Victories at the Regional Opener at Binghamton University

This weekend saw Rochester making a powerful regional debut in policy debate.

Published
October 29, 2025
A group of people smiling at the camera as they pose for a photo.
Coach Jefferson Yahom, Aiden Swartz, Sophie Bassingthwaite, Ashaz Rahman, Emily Cook, Coach DM Woodward, James Rockwell Giovinazzo, and Lara Ozcayir, with their awards.

Teams of Emily Cook and James Rockwell Giovinazzo breaking in Novice, Sophie Bassingthwaite and Aiden Swartz breaking in Open, and Ashaz Rahman and Lara Ozcayir breaking as the top seed in Open. Emily and James made it to Octofinals and Lara and Ashaz fought all the way to Semifinals. 

Individual speakers were also recognized for their achievement this weekend: new URDUer Emily Cook was awarded as the 2nd Novice speaker at her first debate tournament ever! Sophie won 3rd speaker in Junior Varsity, while Aiden was the 5th best overall speaker at his first college tournament! Lara was recognized as the 8th overall speaker.