ISU Forensics Team

The ISU Speech Birds had yet another successful first semester as they traveled around the country competing for the University. Notably, the forensics team attended nine tournaments and were awarded four first places finishes, four second place finishes and one third place finish, in an addition to roughly 27 notable individual accomplishments. Additionally, as reported in a previous issue of CAS News the policy debate team also posted a successfull fall semester. “This kind of success is really a testament to the hard-working dedication of our students,” said Dr. Joseph P. Zompetti, Director of Forensics. “With some of the most talented competitors in the country, ISU should be proud of their accomplishments.”

The highlights of first semester for the forensics team include:  Truman State University, first place; Illinois State University, first place; Moraine Valley Novice Tournament, first place; and Suffolk University, first place. Individual awards were won by Jordan Bryant, Best Overall Speaker at the Truman State University Tournament; Brandon Wood, Individual Sweepstakes at Illinois State University; Doug Rohrer and Kim Behens, Duo Interpretation at Moraine Valley Novice Tournament; Katie Loyd, Best Overall Speaker, Poetry Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation and After Dinner Speaking at Suffolk University Tournament. 

Historically, the ISU Forensics Team has often dominated. Since 1995, the team has finished in the top three at the national level every year, including three national championships, five second place finishes, and two third place finishes. They have also produced 17 national champions in the area of Pentathlon, Persuasive Speaking, Prose Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, and Informative Speaking.