CC Debate Team Ends Season at Nationals; Wins Bronze

The Casper College Forensics Team recently earned two bronze awards in the Wheeler Division: one in debate and the other in individual at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament held in Washington, D.C. The tournament was the final event for the 2016-17 team.

“The team advanced eight events to elimination rounds, one more than last year, and received their sweepstakes award from former Casper College Director of Forensics Gretchen Wheeler,” said Jordan Johnson, assistant director of forensics.

According to Johnson, the team had five events that were “’next out’ meaning that they missed the elimination round break by one rank,” she said, adding, “Next-out placings speak to the quality of the event but are heart-breaking because only advancing events score points for the team.”

The team members who placed at the tournament were: Lucas Davis, Loveland, Colorado, gold medalist in persuasion and bronze medalist in communication analysis, international public debate, and international public debate top speaker; Elaney Elliott, Casper, bronze medalist in both communication analysis and international public debate; Mary Schroer, Casper, bronze medalist in both communication analysis and poetry; and Scarlet Miller, Casper, bronze medalist, international public debate. Casper College debaters Katie Stock and Mark Caballero, both from Douglas, Wyoming, and Drew Stratton, Casper, also competed at the tournament.

“The national tournament was exceptionally competitive this year, and our students excelled,” said Doug Hall, director of forensics. This is an outstanding team full of passion and talent. They set the bar extremely high for future teams.”

“This team is leaving behind a legacy,” added Johnson. “Their numerous awards at this tournament and throughout the season are reflective of their love for each other and the activity. Doug and I are incredibly proud.”