College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Speech and Debate team wrapped up the fall semester with a strong showing at the 95th Annual Mahaffey Memorial, bringing home 10 awards and earning second place overall in Division III Team Sweepstakes.
Hosted by Linfield College, Nov. 14 – 16, the Mahaffey Memorial is one of four designated tournaments in the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC), drawing competitors from two- and four-year colleges and universities across the region. Every CWI student who traveled advanced to at least one final round, continuing the team’s strong momentum this season.
Full Results
Team Sweepstakes
2nd Place – Division III Community College Team Sweepstakes
Debate
Novice IPDA Debate
Quarterfinalist – Thane Eddington
5th Place Speaker – Thane Eddington
Speech
Novice Extemporaneous Speaking
2nd – Drake Medlen
4th – Ruari Green
Novice Persuasive Speaking
3rd – Brayden Wilkerson
Novice Impromptu Speaking
3rd – Thane Eddington
5th – Brayden Wilkerson
Novice Informative Speaking
6th – Drake Medlen
Novice Prose Interpretation
2nd – Thane Eddington
Novice Duo Interpretation
1st – Marlee Novak & McKay Steffler
“It’s been an amazing experience to see everyone come into their own at this tournament,” said CWI Director of Forensics, Dr. Julia Bennett. “I couldn’t be more proud of these competitors and the coaches who have been instrumental to our team’s success. The discipline, dedication, and heart of this group quite simply exceed all expectations.”
The team now heads into a well-deserved break before preparing for the spring semester. Special thanks goes to CWI alumnus and former competitor, Nathaneal McBride, who volunteers his time with the team and traveled as a judge for the tournament.
For more information about CWI’s Speech and Debate team, contact Julia Bennett at juliabennett@cwi.edu.
