It was an impressive showing at the Phi Rho Pi Nationals in Norfolk, Virginia, for the Lower Columbia College Fighting Smelt speech and debate team.

The team brought home two gold medals. Seamus Mahoney earned his gold with a 9-2 overall record in IPDA debate and was also named the fifth-best speaker out of 137 debaters. Keidustine Glidden also posted a 9-2 record in IPDA debate, securing a gold medal as well.

In team sweepstakes, the Fighting Smelt took home bronze in the Wheeler Division — the tournament’s second-largest competitive division. This marks the first time LCC has placed in team sweepstakes since moving up from the smaller Hindman Division in 2023.