Chagrin Falls High School’s Speech and Debate team advanced multiple students to the Ohio Speech and Debate State Tournament this season, capping a strong year that also marked the program’s return to hosting a home competition.
Four students qualified for the state tournament. Ben Lyndall and Jack Shein advanced in Public Forum Debate, Bradley Field and Rory Rohde qualified in Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Claire Rubin advanced in Informative Speaking. Stuart Cain also attended to compete in the Senate in Congressional Debate.
Lyndall, Shein, and Rubin secured early state qualification through the Ohio bid system, earning automatic advancement based on consistent high finishes during the regular season. Additional qualifiers advanced through the district tournament held February 7, where students competed for a limited number of state spots.
The team also competed at the national qualifying tournament in mid February. Stuart Cain qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Congressional Debate. Ben Lyndall and Jack Shein were named National Tournament first alternates in Public Forum Debate after reaching the semifinal round.
The Ohio Speech and Debate State Tournament was held March 6 and 7. Congratulations to…
Stuart Cain: semifinalist in Congressional Debate- Senate
Claire Rubin: quarter finalist in Informative Speaking (top 24 in the state)
Rory Rohde: octa-finalist in Lincoln Douglas Debate (top 16 in the state)
Ben Lyndall and Jack Shein: Public Forum Debate quarter finalists (top 8 in the state)
This year’s team included more than 20 students competing across debate and speech events. Throughout the fall and winter season, students earned placements at tournaments hosted by St. Ignatius, Edison, Hathaway Brown, Hawken, Mentor, GlenOak, University School, Laurel School, Solon, and Chagrin Falls.
Among the season’s highlights:
Rory Rohde earned Academic All American honors and posted three top four finishes in Lincoln Douglas Debate, including a first place finish at Hathaway Brown.
Hailey Haddon placed second at the Edison Tournament in U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking.
Claire Rubin earned four top three finishes in Informative Speaking, including a first place finish at University School.
Ben Lyndall and Jack Shein recorded multiple top finishes in Public Forum Debate, including a first place finish at Hawken.
Additional placements were earned in Congressional Debate and Duo Interpretation.
The season also marked the return of a home speech and debate tournament in Chagrin Falls for the first time in several years, bringing regional competitors to campus and signaling continued growth in the program.