O'Rourke takes second place for ICC in Oklahoma debate tournament

O'Rourke takes second place for ICC in Oklahoma debate tournament

Independence, Kansas—December 6, 2017— The Independence Community College (ICC) speech and debate team finished in second place at the Cameron University Invitational in Lawton, Oklahoma Dec 1- 2.

With over 30 schools participating in debate and individual events, ICC Sophomore Maddy O’Rourke made it to the finals on the first day of competition.

O’Rourke dominated in the open rounds in a field of approximately 28 debaters. She advanced to the quarterfinals, where she won the debate on a 2-1 decision. She earned the victory in semifinals with the same 2-1 ballot win, losing only in the final round of competition to Southwest Baptist University.

“Maddy is a fierce competitor” said Brad Henderson, ICC speech and debate coach. “I think a lot of her competitors underestimate her because they think she has a shy and sweet demeanor, which she does, but only until the debate begins.”

O’Rourke is in her second year of competition at ICC. Last year she won first place in debate at the Tulsa Swing Competition and routinely placed in her individual events throughout the year.

O’Rourke is the daughter of Joe and Mary O’Rourke of Independence, Kansas. She will graduate in next May and plans to continue her studies with a major in speech pathology.

 

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