The WKU forensics team placed second at the National Forensics Association national championship tournament in both individual events and debate the weekend of April 19-23 in Athens, Ohio.

The top 10 schools in individual events were Bradley University, WKU, University of Texas at Austin, Illinois State University, Ohio University, Eastern Michigan University, University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, Northwestern University, Gustavus Adolphus College and Ball State University. In debate, Truman State University placed first, followed by WKU, Rice University, Central Michigan University and Hillsdale College.

Second-year Director of Forensics Jace Lux is proud of his team’s effort.  “Obviously, our overall goal was to bring the national championship trophy back to The Hill, so there’s always a little disappointment when you fall short of a goal,” he said. “But our students fought hard, and in the end, the number of points between first and second place was the smallest I can ever remember seeing since I’ve been involved in the activity. Hats off to Bradley University on a tremendous year.”

Lux said he encouraged his students to focus on all the positives the team experienced this year. “We talked on the bus on the way home, and I told them how proud I am of all of them and all of our coaches,” he said. “You wouldn’t believe how hard these students and coaches worked over the course of this season, and especially the past month or so. I think everyone was pulling seven-day workweeks in preparation for this tournament. We had a great season, and second place in the nation is nothing to feel bad about.”

Lux said he is already focusing on the 2012-2013 season. “We are losing very few seniors, which is great for next year,” he said. “I’ve already gotten some commitments from some very talented high school seniors and some transfer students, and I have recruitment visits all through the month of May and June. The outlook is very bright for the future of this program.”

In addition to recruiting and preparing for next year, Lux said he and the coaching staff will host a summer camp July 8-14. “One of the highlights of the summer for us is always our annual summer forensic institute,” Lux said. “We get the chance to work with junior high and high school students from all over the country, which is a lot of fun.”

The team will conclude its season with its annual forensics banquet next week, hosted by President Gary Ransdell and his wife, Julie. “The WKU administration is so supportive of our students, and I can’t thank them enough. We’ll have our banquet next week, then as far as I’m concerned, next year’s season starts the next day,” Lux said.

Three WKU students were ranked among the top 10 overall competitors in the nation. Junior Tyler Dailey placed second overall, senior Mario Nguyen placed fifth, and junior Sarah Brazier placed seventh.

“To place among the top ten in the nation at that tournament is extremely difficult, and the fact that we had three of the top 10 speaks volumes for the work that these students have done this year,” Lux said. “Tyler was the national runner-up by one point, a razor thin margin. The fact that he’s only a junior makes me ecstatic.”

Individual results from the National Forensic Association National Tournament are as follows:

