Fifelski

“By any means necessary,” is what Emporia State’s debate team captain Kurt Fifelski abided by to achieve the status of an All-American from the Cross-Examination Debate Association.

Fifelski graduated from Wayland Union High School in Wayland, Mich., and is now a senior who plans on graduating with bachelors degrees in political science and social sciences, emphasizing in philosophy.

“I chose these majors because they are my passions and will help better my career.” Fifelski said. “Also, I am enthralled with reading and research, something these departments offer me.”

Multiple articles and essays written by Fifelski were published through the Best of ESU and West Coast Publishing. Fifelski was also named the 2008-2009 outstanding philosophy student by the ESU Social Sciences Department.

Four years debating has taught Fifelski lessons that he can achieve only through experience.

“I’ve learned a lot about argumentation, analysis, rhetoric and research,” Fifelski said. “More importantly, I have learned a lot about myself as it has taught me about personal reflection.”

Fifelski has participated in approximately 400 debates.

Fifelski draws his inspiration to debate purely out of his drive to be successful, with each win fueling his passion.

“Each win feels better than the last,” he said.

Fellow teammate Yao Chen, senior molecular and cellular biology major, said that Fifelski is the fastest speaker, an undefeatable debater and has the highest Grade Point Average.

“He is the absolute spirit of the whole squad,” Chen said.

Two-year debate partner, Chris Loghry, junior communications major, commented on Fifelski’s cross-examination method (a three minute questioning period following each constructive speech).

“He’ll regularly embarrass people in cross-examination, but he does so in the nicest possible way,” Loghry said.

Fifelski and Loghry have made it in the finals of two national debate tournaments this year, the University of Northern Iowa and the University of Northern Texas. It is the second time Fifelski has qualified to the National Debate Tournament, something most debaters never make it to.

Fifelski has competed against individuals from debate giants such as Harvard and Dartmouth.

Fifelski’s last debate performance with debate team was at the University of Dallas. He and his partner went 5-3 and qualified to the National Debate Tournament.

Recently, Fifelski had the honor to be nominated for the Harry S. Truman scholarship “The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is one of the most prestigious public affairs scholarships out there,” Fifelski said. “Each university has the opportunity to nominate a few students and typically 650-700 students apply. My goal has been achieved just by knowing my professors feel comfortable enough to support me in such endeavors.”

Not only is Fifelski a successful collegiate debater, he is also an accomplished high school coach. Being the varsity coach for the Emporia High School, Fifelski coached the most successful team in the state over the past year by winning the most prestigious debate tournament in Kansas, the Debate Coaches Invitational.

“Ultimately, Kurt is incredibly nice in debates and during work sessions and is always very respectful with people even when he’s schooling them,” Loghry said.

Fifelski was a champion even as a child. He participated in kart racing, winning multiple championships. He also shows great interest in boxing.

Fifelski’s ultimate goal is to achieve a doctorate degree. But first he plans on attending graduate school for communication at Berkley or Wake Forest. He also envisions himself living in Europe for a good portion of the next decade.

“He strives for excellence in everything he does and that really shows both academically and in terms of debate success,” Loghry said.

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