College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Speech and Debate team [2] opened the Spring 2026 semester with an impressive showing at the 53rd Annual Michael Dugaw Smelt Classic, held Feb. 13 – 15 at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington. CWI students brought home six individual awards and three team honors, including a season-long Silver Award in the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC).

The Dugaw Smelt Classic served as the final designated tournament of the 2025–2026 NFC season, with results determining overall conference standings. Based on cumulative season points, CWI earned the overall Silver Award among two-year schools and a third-place finish in Division III Debate. At the tournament, the team placed third among Division III programs.

“Whenever a team undergoes a change in coaching staff, it presents a unique challenge the following season. To immediately see this kind of success emphasizes the dedication and skill at the heart of the CWI Speech and Debate program,” said Communication Department Chair, Jim Gatfield. “I couldn’t be prouder of Dr. Julia Bennett, Johnny Rowing, and all the students in Speech and Debate. Go Otters!”

Full Results

Speech Awards

Dramatic Interpretation
Top Novice, 3rd Overall — McKay Steffler

Impromptu Speaking
6th Place Novice — Thane Eddington

Debate Awards

IPDA Public Debate
Novice Semifinalist — Brayden Wilkerson
Octofinalist — Thane Eddington
Octofinalist — Gregory Jones
Octofinalist — McKay Steffler

Team Awards

2025–2026 Northwest Forensics Conference
Silver Award — Overall Division III
Third Place — Division III Debate

53rd Annual Dugaw Smelt Classic
Third Place — Division III

For more information about CWI’s Speech and Debate team, contact Julia Bennett at juliabennett@cwi.edu [3].