• Tyler Dailey, a junior from Blue Springs, Mo., national champion in informative speaking, second in pentathlon, second in duo interpretation (with Sarah Brazier) semifinalist in prose interpretation, semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Wilian Iralzabal) quarterfinalist in dramatic interpretation, quarterfinalist in after-dinner speaking and quarterfinalist in poetry interpretation.
• Sarah Brazier, a junior from Wadsworth, Ohio, second in dramatic interpretation, second in duo interpretation (with Tyler Dailey) fourth in informative speaking and seventh in pentathlon.
• Alexis Elliott, a sophomore from Kansas City, Mo., second debate speaker, fourth in impromptu speaking, semifinalist in extemporaneous speaking and quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
• Mario Nguyen, a senior from Plano, Texas, third in impromptu speaking, third in informative speaking, fifth in pentathlon, semifinalist in rhetorical criticism and semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Celena Allen).
• Alexander Wozencraft, a senior from Tulsa, Okla., third in dramatic interpretation, quarterfinalist in prose interpretation and quarterfinalist in duo interpretation (with Celena Allen).
• Spencer Orlowski, a sophomore from Davie, Fla., third debate speaker, quarterfinalist in persuasive speaking and double-octofinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
• Liz Courtney, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, fourth in extemporaneous speaking, sixth in impromptu speaking, semifinalist in rhetorical criticism and double-octofinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
• Lindsey White, a sophomore from St. Paul, Minn., fifth in prose interpretation, semifinalist in poetry interpretation and quarterfinalist in informative speaking.
• Amanda Waid, a junior from Symsonia, semifinalist in prose interpretation, semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Layton Garlington) quarterfinalist in dramatic interpretation, quarterfinalist in after-dinner speaking and quarterfinalist in persuasive speaking.
• Wilian Iralzabal, a senior from Union City, Calif., semifinalist in poetry interpretation and semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Tyler Dailey).
• Celena Allen, a senior from Hayward, Calif., semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Mario Nguyen) quarterfinalist in poetry interpretation and quarterfinalist in duo interpretation (with Alex Wozencraft).
• Khristan Solliday, a senior from Mitchell, Ind., semifinalist in impromptu speaking, quarterfinalist in extemporaneous speaking and quarterfinalist in after-dinner speaking.
• Tiffany McLarty, a freshman from Bronx, N.Y., semifinalist in informative speaking and quarterfinalist in prose interpretation.
• Nick Gilyard, a sophomore from Miami Gardens, Fla., semifinalist in informative speaking and quarterfinalist in after-dinner speaking.
• Layton Garlington, a sophomore from Ruston, La., semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Amanda Waid) and quarterfinalist in rhetorical criticism.
• Nefertiti Dukes, a freshman from Miami Gardens, Fla., 10^th debate speaker and octofinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
• Austin Groves, a freshman from Blue Springs, Mo., semifinalist in dramatic interpretation.
• Janniqua Dawkins, a freshman from Hollywood, Fla., semifinalist in persuasive speaking.
• Justin Rodriguez, a sophomore from Coos Bay, Ore., quarterfinalist in prose interpretation.
• Matt Whitman, a senior from Austin, Texas, quarterfinalist in extemporaneous speaking.
• Richard Heyne, a sophomore from Sunrise, Fla., quarterfinalist in rhetorical criticism.
• Marshall Covert, a sophomore from St. Paul, Minn., quarterfinalist in persuasive speaking.
• Susan Taylor, a junior from Kansas City, Mo., octofinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-6340.

The WKU forensics team placed third at the 2012 American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament, hosted by Texas State University-San Marcos.

More than 80 schools competed at AFA this year, with 500 competitors. The top 20 finishers were Bradley University, University of Texas at Austin, WKU, George Mason University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Illinois State University, University of Alabama, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Gustavus Adolphus College, University of Northern Iowa, Kansas State University, Eastern Michigan University, Belmont University, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Concordia College, Hastings College, Texas State University, Doane College, California State University Long Beach, and Tennessee State University.

WKU sent 25 competitors with a total of 66 entries to the national tournament.  Of the 66 total entries, 34 advanced to quarterfinal rounds (two more than last year); 20 of those advanced to the semifinal round (two more than last year); and six made it to the final rounds of competition.

In addition to the team’s success, WKU forensics team members captured two of the top 15 individual sweepstakes awards. Junior Sarah Brazier was named 10^th overall, and junior Tyler Dailey placed 14^th. The sweepstakes awards are measures of a student’s individual success over the course of the tournament.

WKU Director of Forensics Jace Lux was pleased with the efforts of all students.  “Obviously, we were hoping to bring the national championship back to WKU again this year,” he said. “That was the goal, and of course, there’s always disappointment anytime you fall short of a goal. But our students worked very hard to prepare for the tournament, and I’m so proud of their dedication and efforts on behalf of WKU. We had a stronger showing than we did last year when we won the national championship, but it just turned out to be not quite enough to capture the title this year. It’s hard to be too disappointed when you build on the results of the past few years.”

Lux is optimistic that the team can defend its championship at next week’s National Forensic Association national tournament, the largest tournament of the year. “Two years ago, we came in second at AFA, and turned around a week and a half later and won the NFA title. I have no doubt that this group of students is capable of the same turnaround.”

Lux says that the students want to win the NFA national championship because of the support that forensics enjoys at WKU.  “I’ve had some very positive communications with President Ransdell over the past 24 hours, and he’s been very encouraging to our team,” Lux said. “I’ve shared some of those communications with our students, and knowing that the campus community is behind them makes them even more hungry for a championship.”

The season’s final national tournament, the NFA National Speech and Debate Tournament, will be held April 19-23 at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

“Many of the same schools that we faced last weekend will compete at the NFA tournament, and it won’t be easy,” Lux said. “I know our students have the drive and talent to accomplish whatever they want, and no matter how things turn out, I’m very proud of this group.”

