In debating and forensics, the first team of Roemer and Hart and D. Siewert and Hendley took high honors throughout the year. All four were rated among the top ten debaters in the Midwest Catholic Speech League; all were members of the state championship debate team—Roemer, Hart, and Hendley for the second consecutive year; all represented Marquette in the national debate tournament; all were members of the championship forensic team of the Midwest Catholic Speech League. Roemer secured an “A” rating in original oratory in the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association state tournament. Hart, a finalist in the city’s Voice of Democracy contest, qualified for the national tournament of the National Forensic League by winning first place in extempore speaking in the Southern Wisconsin district. Hendley placed second in humorous declamation in the same league. In debate, Roemer and Siewert upheld the affirmative, Hart and Hendley the negative.
Marquette’s second team of Coverdale, Josten, P. Sanfelippo, and Ash won a total of 27 debates during the year in “A” division competition, copping first place in the Sheboygan Central’s invitational tournament, and second place both in St. Patrick’s (Chi.) and Marquette High’s invitational tournaments. At the Loyola (Chi.) senior debate tournament, Sanfelippo was awarded the second speaker medal. In forensics Ash, Coverdale, and Sanfelippo took many awards. At the National Forensic League district student congress, Coverdale was elected outstanding representative and Sanfelippo outstanding senator. Sanfelippo was chosen to represent the district at the national congress. Coverdale won first place in extempore speaking at the Midwest Catholic Speech League tournament at Marywood (Evanston), and received an “A” rating in extempore at the WHSFA state tournament to qualify for the state Alexander Hamilton extempore contest.
Among the sophomores, Mavis, Dunphy, Dulde, and Carlson pictured with Mr. Fischer, their advisor, were outstanding in speech. Throughout the year they won 20 debates, while losing only six. At two tournaments, St. Gregory (Chi.) and West Allis Central, they had perfect records. Dunphy won the first-speaker medal at the ST. Ignatius (Chi.) tournament and the first place trophy in extempore speaking at the St. George (Evanston) speech tournament. Carlson, Mavis, and Dunphy also participated in the American Legion Oratory contest and the Voice of Democracy contest. In speech tournaments they frequently faced junior-senior competition.
—Flambeau, 1957
Roster of Students & Coaches
Coaches
Students
Not available.
Team Accomplishments
The Marquette Invitational debate tournament attracted 36 schools from Wisconsin and Illinois and taxed the facilities not only at Marquette but also at St. Rose’s grade school and Concordia seminary. During the tournament 93 debates were in progress at one time.
—Flambeau, 1957
Sweepstakes Honors
Policy Debate Honors
National Forensic League National Qualifiers
National Tournament Locations
National Forensic League:
University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
National Catholic Forensic League:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
National Policy Debate Resolution
Resolved: That the federal government should sustain the prices of major agricultural products at not less than 90% of parity.