MonticelloLive

The speech and debate team at the University of Arkansas at Monticello brought home 11 awards, including first place overall, at the Mississippi College Debate Tournament in Clinton, Miss., December 1-2.  

Chris Halley of North Little Rock earned first place in the varsity debate division while Joel Brown of North Little Rock reached the quarterfinals. Brown also earned a fourth place speaker award while Halley earned a fifth place award.

In novice debate, Colt Roan of Crossett earned first place while Lori Andrews of DeValls Bluff and Nicci Norton of Woodlawn both reached the semifinals. Roan also earned a first place speaker award while Andrews was named the fourth place speaker. Brooke Flemister of Monticello reached the quarterfinals in the open debate division.

Also contributing to the winning effort were Jon Craven and Kate Kelley of Monticello, Brian Rauls of Bearden, Lauren Raynor of Covington, Tenn., Shiann Ryals of Dardanelle and Tim Williams of Grove Hill, Ala.

Serving as judges were Justin Banks, Jon Greenlee and Quentin Jones.

“This is a really strong win that reflects what we have been striving to accomplish this year,” said Scott Kuttenkuler, the team’s coach and director of forensics. “This win serves as a good way to end a terrific semester and sets the stage for a strong spring push.”

The team’s next tournament is January 26-27 at Louisiana State University at Alexandria.