ISSUED: 24 October 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Shepherd University Debate and Forensics Team kicked off their season with the 18th Annual Lafayette College OcholE Tournament held October 12-13 in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Nine schools participated in the two-day tournament that included events ranging from one-on-one debates and prepared speeches to limited-preparation speeches.
“We have the largest team we have had in over a year, and we are so glad to all be in this together,” said Phoenix Herman, a member of the Shepherd debate team. “Our competitors worked hard on their pieces all semester and were excited to debut them and get judges’ feedback on improving their speeches.”
With the help of the team’s new coach Aly Nazarok, a two-time Shepherd University alumna, Shepherd left with valuable feedback and experience, including many students placing for awards.
Students were awarded the following placements:
- Informative Speaking, Allison Sawicki, 6th
- Duo Dramatic Interpretation, Jackson Heath and Allison Sawicki, 4th; Riley Barry and Brooklyn Gholdston, 5th
- Poetry, Morgan Haymaker, 2nd; Kayla Shaffer, 3rd; and Josh Molina, 5th
- Team sweepstakes: 5th in the debate and 5th in speech
The Debate and Forensics team will continue the tournament season November 1-2 at the University of Lynchburg.
There are also opportunities to support the Rams in November when they host a Home Showcase the week of November 18 and a Glow Run fundraiser on November 7.
To learn more about the Shepherd Debate and Forensics Team and their upcoming events, click here.
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