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The Whitman Debate and Forensics team
Life at Whitman

Whitman Debate & Forensics

Debate changes the way Whitman’s coaches and students see the world and engage with it. Debate is a place where we find a home and a social circle. A place where we learn to respectfully discuss our ideas while building community. Join Whitman Debate & Forensics!

Meet the Team Debate & Forensics Scholarship Success and Affiliations Upcoming Events

National Champs! Whitties Rank No.1 in the Country

Whitman’s Debate & Forensics program teaches you the skills to lead, think critically, speak up, and win big—like Alexa Grechishkin ’25 and Isabel Mathy ’25. The duo made Whitman history when they won the college’s first-ever national parliamentary debate championship and ranked #1 in the country! Go Blues!

Baker Weilert-Pekar

Meet the Director of Debate & Forensics

It’s not just Whitman students leading in U.S. debate circles. Baker Weilert-Pekar grew up the child of debate coaches and now leads Whitman’s program. They also serve as the Tournament Director for the National Parliamentary Debate Association and as President of the prestigious National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence.

Weilert-Pekar and his team can’t wait to help you unlock the same knowledge and skills for success, often describing it as “a cheat code for college.”

Meet the Team

Whitman College’s Memorial Clock Tower

Student Highlight

“I love being part of Whitman’s Debate & Forensics. I learned skills in public speaking, research and how to think on my feet. Plus, it gave me a community of brilliant and passionate people.”

Nico B., from Goshen, Indiana

Our Student Voices Blog
Whitman Debate team
Whitman Debate team
Whitman Debate team

Whitman Debate & Forensics Stories

Kiefer Storrer wearing a blue Whitman polo shirt.

Q&A With Whitman’s Assistant Director of Debate

In this interview with Juris Education, Whitman College Assistant Director of Debate Kiefer Storrer discusses the rewards of participating in Debate and Forensics, Whitman’s inclusive approach to debate and how debate prepares students for life after graduation.
July 30, 2025

Alexa Grechishkin ’25 and Isabel Mathy ’25 holding the national championship trophy.

National Champs! Historic Victory for Whitman’s Debate & Forensics Team

Whitman’s Debate and Forensics team won the college’s first national championship in debate—securing its place as one of the top U.S. schools for debate. The senior team of Alexa Grechishkin ’25 and Isabel Mathy ’25 took the National Parliamentary Debate Association National Championship in March 2025—beating out teams from larger universities and state schools.
April 03, 2025

Baker Weilert-Pekar

Q&A: Fast 5 With Whitman’s Director of Debate & Forensics

Baker Weilert-Pekar shares insights on his role as Whitman’s Director of Debate and Forensics—including what makes Whitman students special to coach and mentor.
February 14, 2024