DVC’s Speech Team won five medals at California Community College Forensics Association’s Tournament March 17-21.

“They really represented DVC well,” said Patrick Moe, speech professor and coach.

A bus left last Wednesday night with three coaches and 10 students spending five days at the state championship, which was held at Fresno City College.

The three coaches include full-time speech professors Becky Opesata, John Hanecak and Moe. Hanecak and Moe were also two of the many coaches, graduate students and professors to judge the championship.

The 10 students who attended the championship include Cesyli Bruno, Dillion Pullos, James Michaelson, Tiger Hayes-Lorrey, Daniel Omg, Natalie Meany, Lelah Smick, Kyle Sasia, Michael Murray and Byrong Coroba.

The Speech Team returned to DVC with one gold medal and four bronze.

Pullos won a bronze medal in extemporaneous debate, which gave individual speakers 30 minutes to research a question and prepare for a seven minute speech with sources.

Additionally, Bruno, Pullos, Michaelson and Hayes-Lorrey took home two bronze medals in parliamentary, or two-on-two, debate.

Further, Omg won a bronze medal and Michaelson won a gold medal in Lincoln-Douglass, or one-on-one, debate.  

“It was nice to win but I am not even half recovered yet,” said Michaelson.

Moe said the team’s day started before 7 a.m. and ended past 8 p.m. They participated in 15 different hour-long rounds and three additional individual speaking rounds.

The CCCFA state championship was the last competitive tournament of the year; however, a more light-hearted tournament called “Spring Fling” will be held at Ohlone College in Fremont on May 1.

The Speech Team meets 2-5 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday in PAC 106 to rehearse, practice and train new members who join throughout the semester.

 Contact Julius Rea at [email protected]