Debate and IE Team Members Reach Finals at Longview Tournament
Lebanon, Ill. — The McKendree University debate and individual events team reached
finals in six events at Longview College’s Central States Swing, held on Oct. 27-28
in Lee’s Summit, Mo. Fourteen colleges and universities competed, including the University
of Nebraska, the University of Central Missouri, and Webster University. Representing
McKendree were seniors Lance Allen and Darren Meeker; junior Caitlyn Westfall; sophomore
Spencer Marcum; and first-years Christin Austin and Quinn McRoberts.
In the first individual events tournament, Marcum reached finals, taking second in
programmed oral interpretation and seventh in poetry interpretation. He now qualifies
for the prestigious American Forensic Association’s National Individual Events Tournament.
Allen also reached finals in extemporaneous speaking, taking fourth place.
In Lincoln-Douglas debate, both Austin and McRoberts posted 2-2 records in prelims,
advancing to elimination rounds. Austin defeated the University of Nebraska in semifinals
before losing in finals to Longview College, taking second place. McRoberts finished
third after losing in semifinals. McRoberts was recognized as the second place novice
speaker, while Austin took fourth.
In the second individual events tournament, Marcum reached finals again in poetry,
taking second place in the final round.
McKendree students also competed at Bradley University on Nov. 3 and 4.
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McKendree University debate and individual events team members
Christin Austin, Quinn McRoberts, Spencer Marcum and Lance Allen.
