McKendree Reaches Finals at Central States Swing Tournament

Lebanon, Ill. — McKendree University students reached the final round of competition in Lincoln-Douglas debate and extemporaneous speaking at Metropolitan Community College’s Central States Swing tournament on Oct. 28 to 30. Twenty colleges and universities attended the tournament, including Truman State University, the University of Central Missouri and Webster University.

Representing McKendree were senior Abby Baltz; juniors Lance Allen, Darren Meeker and Ben Reid; and sophomores Josh Fleming, Miriah McCaffrey and Caitlyn Westfall.

In Lincoln-Douglas debate, Reid posted a 4-0 prelim record. In quarterfinals and semifinals, he defeated two debaters from Truman State University before losing in the finals to a debater from Missouri Southern University.

In extemporaneous speaking, Allen took first place in both of his prelims before taking fifth place in the final round. Westfall took a first in prose. Taking second place were Allen and Meeker in duo, Allen in impromptu, and McCaffrey in drama.

McKendree will compete at the University of Central Missouri on Nov. 4 to 6.

-McK-