Individual results from the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament are as follows:

• Mario Nguyen, a senior from Plano, Texas, national champion in informative speaking and fourth in impromptu speaking.
• Alexander Wozencraft, a senior from Tulsa, Okla., second in dramatic interpretation and sixth in duo interpretation (with Celena Allen).
• Tyler Dailey, a junior from Blue Springs, Mo., third in dramatic interpretation, semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Sarah Brazier) quarterfinalist in informative speaking and quarterfinalist in prose interpretation.
• Alexis Elliott, a sophomore from Kansas City, Mo., fifth in impromptu speaking and semifinalist in extemporaneous speaking.
• Celena Allen, a senior from Hayward, Calif., sixth in duo interpretation (with Alex Wozencraft).
• Sarah Brazier, a junior from Wadsworth, Ohio, semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Tyler Dailey) semifinalist in dramatic interpretation, semifinalist in poetry interpretation, quarterfinalist in prose interpretation and quarterfinalist in programmed oral interpretation.
• Matt Whitman, a senior from Austin, Texas, semifinalist in impromptu speaking and semifinalist in extemporaneous speaking.
• Ray Roberts, a freshman from Houston, Texas, semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Marshall Covert) and semifinalist in poetry interpretation.
• Liz Courtney, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, semifinalist in extemporaneous speaking and quarterfinalist in impromptu speaking.
• Nick Gilyard, a sophomore from Miami Gardens, Fla., semifinalist in after-dinner speaking and quarterfinalist in informative speaking.
• Marshall Covert, a sophomore from St. Paul, Minn., semifinalist in duo interpretation (with Ray Roberts).
• Gabriella Devia-Allen, a sophomore from Davie, Fla., semifinalist in programmed oral interpretation.
• Wilian Iralzabal, a senior from Union City, Calif., semifinalist in poetry interpretation.
• Kristina Medero, a freshman from Davie, Fla., semifinalist in persuasive speaking.
• Lindsey White, a sophomore from St. Paul, Minn., semifinalist in dramatic interpretation.
• Khristan Solliday, a senior from Mitchell, Ind., quarterfinalist in impromptu speaking, quarterfinalist in extemporaneous speaking and quarterfinalist in communication analysis.
• Amanda Waid, a junior from Symsonia, quarterfinalist in prose interpretation, quarterfinalist in duo interpretation (with Layton Garlington) and quarterfinalist in persuasive speaking.
• Layton Garlington, a sophomore from Ruston, La., quarterfinalist in duo interpretation (with Amanda Waid).
• Austin Groves, a freshman from Blue Springs, Mo., quarterfinalist in poetry interpretation.
• John Reynolds, a sophomore from Harlingen, Texas, quarterfinalist in informative speaking.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-6340.

Nine members of the WKU Forensics Team traveled to Overland Park, Kan., to compete in the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament the weekend of March 17-18.

WKU sophomore Alexis Elliott of Kansas City, Mo., won the national championship in Lincoln Douglas debate. WKU’s team placed ninth in debate sweepstakes, out of 68 schools.

Other schools competing included Truman State University, Ohio State University, University of Ohio, Lafayette College, Central Michigan State University, Harper College, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Marshall University, Middle Tennessee State University, Murray State University, North Central College, Northern Illinois University, Texas A&M, University of Oklahoma, and Boise State University.

On March 31, members of the WKU speech and debate team will present their final public performance of the season before April’s national tournament. An Evening with Forensics: A Showcase will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Downing University Center Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

In two weeks, WKU’s team will travel to Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, to defend the national championship at the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament.

Individual results for the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament are as follows:

• Alexis Elliott, a sophomore from Kansas City, Mo., national champion in Lincoln-Douglas debate, third debate speaker, fourth in extemporaneous speaking and quarterfinalist in impromptu speaking.
• Liz Owens-Courtney, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, top debate speaker, quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate, semifinalist in extemporaneous speaking, semifinalist in communication analysis and quarterfinalist in impromptu speaking.
• Tyler Prochazka, a freshman from Newton, Kan., fourth debate speaker, quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate, and excellence award in extemporaneous speaking.
• Spencer Orlowski, a sophomore from Davie, Fla., seventh debate speaker and quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
• Mitchell Grogg, a junior from Evansville, Ind., semifinalist in extemporaneous speaking, excellence award in impromptu speaking and octofinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
• Susan Taylor, a junior from Kansas City, Mo., eighth debate speaker, semifinalist in impromptu speaking and octofinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
• Matt Whitman, a senior from Austin, Texas, quarterfinalist in extemporaneous speaking and quarterfinalist in impromptu speaking.
• Nefertiti Dukes, a freshman from Miami Gardens, Fla., quarterfinalist in impromptu speaking.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-6340.

