The 2016-17 College of Western Idaho (CWI) Speech and Debate team finished their competitive season with a community college national championship at the 50th Pi Kappa Delta (PKD) Biennial National Tournament.
The tournament, held at Boise State University from March 21-25, marked the 100 year anniversary of the Nation’s oldest speech and debate fraternity. Out of 72 schools competing from across the United States, CWI placed first among two-year schools. This championship is CWI’s fifth in the last seven seasons (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017).
Twenty one students represented CWI, with fifteen participating in a national tournament for the first time. Over four days of competition rounds, the competitors secured a total of 22 individual awards across speech and debate events.
“My team/coaches gave me so much support in overcoming so many fears that when I finally performed it felt liberating to overcome all the anxiety of performing!” – Kerry Meredith
“The CWI speech and debate team has become like a second family to me. It has some of the most phenomenal, hard-working people I've ever met, and I'm proud to call them my teammates. Our success at nationals was well earned and I wouldn't want to share the victory with any other group of people.” - Remington Grunewald
“The only way to describe how I felt when CWI was named the national champions for division three schools is pure elation. Over the course of a year, I've seen a group of strangers come together as one and pull off an extremely difficult task. It has simply been an honor to be part of and witness to it.” - Christopher Tucci
CWI’s Speech and Debate team was supported by 28 volunteer judges, including CWI faculty and staff, alumni, and community supporters.
Pi Kappa Delta Nationals Results:
Team Results
In Community College Division
Overall Sweepstakes National Champions in Community College Division
Ranked against all schools (two-year and four-year)
Excellent (Top 20%) in Combined Individual Events
Excellent (Top 20%) in Combined Debate Events
Excellent (Top 20%) in Overall Sweepstakes
Bob Derryberry Cumulative Points Award - 3rd Place Entering Next Season
Speech Results
After Dinner Speaking
Silver- Asia Miller
Broadcast
Gold- Asia Miller
Silver- Andrew Castro
Bronze- Kerry Meredith
Bronze- Kevin Sievers
Dramatic Interpretation
Silver- Andrew Castro
Bronze- Katie Newcomer
Informative
Bronze- Asia Miller
Impromptu
Silver- Andrew Castro
Persuasion
Bronze- Madison Scott
Poetry
Bronze- Aleli Snively
Program Oral Interpretation
Bronze- Andrew Castro
Bronze- Asia Miller
Debate Results
Congress
Top Legislator National Champion- Andrew Castro
Presiding Officer Award- Malachi Raass
Gold- Andrew Castro
Silver- Garret Escobedo
Bronze- Kelly McAughey
Bronze- Malachi Raass
Novice IPDA
Semi-Finalist- Katie Newcomer
Silver- Katie Newcomer
Worlds (British Parliamentary)
Finalists- Kerry Meredith & Remington Grunewald