The Debate and Forensics teams placed second out of 42 teams at the Gorlock Gala speech and debate tournament at Webster University in St. Louis last weekend, bringing back more hardware and showing that their younger members show promise for the future.
The debate team placed second and the speech team sixth, putting Hillsdale amongst a small category of schools that consistently do well in both fields.
“We are looking forward to the National Forensics Association Tournament in March, and our next tournament is this weekend — the Michigan Intercollegiate speech League Novice Championships, where we expect freshman Ian Fury and our other novices to do quite well,” Assistant Director of Speech Matthew Warner said.
Freshman Christina Bolema qualified for the National Forensics Association Tournament in March, bringing the debate team’s total to nine members going to nationals.
Sophomore Mary Coran placed first in Lincoln Douglas Debate.
“Constant encouragement from my team, and of course Coach, gave me the confidence to defeat all the other competitors in novice LD,” she said. “Besides, what could be better or more fun than waking up at 6 a.m. over the weekend to debate U.S. trade policy with China?”
Coran and her partner sophomore Jonathan Slonim broke quarterfinals in JV NPDA even though they only became partners this semester.
“It’s been really cool to see how well novices are doing,” Jonathan Slonim said. “One great thing is the talent in our freshman and sophomores. They show a great future for our team.”
Junior Andrew Dykstal broke in multiple genres: Interpretation of Literature as well as Limited Preparation Speaking. He has now been in eight final rounds in the past three tournaments, including five wins. He also made it to finals in prose interpretation, finishing 7th overall out of 43 competitors in the event.
Sophomore Lauren Holt broke to open parliamentary out rounds with her partner, senior T. Elliot Gaiser.
Fury and sophomore Josh Andrew advanced to finals in persuasive speaking, finishing 5th and 6th respectively. Fury and senior Blake Faulkner made it to semi-finals of extemporaneous speaking. Fury and Andrew’s coach say their success as underclassmen is worth noting. Another freshman, Kirby Hartley, is still learning the ropes but maintains his team’s positive outlook.
“I really enjoy traveling with the team and the opportunity to improve my writing and speaking skills,” Hartley said. “I need more experience but I’m psyched about the future.”