Three first-year members of the WKU Forensics Team traveled to Easton, Pa., to compete in the 30th Annual Novice National Individual Events Tournament the weekend of March 10-11.

WKU won the top two awards in Lincoln-Douglas debate, closing out the final round of the tournament. A “close out” occurs when the final two participants in the final round are from the same school, thus eliminating the need to hold a final debate. Also, all three of the team’s new debate students advanced to an elimination round in debate.  Lafayette College hosted this year’s Novice National tournament, which is held for students competing in their first year of collegiate debate.

Individual results for the 30th Annual Novice National Individual Events Tournament are as follows:

• Robert Hollar, a freshman from Los Angeles, Calif., national champion in Lincoln-Douglas debate and top debate speaker.
• Tyler Prochazka, a freshman from Newton, Kan., second in Lincoln-Douglas debate and fifth debate speaker.
• Nefertiti Dukes, a freshman from Miami Gardens, Fla., semifinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Next weekend, members of the debate team will travel to Overland Park, Kan., to compete in the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament, hosted by Metropolitan Community College at Longview. Pi Kappa Delta is an honorary forensics society that was formed in the early 1900s.  For nearly a century, the organization has hosted an annual national tournament.  Next weekend marks WKU’s first return to the tournament since 2003.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-6340.

Three WKU forensic team members traveled to Columbus and New Concord, Ohio, to compete in the last two invitational tournaments of the season the weekend of March 3-4.

This was the last chance to qualify for the national tournaments, which will be held in April. All students made it to a final round in all of their events.

Next weekend, the team will travel to Lafayette College in Easton, Pa., to compete at the Novice National Lincoln-Douglas Debate tournament.

Results from the Ohio/Muskingum “Generic” Swing are as follows:

• Gabriella Devia-Allen, a sophomore from Davie, Fla., tournament champion in programmed oral interpretation at the Ohio State tournament; tournament champion in programmed oral interpretation at the Muskingum tournament.
• John Reynolds, a sophomore from Harlingen, Texas, tournament champion in after-dinner speaking at the Ohio State tournament; tournament champion in after-dinner speaking at the Muskingum tournament.
• Ellis Fraser, a freshman from Hodgenville, third in prose interpretation and seventh in poetry interpretation at the Ohio State tournament; sixth in prose interpretation at the Muskingum tournament.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-6340.

WKU forensic team members traveled to Ohio and Illinois to compete in four tournaments the weekend of Feb. 24-26.  These four tournaments presented WKU team members with one of their last opportunities of the season to qualify events for the national tournaments in April.

In Bowling Green, Ohio, WKU’s squad of eight placed second in team sweepstakes, out of 26 schools, at both the BGSU and Ohio Pi Kappa Delta tournaments.  All WKU students also advanced to at least one final round. Other competing schools included Ohio University, Eastern Michigan University, Webster University, Hillsdale College and University of Michigan.

In Naperville and Dekalb, Ill., the WKU team placed second in sweepstakes at the North Central College tournament and third in team sweepstakes at the Northern Illinois tournament. Other schools at the two tournaments included Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Bradley University, University of Wisconsin-Urbana and University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire.

Next weekend, the team will travel to Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, to compete in the last two tournaments of the regular season.

