SIC Forensic Falcons Earn National Distinction

SIC’s Forensic Falcons captured five gold, two silver, and twelve bronze medals in individual competition at the 2016 Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Costa Mesa, California. In team competition, the team earned a silver medal in individual events and a silver medal overall. The Falcons competed in the Wyman division, the tournament’s largest division, and faced competition from 604 students representing 64 schools from across the nation.

 “I am thrilled with the performance of this team,” noted Paul Cummins, Director of Forensics. “They truly lived up to their potential.”

The 2016 national tournament marks the end of the Falcons’ 2015-16 season, which also included both state and regional championships. SIC’s Forensic Falcons have a long history of success, placing first in overall national competition in 1986, 1997, and 2005.

“Nationals was awesome, but it took a lot of hard work to get there,” remarked Preston Boone, a sophomore member of the team. “I am very happy that I was able to go and do as well as I did.”

Individual results from the tournament are as follows.

Britta Suits, Broughton — Gold in extemporaneous speaking, gold in impromptu speaking, bronze in IPDA debate, fifth in individual sweepstakes.

Cassandra Watkins, Harrisburg — Gold in impromptu speaking, bronze in informative speaking, bronze in speech to entertain.

Preston Boone, Harrisburg — Gold in duo interpretation (with partner Gabe Motsinger), bronze in poetry interpretation.

Gabe Motsinger, Carrier Mills –Gold in duo interpretation (with partner Preston Boone), bronze in program oral interpretation.

Cassidy Maynard, Harrisburg — Gold in informative speaking.

Haley Rushing, Marion — Silver in persuasive speaking, bronze in informative speaking, bronze in prose interpretation.

Carrice McDaniel, Harrisburg – Silver in speech to entertain, bronze in communication analysis.

Adam Wasson, Herrod — Bronze in prose interpretation, bronze in dramatic interpretation.

Rachael Hooven, Harrisburg — Bronze in dramatic interpretation.

Shay Wood, Shawneetown — Bronze in poetry interpretation.

Other members of the team include Caleb Abbott, Harrisburg; Kelsey Bartok, Eldorado; Alli Haley, Carmi; and Zeb Sanderson, Harrisburg. The team is coached by Paul Cummins, Dr. Tyler Billman, and Jenny Billman.

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