The National Parliamentary Debate Association released its updated rankings, placing William Jewell College (Liberty, Mo.) as the No. 2 debate squad in the nation. Jewell has the only squad in the country with three individual teams ranked in the top 10 among more than 625 college and university teams.

In its six tournaments this school year, Jewell’s debate squad has defeated top-ranking teams from Whitman College, University of Oregon, Texas Tech University, Grinnell College, Washburn University, McKendree University and others. A Jewell team progressed to the championship round in five of the tournaments.

“I could not be more proud of this debate squad,” said Kevin Garner, director of debate and instructor of communication. “To be ranked No. 2 nationally as a college/university requires success and dedication from every member of our squad, not just a few people. Being ranked above larger universities and other premiere liberal arts colleges reflects a great return on the college’s investment in our program.”