LCC Speech & Debate wins awards at tournament

The Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt Speech & Debate Team competed at the 90th Annual Mahaffey Memorial Tournament, hosted by Linfield University last weekend. This was the second of three Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC) designated tournaments. Like all collegiate speech and debate tournaments this season, the Mahaffey was held virtually with students participating over online platforms.

In a field of 28 colleges and universities, LCC finished second in two-year college sweepstakes. This impressive result at a very competitive tournament was a true team effort, with all five competing members of the Fighting Smelt squad earning sweepstakes points across multiple competition events.

Ilinca Slabu of Longview earned the prestigious Marshall Award.

Molly Mahoney of Kelso was runner up to Slabu in junior Persuasive Speaking.

Jagger Norris of Longview placed sixth in novice Extemporaneous speaking.

Destiny Losolla of Longview advanced to elimination round of novice IPDA debate.

Reagan Gosselin of Longview finished sixth in novice Persuasive Speaking.

LCC Speech and Debate will host the 28th Annual Michael Dugaw Smelt Classic speech and debate tournament the weekend of December 4-6. This will be the final tournament of the 2020 calendar year, and will be held virtually like all other tournaments this season. Spectators are welcome.