HELENA, MT — The Carroll College Talking Saints forensics team won 20 awards across two countries last weekend with victories in Oregon and Alberta.
Nine first-year Talking Saints traveled to Calgary, Alberta, on October 10-11. Carroll reached the championship round in BP debate at the Fall Open, a debate tournament exclusively for first-year students. Five Carroll teams competed against colleges from across Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Emilio Rodriguez-Holloway of Las Vegas and Jude Sherman of Helena lost in debate finals on a split decision, won by the University of Saskatchewan. Rodriguez-Holloway was named top speaker in finals.
Rodriguez-Holloway and Sherman have reached the championship rounds in both of their first two tournaments. They won the Carroll Teaching Tournament, held on September 20.
“Emilio and Jude have been our hardest working team over the past month,” said coach Brent Northup. “I keep hearing stories of them huddled up in the library, getting ready. And during the tournament, they were walking around hallways between rounds talking strategy. That intense focus and commitment is paying off.”
Thanks to gifts from generous donors, the debaters attended a Calgary Flames hockey game, and visited the Calgary Zoo, before waving goodbye to the polar bears and giraffes—and putting on their debating shoes. The team presented their hosts from the University of Calgary with Montana gifts in appreciation for the weekend.
“After receiving their huckleberry jam and coffee mugs, the hosts hugged our kids,” said Northup. “They were quite touched. Our new generation of team members is representing our school with class and kindness.”
“It was a blast!” said Maisy Orellana, a first-year student from Woodland Park, Colorado. “I really liked getting to watch my home team play and win! Exploring the city of Calgary was a bit frightening but it was also fun.”
Some 800 miles away in Portland, Oregon, six upperclass Saints were winning 18 awards, including winning sweepstakes recognition at the Steve Hunt Classic at Lewis & Clark College on October 11.
Every Carroll student attending won an award, as the team competed in speech events for the first time this year.
Kate Wilkins, a junior from Salt Lake City, led the team at Lewis & Clark with three first place awards, qualifying her for nationals. Jase Frost, a junior from Ronan, Montana, won six awards across all genres, interpretation, short prep, and oratory. Kimber Koteskey, a sophomore from Great Falls, won five awards including recognition for a top overall performance in junior division.
Lily Vickers, a sophomore from Roundup, Montana, finished second in poetry and third in prose. And Thuymi Tran, a sophomore from Dallas, Texas, reached finals in informative speaking.
“I'm so proud of how everyone showed up this weekend at Lewis & Clark,” said Thuymi Tran. “The team worked hard, encouraged one another, and gave our best throughout the weekend. More than anything, this weekend reminded me how lucky l am to be surrounded by people who support each other both in and out of competition. I’m looking forward to this year’s season with my favorite people!"
