FC Takes Second in Sweepstakes at NEDA National Tournament
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Fullerton College debaters took home numerous awards and finished second to Ball State University in the overall “Sweepstakes” title during the 19th National Education Debate Association (NEDA) National Championship on March 11 and 12. The debate was co-hosted by Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton at FC’s campus.
FC’s Andrea O’Loughlin and Hailey Kwon took first place in the Novice Policy Debate division at Nationals, with teammates Henry Grow and James Huber reaching semifinals and placing third. In Open Policy Debate, Kitiny Phumchun and Iris Chu Chu made it to quarterfinals and were awarded fifth overall. Also earning quarterfinal awards were Joseph Phillips and Michael Wu.
In Open Public Forum debate, Zach Turner and Ryan Martinez earned quarterfinalist awards. In Novice Public Forum, the FC’s teams of Brian Gatapandan and Olivia Levalley, as well as Yash Patel and Paul Moore, also earned quarterfinalist awards. In addition to winning the team championship in Novice Policy Debate, Andrea O’Loughlin also won first place speaker in her division while Hailey Kwon was fifth speaker in the same division. Ryan Martinez took fourth speaker and teammate Zach Turner fifth speaker in Open Public Forum.
NEDA awarded three “All American Debater” awards this year, and for the first time, a Fullerton College student, Joseph Phillips, was awarded this honor. The award recognized his excellence in debating, leadership, and character.
Lastly, Fullerton College Director of Forensics, Doug Kresse was awarded NEDA’s “President’s Award” for his dedication and commitment to the goals of the NEDA organization as well as his support for his students. The team is coached by Doug Kresse and Jeff Samano.