Individual results for the Bowling Green State University Tournament are as follows:

• Ian Dowty, a freshman from Valley Center, Kan., tournament champion in informative speaking, fourth in duo interpretation (with Gabriella Devia-Allen) and sixth in prose interpretation at the BGSU tournament; third in informative speaking at the Ohio Pi Kappa Delta tournament.
• Justin Rodriguez, a sophomore from Coos Bay, Ore., tournament champion in persuasive speaking and fourth in dramatic interpretation at the Ohio Pi Kappa Delta tournament; second in prose interpretation, second in persuasive speaking and second in dramatic interpretation at the BGSU tournament.
• Tiffany McLarty, a freshman from Bronx, N.Y., tournament champion in informative speaking at the Ohio Pi Kappa Delta tournament; third in informative speaking at the BGSU tournament.
• Gabriella Devia-Allen, a sophomore from Davie, Fla., tournament champion in programmed oral interpretation at the Ohio Pi Kappa Delta tournament; third in prose interpretation and fourth in duo interpretation (with Ian Dowty) at the BGSU tournament.
• Kristina Medero, a freshman from Davie, Fla., third in communication analysis and sixth in poetry interpretation at the BGSU tournament; third in communication analysis at the Ohio Pi Kappa Delta tournament.
• Khristan Solliday, a senior from Mitchell, Ind., third in after-dinner speaking at the Ohio Pi Kappa Delta tournament.
• Amanda Waid, a junior from Symsonia, fourth in after-dinner speaking at the Ohio Pi Kappa Delta tournament.
• Ellis Fraser, a freshman from Hodgenville, fourth in impromptu speaking and fifth in after-dinner speaking at the BGSU tournament.

Individual results for the Northern Illinois University/North-Central College “Mid-American Forensic League” Tournament are as follows:

• Alexander Wozencraft, a senior from Tulsa, Okla., tournament champion in duo interpretation (with Celena Allen) third in prose interpretation and fifth in duo interpretation (with Layton Garlington) at the North Central College tournament; fourth in duo interpretation (with Celena Allen) and seventh in duo interpretation (with Layton Garlington) at the Northern Illinois tournament.
• Marshall Covert, a sophomore from St. Paul, Minn., tournament champion in communication analysis and third in duo interpretation (with Ray Roberts) at the Northern Illinois tournament; fifth in communication analysis at the North Central College tournament.
• Celena Allen, a senior from Hayward, Calif., tournament champion in duo interpretation (with Alex Wozencraft) at the North Central College tournament; fourth in duo interpretation (with Alex Wozencraft) at the Northern Illinois tournament.
• John Reynolds, a sophomore from Harlingen, Texas, tournament champion in programmed oral interpretation at the North Central College tournament; sixth in after-dinner speaking at the Northern Illinois tournament.
• Nick Gilyard, a sophomore from Miami Gardens, Fla., tournament champion in dramatic interpretation at the North Central College tournament.
• Tyler Dailey, a junior from Blue Springs, Mo., second in after-dinner speaking and third in duo interpretation (with Wilian Iralzabal) at the North Central College tournament; fifth in after-dinner speaking at the Northern Illinois tournament.
• Ray Roberts, a freshman from Houston, Texas, second in after-dinner speaking and third in duo interpretation (with Marshall Covert) at the Northern Illinois tournament.
• Emma Wilczynski, a sophomore from Florence, second in dramatic interpretation at the Northern Illinois tournament; fourth in poetry interpretation at the North Central College tournament.
• Sarah Brazier, a junior from Wadsworth, Ohio, second in prose interpretation at the Northern Illinois tournament.
• Wilian Iralzabal, a senior from Union City, Calif., third in duo interpretation (with Tyler Dailey) at the North Central College tournament.
• Janniqua Dawkins, a freshman from Hollywood, Fla., fourth in dramatic interpretation and sixth in duo interpretation (with Austin Groves) at the Northern Illinois tournament; fourth in persuasive speaking at the North Central College tournament.
• Laura Myers, a junior from Goodlettsville, Tenn., fifth in informative speaking at the North Central College tournament.
• Layton Garlington, a sophomore from Ruston, La., fifth in duo interpretation (with Alex Wozencraft) at the North Central College tournament; seventh in duo interpretation (with Alex Wozencraft) at the Northern Illinois tournament.
• Austin Groves, a freshman from Blue Springs, Mo., sixth in duo interpretation (with Janniqua Dawkins) at the Northern Illinois tournament.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-6340.

The WKU Forensics Team won the 2012 Kentucky State forensics tournament on Saturday (Feb. 18), keeping alive a streak that began in 1990.  This year’s tournament, hosted at Berea College, featured teams from all across the Commonwealth participating in speech and debate events.

