SIC Forensic Falcons Fly High at Indianapolis Competition

The Southeastern Illinois College Forensic Falcons hit the road for Indianapolis, Indiana, last weekend to the Forensics 500 Audrey Cunningham Tournament, held Dec. 7.

The tournament is host to mainly four-year institutions, with schools coming from across the country to compete. Universities from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, Missouri, and Tennessee among other states were vying for top honors. SIC was the only two-year institution competing.

SIC competed fiercely against seasoned opponents, earning top spots in finals despite tough breaks along the way. Coach Rachel Parish commended the team: “SIC held their own against competitors at the highest levels of forensics at this tournament. The competition was fierce, but we proved how much talent our area has to offer.”

SIC secured three of the Top Novice awards, given to the best freshman or sophomore competing in that event. Rachel Russell also scored perfect ranks in Prose throughout the competition.

Rachel says of the weekend, “It was a very challenging tournament, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve done, and I’m grateful to the judges for appreciating all of our efforts.”

Each competition builds to the 2025 Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Norfolk, Virginia. The team is coached by Jenny Billman, Paul Cummins, and Rachel Parish.

Individual results from the tournament are as follows:

Rachel Russell (Norris City): 1^st and Top Novice in Prose, 3^rd and Top Novice in Duo Interpretation (with partner Abby Zirkelbach), and 4^th in Dramatic Interpretation.

Abby Zirkelbach (Marion): 3^rd and Top Novice in Duo Interpretation (with partner Rachel Russell).

Carter Wiseman (Galatia): 3^rd in Persuasion.

Grant Dooley (Harrisburg): 5^th and Top Novice in Communication Analysis.

Emery Stricklin (Hardin County): 6^th in Poetry.

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