Bossier City, LA – Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) is once again in the national spotlight after its debate team clinched the Community College National Championship at the International Public Debate Association’s (IPDA) National Tournament held April 7. This victory marks the sixth national title for BPCC’s program and highlights the team’s tenacity, resilience, and academic excellence.
“This national title stands out from past awards,” said Preston Langley, BPCC debate co-coach. “The team faced incredible odds, starting the season with small numbers and competing against much larger programs. Their strength of character, hard work, and consistency were key.”
Led by co-captains Lindsey Brown and Jackson Csoma, the BPCC squad advanced through ten rounds of intense competition, ultimately finishing as runners-up in the team debate division. Individually, Brown and Csoma reached the Sweet 16 in the varsity debate division, with Csoma also earning fifth place speaker honors. Additional standout performances included TJ Jones, who advanced to the round of 32 in junior varsity, and Danielle Sanson, who reached the round of 64 in novice.
In total, BPCC’s debate team brought home 76 awards this season. TJ Jones ranked 7th in the nation in the junior varsity division, while captains Brown and Csoma secured a 3rd-place national finish in team debate standings.
A Hall of Fame Legacy
The tournament also marked a turning point for Coach Bob Alexander, who was inducted into the IPDA Hall of Fame, becoming only the ninth inductee in the organization’s 28-year history. Alexander founded BPCC’s debate team in 2008 and has led the program to all six national titles over his 17-year coaching career.
“I am honored to receive this recognition,” said Alexander. “This award is about so much more than one person. It represents the collective efforts of coaches, mentors, students, and institutions that have supported academic debate.”
Assistant coach Matthew Gedeon, who recently joined the coaching staff, noted the significance of the season: “It has been a privilege to start my coaching career with this group. Watching them grow and excel has been inspiring.”
The Power of Academic Excellence
BPCC’s debate success is more than just trophies—it reflects the institution’s dedication to developing critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills among its students. In a region where workforce development and soft skills are highly valued, achievements like these underscore the important role community colleges play in cultivating future leaders.
As co-coach Preston Langley summed it up, “Winning our sixth national title and seeing my mentor and co-coach Bob Alexander inducted into the Hall of Fame makes this one of our program’s most memorable seasons yet.”
For more information on BPCC’s academic and extracurricular programs, visit www.bpcc.edu.