College Debaters Talk Their Way to the Top

Saddleback Community College District’s speech and debate team has talked its way to a title, ending the season as No. 1 in debate among community colleges across the nation.

For the second year in a row, the team of 15 debaters from Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College finished the season at the top.

“Our students were extremely motivated to provide the effort to achieve this level of excellence,” coach Gary Rybold said.

The district’s speech and debate team also finished its 10-month season last week by capturing the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensic Assn. overall champion title for 1995-96.

Rybold said that, with eight team members returning next year, he anticipates another successful season.