2008 Woodie Awards
Forensics awarded national championship
Ian Paterson
Issue date: 3/30/07 Section: News
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The Southwest Baptist University forensics team returned to campus with yet another honor to add to the impressive list of achievements awarded to their group. The team was named champion of the 45th National Pi Kappa Delta Tournament, held March 7-10 at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
Students from approximately 20 states competed in the three days of speech and debate competition.
SBU speakers competed in 11 individual speaking and interpretation events, parliamentary debate, legislative debate, discussion and reader's theatre.
SBU's team includes seniors Amy Bopp, Ben Burns, Nathan Ross and David Van Bebber; juniors Josh Erickson, Jessica Kershner, Shannon Klousia, Sean McCormack and Daniel Wilson; sophomores Bryce Blakenship, Vandi Eslit, Tony Melton and Megan Parker and freshman Rebecca Koe.
In the total sweepstakes competition, SBU finished as one of five schools with a superior team recognition and achieved the first place sweepstakes ranking. The team also placed fifth in debate sweepstakes and first in individual events.
The three days of continuous competition was a taxing experience.
"The schedule was grueling," said Dr. Josh Compton, chair of the communication arts department. "For three straight days, we left our hotel at 7 a.m. and were in competition until late into the night. Despite the difficult schedule, our students competed well and with exemplary attitudes."
Along with passion for and excellence in the fields of speech and debate, each team member also portrayed an immense amount of humility.
"As a new member of the SBU forensic speech team, it has been an honor to work alongside such encouraging teammates and to be trained by such respected coaches as Dr. Derryberry and Dr. Compton," said Koe. "God has blessed this team by using us to honor Him and SBU by continuing such a high-ranking national legacy."
Van Bebber echoed the same sentiment.
"Winning the Pi Kappa Delta National sweepstakes was certainly a rewarding experience for our team," said Van Bebber. "As always, it is a privilege to be a part of our speech team's rich tradition, and to display our team's hard work at the national tournament."
Students from approximately 20 states competed in the three days of speech and debate competition.
SBU speakers competed in 11 individual speaking and interpretation events, parliamentary debate, legislative debate, discussion and reader's theatre.
SBU's team includes seniors Amy Bopp, Ben Burns, Nathan Ross and David Van Bebber; juniors Josh Erickson, Jessica Kershner, Shannon Klousia, Sean McCormack and Daniel Wilson; sophomores Bryce Blakenship, Vandi Eslit, Tony Melton and Megan Parker and freshman Rebecca Koe.
In the total sweepstakes competition, SBU finished as one of five schools with a superior team recognition and achieved the first place sweepstakes ranking. The team also placed fifth in debate sweepstakes and first in individual events.
The three days of continuous competition was a taxing experience.
"The schedule was grueling," said Dr. Josh Compton, chair of the communication arts department. "For three straight days, we left our hotel at 7 a.m. and were in competition until late into the night. Despite the difficult schedule, our students competed well and with exemplary attitudes."
Along with passion for and excellence in the fields of speech and debate, each team member also portrayed an immense amount of humility.
"As a new member of the SBU forensic speech team, it has been an honor to work alongside such encouraging teammates and to be trained by such respected coaches as Dr. Derryberry and Dr. Compton," said Koe. "God has blessed this team by using us to honor Him and SBU by continuing such a high-ranking national legacy."
Van Bebber echoed the same sentiment.
"Winning the Pi Kappa Delta National sweepstakes was certainly a rewarding experience for our team," said Van Bebber. "As always, it is a privilege to be a part of our speech team's rich tradition, and to display our team's hard work at the national tournament."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Gayle Davis
posted 4/02/07 @ 8:48 AM CST
Great job, forensics team. What an accomplishment.
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