Six members of the WKU Forensics team also traveled to Houston, Texas, to compete in two tournaments at Rice University.

WKU was crowned the Kentucky State Grand Sweepstakes Champions for the 22^nd consecutive year.  The Grand Champion Sweepstakes are determined by combining each team’s debate points and their individual events points earned over the course of the weekend.

The team also won the state championship in debate sweepstakes and the state championship in individual events sweepstakes.  The state tournament also recognizes the individual success of students competing in at least four events: the quadrathon award.  WKU received all of the top four rankings, with junior Amanda Waid the state champion, junior Mitchell Grogg placing second, senior Khristan Solliday placing third, and freshman Ellis Fraser placing fourth. In all, the team earned 14 individual state championships.

In Houston, WKU’s squad of six placed second in overall team sweepstakes, earning six individual tournament championships in the process.  All WKU students advanced to a final round.  Other schools competing included the University of Texas at Austin and Illinois State University.  WKU sophomore Nick Gilyard also placed fourth in individual sweepstakes, a measure of overall individual success.

Individual results for KFA State are as follows:

• Amanda Waid, a junior from Symsonia, state champion in dramatic interpretation, state champion in persuasive speaking, state champion in poetry interpretation, second in prose interpretation, and third in after-dinner speaking.

• Tyler Dailey, a junior from Blue Springs, Mo., state champion in programmed oral interpretation, state champion in after-dinner speaking, second in poetry interpretation.

• Mitchell Grogg, a junior from Evansville, Ind., state champion in editorial impromptu, state champion in parliamentary debate (with Robert Hollar) fifth in radio broadcasting, fifth in extemporaneous speaking, and sixth debate speaker.

• Khristan Solliday, a senior from Mitchell, Ind., state champion in communication analysis, second in editorial impromptu, fourth in extemporaneous speaking, fifth in after-dinner speaking, and sixth in persuasive speaking.

• Tiffany McLarty, a freshman from Bronx, N.Y., state champion in informative speaking, fourth in dramatic interpretation, and fifth in prose interpretation.

• Janniqua Dawkins, a freshman from Hollywood, Fla., state champion in duo interpretation (with Austin Groves) fourth in persuasive speaking, and fifth in dramatic interpretation.

• Ellis Fraser, a freshman from Hodgenville, state champion in impromptu speaking, fourth in after-dinner speaking, and fourth in poetry interpretation.

• Liz Owens-Courtney, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, state champion in extemporaneous speaking, fourth in communication analysis, and quarter-finalist in parliamentary debate (with Alexis Elliott).

• Alexander Wozencraft, a senior from Tulsa, Okla., state champion in prose interpretation and fourth in duo interpretation (with Layton Garlington).

• Austin Groves, a freshman from Blue Springs, Mo., state champion in duo interpretation (with Janniqua Dawkins).

• Robert Hollar, a freshman from Los Angeles, Calif., state champion in parliamentary debate (with Mitchell Grogg).

• Marshall Covert, a sophomore from St. Paul, Minn., second in dramatic interpretation, second in communication analysis, second in informative speaking, second in duo interpretation (with Ray Roberts) and fifth in duo interpretation (with Laura Myers).

• Ray Roberts, a freshman from Houston, Texas, second in duo interpretation (with Marshall Covert) and second in after-dinner speaking.

• Tyler Prochazka, a freshman from Newton, Kan., second in extemporaneous speaking, fourth debate speaker, and quarter-finalist in parliamentary debate (with Susan Taylor).

• Spencer Orlowski, a sophomore from Davie, Fla., second in persuasive speaking, fourth in informative speaking, and quarter-finalist in parliamentary debate (with Frank Murdock).

• Susan Taylor, a junior from Kansas City, Mo., second in impromptu speaking, fifth debate speaker, and quarter-finalist in parliamentary debate (with Tyler Prochazka).

• Nefertiti Dukes, a freshman from Miami Gardens, Fla., second debate speaker.

• Laura Myers, a junior from Goodlettesville, Tenn., third in communication analysis, fifth in informative speaking, and fifth in duo interpretation (with Marshall Covert).

• Kristina Medero, a freshman from Davie, Fla., third in poetry interpretation and fifth in communication analysis.

