LCC Speech & Debate opens virtual conference season

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team began the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC) season last weekend at the Steve Hunt Classic tournament, hosted by Lewis & Clark and Whitman Colleges. In light of campus and travel restrictions put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, conference tournaments are being held virtually with students participating over online platforms. Despite adjusting to the new tournament format and facing challenging technology issues, the Fighting Smelt emerged with a convincing result.

70 colleges and universities from 27 different states participated in speech and debate events at this year’s Steve Hunt Classic. Lower Columbia College finished second in 2-year college sweepstakes. This impressive result was a true team effort, with five different members of the Fighting Smelt squad earning sweepstakes points across multiple competition events.

LCC Speech and Debate will hold an exhibition public debate as part of Lower Columbia College’s Community Conversations series on Thursday, October 15 at 12:00 p.m. The Fighting Smelt will return to competition on October 24 at the Boxer Rebellion, hosted by Pacific University.