The Moraine Valley Community College Speech and Debate Team had a successful fall semester, winning first place twice and taking third once, as they returned to in-person competition.
After nearly two years participating virtually, the team competed in-person the weekend of Oct. 16 at McHenry County College, finishing first. Last month, the team took third place at the Highland Community College Tournament, which included four-year colleges and universities. Earlier this month, Moraine Valley finished in first place overall at the Elgin Community College competition. Moraine Valley also hosted an on-campus tournament over the weekend of Oct. 31, where 20 colleges and universities from around the country participated. Host colleges do not compete.
Members of the award winning Moraine Valley Community College Speech and Debate Team from their most recent first place win include (back row left to right) Chayse Mueller, Ameet Dhaliwal, Naail Chaudhry and Itzel Rojas; and (front row left to right) Eli Zwiesler, Oswaldo Ocampo, Eliza Perkovich and Robert Murillo (missing are Alexis Lyons, Aidan McGuire and Cameron Spencer).
Moraine Valley students on the team include Naail Chaudhry, of Orland Park; Ameet Dhaliwal, of Orland Hills; Alexis Lyons, of Orland Park; Aidan McGuire, of Mokena; Chayse Mueller, of Hickory Hills; Robert Murillo, of Chicago; Oswaldo Ocampo, of Burbank; Eliza Perkovich, of Hickory Hills; Itzel Rojas, of Oak Lawn; Cameron Spencer, of Oak Forest; and Eli Zwiesler, of Chicago Ridge.
The team still has some virtual coaching, as well as face-to-face, but has appreciated the chance to compete again like they used to.
“The students are not taking this opportunity for granted. I think they appreciate the ability to connect with their team, their coaches and competition so much more now. This is one of the tightest family unit teams we have had in quite some time,” said John Nash, Moraine Valley communications professor and co-coach of the team. “Overall, I am pleased with how well the team did. They are all mostly first-year students, and they won two tournaments. However, what I am truly happy about is how much they are learning about themselves and about communication in general.”
The team will continue their season on Jan. 7 and 8 with a tournament hosted by Phi Rho Pi Region IV.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist/sport information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
