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A total of 35 colleges and universities competed in the Division III speech portion including Emerson College, Florida State University, Indiana University, Marshall University, University of Michigan, New York University, Seton Hall University, Truman State University, University of California-Los Angeles, and United States Air Force Academy.
Teevrat Garg ’10 (Haryana, India) finished in the top six in impromptu speaking, the top 12 in extemporaneous speaking, and the top 24 in persuasion. Rachel Heron ’09 (Downingtown, Pa.) placed in the top 12 in impromptu speaking. Kyle deCant ’10 (Orange, Conn.) finished in the top 12 in extemporaneous speaking and Beth Wehler ’09 (Gettysburg, Pa.) placed in the top 24 in extemporaneous and impromptu speaking.
Having seven quarterfinalists and four semifinalists in nationals is the most the team has ever had. Garg is also only the second finalist in team history.
“It was a unique moment for our team, when we were named national champions in our division,” says Garg. “Lafayette’s spectacular finish is a strong reflection of the academic rigor and the environment of intellectual curiosity that Lafayette strives to maintain.”
The debate team also performed very well. There are no divisions for debate, and the students competed against teams from 40 other colleges and universities. The fifth place finish is the highest the team has had since placing third in 2003 and only the second time ever that the team placed in the top five.
Wehler was named the fourth best debater at the tournament, Ryan Benjamin ’10 (Bronx, N.Y.) placed sixth, Joe Dudek ’09 (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) finished in the top 16, and Sam Derrick ’10 (Etters, Pa.) and Garg both finished in the top 32.
The Forensics Society is coached by Scott Placke, director of forensics, and John Boyer, director of debate and assistant director of forensics.