January 30, 2008

Hood River Valley High School was one of 22 schools competing at the Glencoe Crimson Tide speech and debate tournament held at Glencoe High School, in Hillsboro on Saturday, Jan. 19. After three rounds of competition and finals, the Speakin’ Eagles came home with six trophies.

“There were almost 250 student competitors,” said assistant coach Kathryn Yasui, “vying for the top three places in three debate events, nine speech events, and student congress. There are no lower divisions, so novices are competing against students who have been successful at the state and national levels. It is a great tournament for learning what it takes to win.”

The debate team of Eliot Woodrich and Roberto Nunez won two of their three rounds, losing to the top team in their final round. Also winning two of three rounds was the duo of Tyler Colesar and Patrick Sadil, losing to the second place team in their final round.

Earning third place for her poetry reading on the theme of “Life as a Journey,” was Kelbe Thompson. It is Kelbe’s third season with the speech team; she also competes in oratory.

Earning second place in radio commentary was Emma Fish, reading her commentary on “The Princess Syndrome.” Team captain Marcus Fridley reports, “Emma is very consistent, advancing to finals at almost every tournament.” Emma is in her second year of competition with the team. Marcus earned second place in after dinner speaking, performing his original — and very funny — speech on “Tech Support.” He has been to three tournaments this year, and has earned a first, a second, and a third place finish in those outings.

Taking first in dual interpretation of literature were sophomores Tayler Krummel and Elijah Maletz for their interpretation of “Check, Please” by Jonathan Rand.

Earning first place for her radio commentary on an Oregon sales tax was Claire Smith (who wrote her commentary the evening before the tournament!). Winning first place at his first tournament ever was Jackson Dougan, competing in oratory on the topic of capital punishment.

“Tayler and Elijah have never competed with this duo; Claire just wrote her commentary; and Jackson has never been to a tournament before.” head coach Regena Rafelson said. “We were both surprised and delighted by the results.”

On the way home, the team recognized four-year team member Anastasia Maletz. Tasha, as she is known to her teammates, has competed in policy and parliamentary debate; student congress; dual interpretation of literature; prose reading and impromptu speaking. Tasha is off to Mexico for a several-month volunteer mission before beginning college next fall at the University of Arizona.

Next for the speech team is the Linfield Singletary Tournament, held at Linfield College in McMinnville on Feb. 7 and 8.