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Led by numerous placings from history major Bill O’Brien ’07 (Elmont, N.Y.), Forensics Society placed third out of 34 teams from all over the nation at the Ohio State University Tournament Dec. 1-2. Other schools included Western Kentucky University, Berry College, Washburn University, and the University of Alabama.
Lafayette students produced strong finishes throughout the tournament. O’Brien placed third in informative speech, fourth in persuasive speech, fourth in rhetorical criticism, and fourth in dramatic duo with English major and Marquis Scholar Amy Solomito ’09 (Coopersburg, Pa.).
“I was quite proud of this weekend at Ohio State. As a team, we were competitive with some of the best schools in the nation, which is quite a feat for our young and learning team,” O’Brien says. “I felt myself breaking out to new levels of performance and look forward to continuing this in my final semester of competition.”
Computer science major and Marquis Scholar Mark Kokoska ’08 (Bloomsburg, Pa.) placed second in rhetorical criticism and fourth in impromptu speech. Mathematics-economics major and Trustee Scholar Beth Wehler ’09 (Gettysburg, Pa.) placed second in persuasive speech. Kyle deCant ’10 (Orange, Conn.) placed sixth in novice impromptu speech.
“The overall team performance this weekend was extremely impressive, especially considering it was the toughest competition we’ve seen so far this year. This was a good end to our first semester,” Kokoska says.
Scott Placke, director of forensics, and John Boyer, debate coach, accompanied the team to the event.
Other competitors include Ryan Benjamin ’10 (Bronx, N.Y.), Marquis Scholar Sam Derrick ’10 (Etters, Pa.), mathematics major and Trustee Scholar Joe Dudek ’09 (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.), Teevrat Garg ’10 (Haryana, India), and Anthony Romanoski ’10 (Etters, Pa.).
Forensics Society members are active in other campus organizations as well.
Garg is a member of International Students Association, Foundation for the Awareness and Alleviation of Poverty, International Affairs Club, and Economics Club.
Dudek is vice president of Haven, treasurer of Played Out, and a member of Jazz Combo.
O’Brien is a tour guide for the admissions office and a member of Newman Association.
Kokoska is a member of Haven and Table Tennis Club.
Wehler is president of Haven and a member of College Orchestra.
Derrick is a member of Economics Club and Table Tennis Club.
Romanoski is a member of Volleyball Club.
Solomito is a member of Crew Club.
Previous tournament reports:
· New York University’s Annual ‘Skyline’ Tournament (Nov. 11-12)
· Cedar Crest Tournament (Oct. 21-22)