UIndy Speech and Debate Team is tournament champion at Muskingum University

The University of Indianapolis Speech and Debate Team earned a big win recently at Muskingum University’s Tournament in New Concord, Ohio. Overall, the team placed first, earning the title of tournament champions. In addition, two students earned top marks and were named tournament champions in individual events.

The UIndy Speech and Debate Team is a nationally ranked learning community that competes in speaking events to enhance students’ communication, research and public speaking skills. Stephanie Wideman, assistant professor, serves as the team director.

“Coming in to my second year as the director of the team makes this win even more special. It displays our continued growth and commitment to excellence,” Wideman said.

Shayla Cabalan ’20 (Communication and English) earned first place in the event of Radio Broadcasting. Of her experience with the team she noted, “Speech and Debate, in my opinion, is one of the most honorable ways a student can represent the university. As a whole, speech and debate involves speaking on important topics, starting crucial conversations, and creating a dialogue for change.”

Sierra Roberts ’21 (History and Social Studies Education) earned first place in the event of After Dinner Speaking. “Being a part of the team has taught me several valuable lessons, most notably it plays a vital role in preparing me for my future. As a future educator I will use many of the skills I have learned through teaching in my own classroom,” she explained.

In addition to Cabalan and Roberts’ success, the entire team turned in strong ranks. See the full results below:

Festival Storytelling
Kaylee – 3rd

Poetry
Landon – 4th
Taylor – 5th

POI
India – 2nd
Shayla – 3rd
Kaylee – 4th

ADS
Sierra – 1st

Broadcast Journalism
Shayla – 1st

Dramatic Interpretation
Landon – 2nd

Extemp
Craig – 5th

Impromptu
Craig – 3rd

Prose
India – 2nd

Persuasion
Taylor – 2nd
Shayla – 3rd
Craig – 5th

Info
Kay 4th
Mel 3rd