’

The University of Michigan Debate Program, led by students Rafael Pierry and Giorgio Rabbini, has won its second consecutive Franklin R. Shirley Classic. The two College of Literature, Science, and the Arts students captured the championship title, defeating Northwestern University on a 3-2 decision in the final round. They did not lose a single debate during the competition, beating teams from Harvard, Michigan State, Purdue and Texas en route to winning the tournament. Widely considered the national collegiate debate championship of the fall semester, the four-day tournament is hosted by Wake Forest University. More than 200 competitors from more than 50 institutions nationwide competed virtually. "We are elated with Rafael and Giorgio's undefeated performance and victory at the Shirley Classic,” said Aaron Kall, U-M director of debate. "I couldn't think of a better way to end the first semester of tough competition on such a positive note, which will provide the team with a tremendous amount of momentum heading into 2022.