CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University’s Forensics (speech and debate) Team attended the 52nd Annual Michael Dugaw Smelt Classic, held on the campus of Lower Columbia College, Longview, Wash., on Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2025. The tournament was the third and final regional designated of the season in the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC).
Second time competitor and Senior Aaron Maves, a Microbiology major from Anchorage, Alaska, was tenth best speaker in Novice IPDA Debate and had a winning record, but narrowly missed out on elimination rounds. Maves also competed in Novice Impromptu Speaking. Senior Emerson Pearson, a Political Science major from Beaverton, competed in Open IPDA Debate and had a winning record as well. Emerson also competed in Open Impromptu Speaking, and Open Persuasive Speaking
“I am proud that Aaron was recognized for his speaking,” said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. “And he and Emerson did incredibly well against some of the best debaters in this region.”
The tournament featured fifteen schools from across the Northwest, including Whitworth University, Spokane, Wash.; Carroll College, Helena, Mont.; Weber State University, Ogden, Utah; and Boise State University, Idaho.
Also attending the tournament was new team member and freshman Jess Sicilia, an Exploratory Studies major from Salem, who competed in Novice Impromptu Speaking.
The team was coached by graduate student Megan Baus from Salem. Baus is a former competitor for OSU and a current MAIS graduate student in the Speech Communication area of the School of Communication.
“The Lower Columbia tournament is one of my team’s favorites,” continued Porrovecchio. “It is a great way to head into the final two tournaments of the overall season.”
Celebrating its 132nd season, OSU Forensics is one of the oldest clubs on campus and a member of the Performing Arts Board in the School of Communication. The team is open to all students in good academic standing regardless of experience or academic background. If you are a student interested in participating, or a member of the community who would like to support the team, please contact Porrovecchio at [email protected].
CONTACT:
Mark Porrovecchio
205 Shepard Hall`
737-8230
Photo (from left to right): Jess Sicilia, Emerson Pearson, and Aaron Maves taking a break near the world famous ‘Nutty Narrows’ in Longview, Wash.