by Elaine Huang

COLUMBUS, OH – This weekend, first year competitors Elaine Huang (’19) and Michael Wellnitz (’19) competed in the Holiday Frolic Tournament at the frighteningly large Ohio State University. The students were accompanied by two coaches, John Boyer and Kimberlee Runnion. Huang competed in Lincoln-Douglas debate and Extemporaneous Speaking while Wellnitz competed in Persuasion. In Lincoln-Douglas debate, Elaine finished with a 3-1 record and qualified for the single-elimination quarterfinal round. In quarterfinals, Huang defeated a debater from Central Michigan University on a 2-1 decision. Advancing to semifinals, Huang faced a debater from Hillsdale College. Elaine was again victorious, this time on a 3-0 decision. In Finals, Huang debated against Duncan Voyles from Hillsdale College who had competed in the elimination rounds at nationals last year. Despite facing one of the top 30 debaters in the nation from last year, Elaine was crowned tournament champion on a 2-1 decision. Elaine was also named the tournament’s second best speaker, behind only Central Michigan’s Audrey Weber who had finished in the top 4 at the national tournament last year.

While all of this was going on, Michael Wellnitz was competing in Persuasion, and consequently having to carry around giant visual aids that he complained about all weekend. Michael had a successful first taste of out-of-region competition, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the final round. Behind these two performances, the team won 3rd place in limited entry sweepstakes—an amazing accomplishment.

While the Lafayette team’s entry list was short, their dining adventures were extensive. Food devoured ranged from burgers and creamy milkshakes from Steak ‘n Shake to the celestial cookies of life from Insomnia Cookies. Most importantly, the team rewarded themselves with Mongolian BBQ after the tournament had finished. Kim and Elaine polished off a giant goblet of a pillow-soft brownie enrobed in mint chocolate ice cream drizzled with caramel and fudge sauce while John and Michael watched enviously. On the drive home, the team stopped by Bob Evans for brunch.

The Holiday Frolic was a nourishing tournament, not just in terms of enriching Michael and Elaine’s experience in competition but their appetites as well.