CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University students earned gold medals at the first Greater Portland Intercollegiate Debate League tournament of 2011 it hosted recently, which featured schools from the greater Portland area, including Longview and Clackamas Community Colleges.
“This was our first time hosting this local tournament,” said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. “It is nice to return from the holidays and be able to jump right back into competition. It is even better when former students come back and support the team.”
Kyle Bidwell of Sumner, Wash., was a gold medal winner in Open IPDA debate and the second best speaker. Kori Thornburg of Kennewick, Wash., was a gold medal winner in Novice IPDA debate and recognized as second best speaker. Loni Hartman of Albany was a silver medal winner in Open IPDA debate.
The competition squad was rounded out by Dalicia Fennell of Sutherlin, Daniel Meiwes and Ryan Ensor of Corvallis, and Jana Hodgins of Clackamas. The team was coached by graduate assistant Forest Ledbetter of Sheridan, Ore. Helping to run the tournament were alumni Andrew Leder of Albany, Morgan Mansker of Sisters, David Kubota of Forest Grove, and Dan Torres of Reno, Nev.