Debate Does Well Again

USU's Speech and Debate Team returned from its second conference tournament taking first place, putting the team in great position to continue its reign as the Northwest Forensic Conference Champions. The tournament was held at Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore., and had 24 universities in attendance. 

The highlight of the tournament was the presentation of the Mahaffey Award, given to the individual student recognized as the top speaker at the tournament. USU first-year team member Zach Myers received the award, and first-year student Becca Powell placed second. With hundreds of students in the running for the award, this is a great accomplishment, said team coach Tom Worthen.

 

The USU debate team of Mike Smith and Becca Powell placed third in debate on a 2-1 decision against Carroll College.

 

Individual honors went to Mike Smith who placed second in persuasive speaking and sixth in informative speaking. Becca Powell took first place in persuasive speaking, first place in informative speaking and fourth place in honor of women, a new event where the speaker recognizes the achievements of female orators. Jane McBride placed first in honor of woman and sixth in persuasive speaking. Eric Peatross placed second in poetry interpretation and second in prose interpretation. Zach Myers placed third in novice persuasive speaking, first in novice informative speaking and first place in extemporaneous speaking. Bryce Draper placed third in after dinner speaking.

 

The team's next tournament is at Western Washington University in Bellingham. 

 

Anyone interested in joining the speech and debate team should call Worthen at 994-0023. Experience is not necessary to become a member of the team.