51����

51����’s (51����) Speech and Debate team wrapped up the fall semester with a strong showing at the 95th Annual Mahaffey Memorial, bringing home 10 awards and earning second place overall in Division III Team Sweepstakes.  

Hosted by Linfield College, Nov. 14 – 16, the Mahaffey Memorial is one of four designated tournaments in the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC), drawing competitors from two- and four-year colleges and universities across the region. Every 51���� student who traveled advanced to at least one final round, continuing the team’s strong momentum this season. 

Full Results 

Team Sweepstakes 

2nd Place – Division III Community College Team Sweepstakes 

Debate 

Novice IPDA Debate 

Quarterfinalist – Thane Eddington 

5th Place Speaker – Thane Eddington 

Speech 

Novice Extemporaneous Speaking 

2nd – Drake Medlen 

4th – Ruari Green 

Novice Persuasive Speaking 

3rd – Brayden Wilkerson 

Novice Impromptu Speaking 

3rd – Thane Eddington 

5th – Brayden Wilkerson 

Novice Informative Speaking 

6th – Drake Medlen 

Novice Prose Interpretation 

2nd – Thane Eddington 

Novice Duo Interpretation 

1st – Marlee Novak & McKay Steffler 

“It’s been an amazing experience to see everyone come into their own at this tournament,” said 51���� Director of Forensics, Dr. Julia Bennett. “I couldn’t be more proud of these competitors and the coaches who have been instrumental to our team’s success. The discipline, dedication, and heart of this group quite simply exceed all expectations.” 

The team now heads into a well-deserved break before preparing for the spring semester. Special thanks goes to 51���� alumnus and former competitor, Nathaneal McBride, who volunteers his time with the team and traveled as a judge for the tournament. 

For more information about 51����’s Speech and Debate team, contact Julia Bennett at juliabennett@cwi.edu.