The State Fair Community College Speech and Debate team had the tournament champion for debate and were named the “Top Community College” at its opening competition last weekend at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar.

Returning sophomore and team president, Josh Kofahl claimed the title of champion at the 2023 Bob R. Derryberry Season Opener in Bolivar. He competed in eight rounds of International Public Debate Association (IPDA) style debate, which is a one-on-one limited preparation format in which students are given a new topic each round and have 30 minutes to prepare. He placed first among the field of 37 debaters, which included junior and senior university students. There were 21 schools represented from nine states.

“I am absolutely thrilled that I could compete at such a large tournament,” Kofahl said. “My takeaway from this success is that you never count yourself out, and to simply just be yourself regardless of the situation.”

Tyson Page finished among the top eight competitors, reaching the quarter finals round. Page also earned a fourth-place award in Communication Analysis.

“A non-medal success from this weekend was the growth in confidence,” said coach Sarah Nail, a communication instructor. “Our team felt good about the hard work they are putting into their events.”

Lucas Culbertson competed in extemporaneous speaking. Kofahl also competed in extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking and with an informative speech, which received a fourth-place recognition.

The SFCC team won the Top Community College award.

The SFCC Speech and Debate team will host an opportunity for new debaters to compete in the virtual portion of Moraine Valley’s Appelquist tournament on Octobert 27. The team will travel to Missouri Valley College November 10 and 11. The speech and debate team is open to all SFCC students. Those who want to learn more are encouraged to contact Nail at snail1@sfccmo.edu.

Photo courtesy of SFCC