Speech and Debate Begins 2019-2020 Competitive Season

Published: October 3, 2019

51ΑΤΖζ’s (51ΑΤΖζ) national championship Speech and Debate team started off their 2019-2020 season at the Fran Tanner Invitational hosted by College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Sept. 27-29. Twelve students representing 51ΑΤΖζ were among the seven schools competing.

Fran Tanner Invitational Results:

Novice Debate

1st place – Tristin Andrae

Dramatic Interpretation

1st place – Josh Young

3rd place – Joann King

After-Dinner Speaking

5th place – Josh Young

Impromptu Speaking

7th place – Zac Maggard

Poetry

5th place – Dayanna Mora

Speaker Points

5th place – Dominic Ruiz

9th place – Tristin Andrae

11th place – Will Young

Winning Debate Records of 3-1

Will Young

Lydia Shearman

β€œWhat makes the above so special is there were no novice or junior speech divisions at this tournament, meaning every novice was competing against people with eight years of experience,” said former member of 51ΑΤΖζ’s Speech and Debate team and new Director of Forensics, Luke Yeates.  β€œThe fact that we have so many taking home awards is astounding.  Also, the tournament only broke perfect debate records, which is very rare.  At any other tournament both Will and Lydia would have taken home debate trophies.”

The team is now preparing for the Steve Hunt Classic, hosted by Lewis and Clark in Portland, Oct. 11 – 13.

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