LCC debate team places at tournament

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team began their competition season with a strong result at the Fran Tanner Open tournament hosted by the College of Southern Idaho on September 28-29. The team placed fourth in overall team sweepstakes and was first among community colleges at the tournament.

The Fighting Smelt were led by Mitchell Levy of Kelso, who racked up an impressive 6-0 record on his way to winning the novice division of IPDA public debate and being acknowledged as the top novice speaker. Levy also competed in Impromptu and Persuasive Speaking.

First year competitor Ayesha Ahmed of Cathlamet also earned her first career win in collegiate debate.

Next up for LCC Speech and Debate is the Steve Hunt Classic hosted by Lewis & Clark College the weekend of October 12-14. The Fighting Smelt will attend this tournament with a larger team and hope to remain competitive with the top colleges and universities in the northwest.