Saddleback’s Speech and Debate Team Excels at 2013 Watson-Lancer Invitational Tournament

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA -Approximately 30 colleges and universities including Saddleback College Azusa Pacific, Chapman University, and three CSU schools competed in the 2013 Watson-Lancer Invitational Tournament hosted by Pasadena City College on October 26^th – 27^th..

Saddleback Speech and Debate students

With only a quarter of the team’s students competing, Saddleback placed 6th overall with a total of 29 points. First place was awarded to Moorpark College with 88 total points. Saddleback College beat out Chapman University and made several colleges take notice. Led by team Co-Captain Dennis Meador, Saddleback planted itself in the speech community as a viable contender to win a championship

Saddleback’s new debate coach, Shawn O'Rourke, guided the Saddleback Debaters to a historic weekend. Individual Event Coaches, Larry Radden, Heidi Ochoa, and Lucas Ochoa helped the speech team advance to several final rounds.

Co-Director Larry Radden stated, "We have four amazing coaches for our team and also wonderful students. We have seen great results due to the fact that everyone is working synergistically." 

The results are:

1st Place: After Dinner Speaking- Dennis Meador
2nd Place: Programmed Oral Interpretation- Dennis Meador
2nd Place: After Dinner Speaking- Melissa Armstrong
Finalist: Novice Persuasion- Alex Sherwood
Finalist: Novice Informative- Shawn Walker Mendez
Finalist: Impromptu Speaking- Bailey Prince
Silver Medals: Novice Debate- Bailey Prince and Tyler Kline
Bronze Medals: Open Debate- Ken Caradang and Mitchell Carter

The Saddleback Forensics Team started in the 1970s and prides itself on offering students the ability to create innovative arguments for future writing and speaking engagements to strengthen their critical thinking skills and to better communicate with others. On the forensics team, students write, rehearse, and perform at 6-7 tournaments against students from Universities and Community Colleges to qualify for the national tournament. The students representing Saddleback at the national tournament have placed above several competitors representing institutions throughout the year, including: Concordia University, Point Loma, California State University, Los Angeles, California State University, Long Beach, and UCLA.
 

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.  Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.