The Modesto Junior College speech and debate team claimed first place among community colleges in the Kevin Towhy Memorial Speech Tournament, held Oct. 23-25 at Diablo Valley College. MJC defeated 14 Northern California community colleges for the honor.
MJC’s high placing was secured by James Birlew’s first place finish in Novice Extemporaneous Speaking, and his brother Richard’s win in Open Extemporaneous Speaking. Richard and Robert Birlew also defeated the University of California, Davis team to reach the final round in Open Parliamentary Debate, finishing second overall after losing to UC Berkeley in the final round.
Earlier this year the MJC team finished third among community colleges at the San Francisco State University Tournament on Sept. 18-20.