The Chesterton High School Speech and Debate Team wrapped up its national tournament competition in Dallas, Texas on Saturday and was recognized as one of three programs in the nation to attend its 40th consecutive national tournament. More than 3,300 students from all fifty states began competition on Tuesday.

All students competed in six preliminary rounds and the top 60 in each event then advanced to the elimination rounds. Each event began with about 230 competitors. Three of the team's seniors advanced to quarterfinals in their main events, placing them in the top 30 of their respective events.

Public forum partners Dakota McCoy and Spencer Hadley advanced through ten rounds of competition before being eliminated on Thursday. In original oratory Kara Fasone also placed in the top thirty after 10 rounds of competition. All three received national tournament plaques recognizing their quarterfinal accomplishments.

In addition, senior Warren Fasone advanced to quarterfinals in impromptu, a consolation event held on Friday. He too placed in the top thirty of an event that began the day with over 400 entries.

Two of the team's coaches also received national recognition at the Diamond Coach Assembly. Doug Pishkur received his second diamond after achieving 3,000 NFL points and Scott Woodhouse received his first diamond for reaching 1,500 NFL points. Former CHS speech coach Joseph Wycoff, who coaches at Apple Valley High School in Minnesota, received his fourth diamond.

Other students competing at the national tournament were Cassidy Peretin (11) in policy debate, Eric Dreischerf (10) in Lincoln/Douglas debate, Robert Conrick (12) in original oratory, Brandon Moore (12) in extemporaneous speaking and Jessica Cleary (12) in humor.

“These kids did a great job of representing Duneland at the national tournament. We had a great week,”said coach Bob Kelly.

Posted 6/20/2011