Conference Competition Begins for USU's Speech and Debate Team

Utah State University's Speech and Debate Team returned from its first Northwest Forensic Conference Tournament at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., with a first-place finish in debate and second place overall for the tournament. The team competed against 29 universities from nine states.

According to team coach Tom Worthen, USU competed against powerhouse schools, including UC Berkeley, Texas Tech, University of Colorado, University of Oregon, University of Washington and Western Kentucky University. The meet marks the sixth time in the past eight tournaments that USU has taken first in debate. USU lost first place in the overall tournament sweepstakes by one point to Boise State University.

 

USU’s team overcame a difficult time at the tournament.

 

“A window was broken in the team’s vehicle and items were stolen from inside,” Worthen said. “It was difficult adjusting after credit cards, a computer and other information used in competition were stolen. However, the team rebounded and even though USU had one of the smallest teams at the tournament, the quality of the team resulted in everyone winning awards.”

 

The following students won individual awards:

 

In debate, Jane McBride and Zach Myers took first place beating Pacific Lutheran University on a 3-0 decision in the final round. The debate team of Mike Smith and Becca Powell placed fourth in debate.

 

Jane McBride placed sixth in informative speaking. Zach Myers placed sixth in persuasive speaking and fourth in informative speaking. Becca Powell placed first in persuasive speaking. Mike Smith placed fifth in persuasive speaking, fifth in informative speaking and second in forensics criticism. Tim Worthen placed fourth in persuasive speaking. Bryce Draper placed second in after dinner speaking and fourth in poetry interpretation. Eric Peatross placed second in prose interpretation, fourth in informative speaking and third in poetry interpretation.

 

“This win gives the team a commanding lead for a return as the four-time Northwest Forensic Conference Champions,” Worthen said.

 

The team next travels to Caldwell, Idaho, for a tournament at the College of Idaho Oct. 26-27th.

 

For more information on USU’s Speech and Debate Team, contact Worthen at (435) 994-0023.

 

Contact: Tom Worthen (435) 994-0023, DrTom@poeticpower.com
Source: USU Speech and Debate Team