• Mario Nguyen, a senior from Plano, Texas, third in editorial impromptu and fifth in poetry interpretation.

• Matt Whitman, a senior from Austin, Texas, third in informative speaking and third debate speaker.

• Alexis Elliott, a sophomore from Kansas City, Mo., third in extemporaneous speaking, quarter-finalist in parliamentary debate (with Liz Owens-Courtney) and ninth debate speaker.

• Frank Murdock, a senior from Kingston, Wash., third in impromptu speaking, quarter-finalist in parliamentary debate (with Spencer Orlowski) and 10^th debate speaker.

• Layton Garlington, a sophomore from Ruston, La., fourth in duo interpretation (with Alex Wozencraft) and fifth in persuasive speaking.

Results from the University of Houston/Rice University “Owl and Pussycat Swing” are as follows:

• Nick Gilyard, a sophomore from Miami Gardens, Fla., tournament champion in informative speaking, second in duo interpretation (with Richard Heyne) and fourth in after-dinner speaking at the Houston tournament; tournament champion in duo interpretation (with Richard Heyne) and second in after-dinner speaking at the Rice tournament.

• Sarah Brazier, a junior from Wadsworth, Ohio, tournament champion in poetry interpretation, second in prose interpretation, and fifth in informative speaking at the Rice tournament; second in prose interpretation and third in informative speaking at the Houston tournament.

• Justin Rodriguez, a sophomore from Coos Bay, Ore., tournament champion in dramatic interpretation and seventh in persuasive speaking at the Houston tournament; tournament champion in dramatic interpretation at the Rice tournament.

• Richard Heyne, a sophomore from Sunrise, Fla., tournament champion in duo interpretation (with Nick Gilyard) and fourth in persuasive speaking at the Rice tournament; second in duo interpretation (with Nick Gilyard) at the Houston tournament.

• Gabriella Devia-Allen, a sophomore from Davie, Fla., fourth in communication analysis and sixth in prose interpretation at the Rice tournament; fifth in communication analysis and sixth in programmed oral interpretation at the Houston tournament.

• Ian Dowty, a freshman from Valley Center, Kan., sixth in after-dinner speaking at the Rice tournament.

Next weekend, the team will travel to Northwestern University, in DeKalb, Ill., and Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, to compete in four tournaments.

Contact: Jace Lux: (270) 745-6340.

Members of the WKU Forensic Team traveled to Massachusetts, Oklahoma and California to compete in six tournaments the weekend of Feb. 11-12.

At the Emerson College/Lafayette College “Rose Swing” in Boston, WKU’s 10-member squad received nine individual tournament championships and placed second in overall team sweepstakes in the Emerson tournament. In addition, all 10 members advanced to elimination rounds. Other teams competing included Suffolk University, Emerson University, Rice University and Lafayette College.

At the University of Oklahoma/West Texas A&M “Sweetheart Swing” in Norman, Okla., WKU’s squad of five placed second in team sweepstakes in the Oklahoma portion. In addition, all five members of the squad advanced to final rounds. Freshman Austin Groves also received the individual combined sweepstakes championship, a measure of individual success across multiple events for both tournaments. Sophomore John Reynolds received second in individual sweepstakes for the tournament hosted by West Texas A&M.

At the Glendale Community College/California State University Los Angeles “Golden Cowboy” Swing in Los Angeles, another WKU squad of five was crowned team sweepstakes champions at the CSULA tournament and received second in team sweepstakes at the Glendale tournament. All five members of the squad advanced to final rounds.

Next weekend, the team will travel to tournaments in Houston, Texas, and Berea. At Berea, WKU will be seeking its 22^nd consecutive championship in the Kentucky Forensic Association state tournament.

