Speech and Debate team opens 2022 with second-place finish

The Simpson College speech and debate team began 2022 with a strong showing at the Webster University Gorlok Invitational, winning the debate competition and placing second in both speech and overall sweepstakes. 

The virtual competition took place Jan. 28-30. Featuring a field of 46 colleges and universities, the Gorlock is one of the largest tournaments in the country. Due to its size and the quality of competition, the tournament serves as a measuring stick for the final stretch of the season. 

The team standings highlight some familiar names Simpson will see again at next month’s Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament in Orlando.

“Our team turned in a great performance at one of the toughest tournaments on our schedule. It’s great to come out on top in debate in a field of 46 colleges and universities,” said Spencer Waugh, director of speech, debate and mock trial. “We’ve struggled to match our performance here from 2017, the last time we won the debate team points division. Now we need to focus this same kind of energy on the preparation efforts for the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament in March.”

Simpson topped rival Boise State University in the debate competition 192.5-154. But Boise State edged Simpson in both speech (155-110) and overall team sweepstakes (309-302.5). 

Four individuals won championships over the weekend. Foxx Harrington and Mo Marks closed as co-champions in Open IPDA Debate while Kylie Doupnik and Elise Sturgeon finished as co-champions in Improvisational Pairs.

Simpson returns to action Feb. 12-13 at the Missouri State University Invitational. 

Team Results

Debate
1. Simpson College, 192.5
2. Boise State University, 154
3. Western Kentucky University, 112
4. Lafayette College, 84
5. Truman State University, 80.5

Speech
1. Boise State University, 155
2. Simpson College, 110
3. Truman State University, 107
4. Ball State, 99
5. Mt. San Antonio College, 68

Overall
1. Boise State University, 309
2. Simpson College, 302.5
3. Truman State University, 187.5
4. Western Kentucky University, 112
5. Mt. San Antonio College, 99.5

Individual Results

Co-Champions, Open IPDA Debate
Foxx Harrington and Mo Marks

Co-Champions, Improvisational Pairs
Elise Sturgeon and Kylie Doupnik

Semifinalists, NPDA Debate
Triniti Krauss and Teagan Townsend

Quarterfinalists, NPDA Debate
Scout Perry and Sam Porter
Malcom Smart and Scott Krueger

Semifinalists, Junior Varsity IPDA Debate
Ryan Magalhaes and Jenna Pfeiffer

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Ryan Corcoran
Third Place in Dramatic Interpretation
Top Novice in Dramatic Interpretation
Excellence in Impromptu Speaking

Kylie Doupnik
Co-Tournament Champion in Improvisational Pairs
Second in Open IPDA Speaker
Second in Pentathlon
Third Place in Communication Analysis

Abby Fry
Top Novice in Impromptu Speaking
Sixth Place in Impromptu Speaking
Sixth Place in Extemporaneous Speaking
Sixth in Public Forum Speaker

Foxx Harrington
Co-Champion in IPDA Debate
Third Speaker in Open IPDA Debate

Triniti Krauss
Fourth Place in Improvisational Pairs
Ninth in Open NPDA Debate Speaker
Semifinalists in NPDA Debate

Scott Krueger
Fourth Place in Improvisational Pairs
Quarterfinalist in NPDA Debate

Ryan Magalhaes
Semifinalists in Junior Varsity IPDA Debate

Mo Marks
Co-Champion in IPDA Debate
Second in Persuasive Speaking
Second in Impromptu Speaking
Second in Informative Speaking
Fourth in Communication Analysis
Fifth in Open IPDA Speaker
Excellence in Extemporaneous Speaking
Excellence in After Dinner Speaking

Shelby McCasland
Seventh in Open NPDA Debate Speaker

Scout Peery
Quarterfinalist in NPDA Debate

Jenna Pfeiffer
Semifinalists in Junior Varsity IPDA Debate

Sam Porter
Quarterfinalist in NPDA Debate

Andrew Samountry
Top Novice in Prose Interpretation

Malcom Smart
Quarterfinalist in NPDA Debate

Elise Sturgeon
Co-Tournament Champion in Improvisational Pairs
Fourth in Pentathlon

Teagan Townsend
Semifinalist in NPDA Debate
Fifth in Open NPDA Speaker

Ari Ziegler
Third Junior Varsity IPDA  Debate Speaker

About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,078 undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers 75 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.
 
Contact Information
Bryan Geelan, marketing communication director
Direct: 515-961-1608
Email: bryan.geelan@simpson.edu