The Talking Mules, University of Central Missouri’s Speech and Debate team, recently returned from their annual journey overseas to compete in the Montgomery Cup.  

  The Montgomery Cup tournament has allowed not only the Talking Mule competitors, but students in any major enrolled in UCM’s study abroad program, to experience other cultures firsthand through this unique trip. 

  The Talking Mules and their travel colleagues from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, led by coach AJ Edwards, faced off against students from University College Cork in Cork, Ireland, and Trinity University in Dublin, Ireland, during the first leg of the tournament. They closed out the final week with Cardiff University in Wales, and Imperial University in London, England. 

  At each stop, the team participated in British Parliamentary Debate, expanding their forensic toolkit and adding international competition to their resumes. The series ended in a tie across the four debates. In case of a tie, the Cup is retained by the previous year’s winning university. Thus, the Cup remains in the care of UCM and the Talking Mules. 

  Joshua Kofahl, a senior in UCM’s political science undergraduate program, has been a Talking Mule since 2023. This was his first time competing in the Montgomery Cup and he said the experience debating overseas has given him a unique perspective for future competitions. 

  “The resolutions we faced in Europe were more broad and encompassed more of a bigger-picture approach,” Kofahl said. “The beauty of debate is it teaches you to communicate with all different types of people in different ways, so I’ve really benefited from that aspect of this trip.” 

  Bri Glover, a junior in the communication undergraduate program here, made the trip this year as a photographer for the social media team. She said her time overseas was valuable and expanded her worldview.

  “It’s sometimes hard to not be self-centered in our views of the world,” Glover said. “So experiencing different things outside of America and learning a bit of world history, from a different perspective, was truly eye opening.” 

  This marks the 28th year of the Montgomery Cup. Cultural and historic sites the team was able to visit included The Book of Kells and the Trinity University Long Room in  Dublin, Ireland, and Westminster Abbey in London, England. Jack Rogers, former Director of Forensics, said the tournament’s longevity is attributed to the invaluable experience it offers students. 

  “The Montgomery Cup is more than just a chance for our students to debate. It is an opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the countries we visit,” Rogers said. “If you contacted former students who have made the trip, there isn’t a single one that wouldn’t agree it changed their life.” 

  One former student, Sydney Crank, is now the Assistant Director of Forensics for the UCM Talking Mules. She has attended five Montgomery Cup tournaments, participating as a student competitor, graduate assistant and now coach. 

  “I am someone who grew up in a lower socioeconomic household where we weren’t often afforded the opportunity to travel and certainly not out of the country,” Crank said. “I was able to meet people who had experienced a completely different life from my own. I was challenged with new experiences, foods and attitudes about the world and all of its people.”

  As a coach, Crank feels the experience is even more fulfilling as she gets to witness the life-changing effect on students attending for the first time. 

  “While the debate is why we go, it is the sharing of knowledge and the camaraderie that we value most in the trip,” said Crank. 

  The Talking Mules Speech and Debate team is always looking for new competitors and volunteer judges. Those interested in the program can contact Jordan Compton, head coach of the Talking Mules, or Dr. Joe Moore, Chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Media Production.