Individual results from the Emerson College/Lafayette College “Rose Swing” are as follows:

• Matt Whitman, a senior from Austin, Texas, tournament champion in after-dinner speaking, tournament champion in extemporaneous speaking, third in impromptu speaking and fifth in informative speaking in the Lafayette tournament; quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate in the Emerson tournament.
• Liz Owens-Courtney, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, tournament champion in extemporaneous speaking, tournament champion in communication analysis and third in impromptu speaking in the Emerson tournament; semifinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate and fifth debate speaker in the Lafayette tournament.
• Susan Taylor, a junior from Kansas City, Mo., tournament champion in impromptu speaking and tournament champion in informative speaking in the Emerson tournament.
• Alexis Elliott, a sophomore from Kansas City, Mo., tournament champion in Lincoln-Douglas debate and second debate speaker in the Lafayette tournament; top debate speaker and quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate in the Emerson tournament.
• Nefertiti Dukes, a freshman from Miami Gardens, Fla., tournament champion in impromptu speaking and quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate in the Lafayette tournament.
• Spencer Orlowski, a sophomore from Davie, Fla., second in Lincoln-Douglas debate and second debate speaker in the Emerson tournament; second in persuasive speaking and third in informative speaking in the Lafayette tournament.
• Mitchell Grogg, a junior from Evansville, Ind., third in extemporaneous speaking and fourth in impromptu speaking in the Emerson tournament.
• Frank Murdock, a senior from Kingston, Wash., third in extemporaneous speaking and sixth in impromptu speaking in the Lafayette tournament; quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate and fifth debate speaker in the Emerson tournament.
• Tyler Prochazka, a freshman from Newton, Kan., semifinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate in the Lafayette tournament.
• Robert Hollar, a freshman from Los Angeles, Calif., sixth in impromptu speaking in the Emerson tournament.

Individual results from the University of Oklahoma/ West Texas A&M “Sweetheart Swing” are as follows:

• Austin Groves, a freshman from Blue Springs, Mo., tournament champion in poetry interpretation, tournament champion in dramatic interpretation, third in duo interpretation (with Janniqua Dawkins) and fourth in duo interpretation (with Jamaque Newberry) at the Oklahoma portion; tournament champion in duo interpretation (with Jamaque Newberry) and second in poetry interpretation at the West Texas portion.
• John Reynolds, a sophomore from Harlingen, Texas, tournament champion in dramatic interpretation, third in after-dinner speaking and fourth in programmed oral interpretation at the West Texas portion; third in programmed oral interpretation and fourth in after-dinner speaking at the Oklahoma portion.
• Jamaque Newberry, a freshman from Tamarac, Fla., tournament champion in duo interpretation (with Austin Groves) at the West Texas portion; second in poetry interpretation, third in prose interpretation and fourth in duo interpretation (with Austin Groves) at the Oklahoma portion.
• Lindsey White, a sophomore from St. Paul, Minn., second in dramatic interpretation and second in after-dinner speaking at the Oklahoma portion; second in after-dinner speaking at the West Texas portion.
• Janniqua Dawkins, a freshman from Hollywood, Fla., third in duo interpretation (with Austin Groves) fourth in persuasive speaking and sixth in dramatic interpretation at the Oklahoma portion; sixth in dramatic interpretation at the West Texas portion.

Individual results from the Glendale Community College/California State University Los Angeles “Golden Cowboy” Swing are as follows:

• Amanda Waid, a junior from Symsonia, tournament champion in poetry interpretation, second in after-dinner speaking, third in dramatic interpretation and third in persuasive speaking at the Glendale tournament; tournament champion in after-dinner speaking, second in persuasive speaking and third in dramatic interpretation at the CSULA tournament.
• Mario Nguyen, a senior from Plano, Texas, tournament champion in impromptu speaking, second in poetry interpretation and fourth in duo interpretation (with Celena Allen) at the CSULA tournament; third in duo interpretation (with Celena Allen) at the Glendale tournament.
• Emma Wilczynski, a sophomore from Florence, tournament champion in communication analysis and third in prose interpretation at the CSULA tournament; tournament champion in communication analysis at the Glendale tournament.
• Wilian Iralzabal, a senior from Union City, Calif., tournament champion in prose interpretation, fourth in dramatic interpretation and fourth in poetry interpretation at the CSULA tournament; third in poetry interpretation at the Glendale tournament.
• Celena Allen, a senior from Hayward, Calif., second in after-dinner speaking, fourth in prose interpretation, fourth in duo interpretation (with Mario Nguyen) and fifth in poetry interpretation at the CSULA tournament; third in duo interpretation (with Mario Nguyen) and fourth in after-dinner speaking at the Glendale tournament.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-6340.