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Dear Colleagues,

You and your teams are cordially invited to the 4th edition of the Jasper Howl Invitational! We are taking place in person on Friday and Saturday, February 6–7, 2026 (with Sunday, February 8 if needed) for varsity debate events. Our Congress, Novice Debate, and IE events will conclude on Saturday, February 7. I know, 6–7 might make you eye-roll, but unlike that combo, this tournament promises excitement of its own!

Speaking of combos, this year Kanza Jafri is returning as your Tournament Director, with Dave Huston running the tab room, a dynamic duo ready to bring you an unforgettable weekend. Think of it like Mark Cuban with the Dallas Mavericks (minus the billion-dollar payroll). We continue Jasper’s tradition of excellence, and our warm hospitality remains a hallmark of the tournament. Expect fierce competition, friendly faces, and a howl-ing good time for all!

We are a TFA state qualifying and NIETOC qualifying tournament. We will continue to offer World Schools debate as part of the tournament schedule.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Tournament of Champions has designated the Jasper Howl as a TOC Qualifier in Congress; Policy/CX; LD; and PF debate. We are also offering a NEITOC bid in IE's. We will be offering the following bids this year:

Congress-Tier 1 Qualifier

Public Forum- Finals (Gold = Top 2, Silver = Non-Advancing Semifinalists)

Lincoln Douglas-Finals

Policy Debate-Finals

Follow the links to other pages that will help you better understand the events, fees, schedule, and requirements for the tournament.

Here are some of the things you will find:

• Three preliminary rounds of IE's starting on Friday; some conflict with Congress; please check that. DX/FX also conflict so please don't enter your students in both

• One of the most experienced and hard working tab room staffs in the business. We will be bringing in a lot of the same folks that assisted in our previous hosting experience. We will run an efficient, but equitable schedule that will cater to student and coach needs.

• World Schools debate competition. We will offer as many rounds as is appropriate with the number of schools who will be entered.

• A well stocked coach/judge lounge and concessions for students

• Additionally, we are planning a Coach’s Chili Cook-Off for those who want to participate beyond the student competition, there will be a prize and trophy for the winner!

• For visitors new to the area, we will also provide a list of nearby restaurants to make your weekend more convenient and enjoyable.

• Our tournament takes place in a supportive, competitive environment backed by an administration that fully embraces speech and debate. In short, we promise to provide one of the best tournament experiences you will have all year.

Please choose to join us.

Kanza Jafri, Jasper Speech and Debate

Jasper HS, Plano, TX

Kanza.Jafri@pisd.edu (school e-mail)

Dave Huston, Plano West Speech and Debate

Plano West Senior High School

Dave.Huston@pisd.edu (school e-mail)

Chadwick Caraway, Jasper Speech and Debate

Jasper HS, Plano, TX

chadwick.caraway@pisd.edu (school e-mail)