Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University's forensics team kept its winning streak alive at the 37th annual Smelt Classic Speech and Debate Tournament at Lower Columbia College last week, tying with Humboldt State University for first place in the Four Year College/University Sweepstakes.

The tournament featured more than 15 schools from around the country.

"This tournament is a regional tradition and this was our best showing in the past four years," said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team.

The list of wins started with individual speech events:

• Andrew Leder (Albany) took first place in open impromptu speaking and second place in open extemporaneous speaking;
• Forest Ledbetter (Sheridan) was a finalist in open impromptu speaking;
• Dalicia Fennell (Sutherlin) took first place in novice impromptu speaking;
• Chandra Garver (Portland) took third place in novice persuasive speaking;
• Kori Thornburgh (Kennewick, Wash.) was a finalist in novice persuasive speaking; and
• Patrick Chambers (Redmond, Wash.) was a finalist in novice impromptu speaking.

The team's impressive performance continued with IPDA debate:

• Ledbetter (Sheridan) received a gold medal in open debate;
• Andrew Leder (Albany) also took home a gold medal in open debate;
• Daniel Meiwes (Corvallis) received a silver medal in open debate;
• Fennell (Sutherlin) won a gold medal in novice debate and was ranked second best speaker;
• Antonio DiMicco (Hillsboro) received a silver medal in novice debate.