GCCC Phi Ro Pi Speech and Debate Earn Top Honors at Home Tournament
[Garden City, KS] February 23, 2026 -- Garden City Community College proudly announces the outstanding achievements of its Phi Rho Pi Speech & Debate Team following an exceptional performance at the Broncbuster/Ottawa Speech & Debate Swing Tournament, hosted on the GCCC campus February 20–22, 2026.
Competing against seven universities and two community colleges, GCCC students demonstrated a high level of academic preparation, analytical skill, and competitive excellence throughout the weekend. Balancing the responsibilities of hosting and competing, the Broncbusters rose to the occasion with professionalism and determination.
The team earned an impressive total of:
- 23 Individual Awards
- 6 First-Place Finishes
- 1st Place Sweepstakes – IPDA Debate
- 1st Place Overall Sweepstakes
Team members contributing to this achievement include Jordan Humphreys, Phybee Maglangbayan, Veronica McCallum, Brysan Sprowls, Katelynn Hintz, Gabriel Buruca, Christy Donovan, Ava Galvan, and Keely Petrus.
“Hosting and competing at this level is a significant undertaking, and our students rose to the challenge with professionalism and excellence,” said Savannah Sanburg, Team Coach and Assistant Professor of Communication at GCCC. “Their preparation, focus, and commitment were evident in every round of competition. We are especially appreciative of the strong support from our Broncbuster campus community, which played an essential role in making a tournament of this caliber possible.”
The success of the weekend was made possible through the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, administrators, judges, and campus support teams who ensured a seamless event while fostering an environment centered on student achievement.
In its inaugural season, the Phi Rho Pi program at Garden City Community College has already earned Division III Regional and State Championship titles, with several students qualifying for the national tournament to be held later this semester.
The GCCC Speech & Debate Team, Phi Rho Pi, empowers students by enhancing their public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation skills through various competitive and collaborative events. This inclusive and dynamic student organization is open to all GCCC students, regardless of major or prior experience.
For more information or questions, contact Coach Savannah Sanburg at savannah.sanburg@gcccks.edu.
From left: Brysan Sprowls, Phybee Maglandbayan, Keely Petrus, Katelynn Horne, Veronica McCallum, Ava Galvan, Christy Donovan, Jordan Humphreys. Not pictured: Gabriel Buruca.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.