Forensic Falcons Win at Moraine

Southeastern Illinois College’s Forensic Falcons finished first this weekend at the Moraine Valley Appelquist Speech Tournament in Palos Hills, Illinois. The Falcons earned top school honors and several individual awards at the event, which featured entries in public address, interpretation, and limited preparation.

Second year student Abby Zirkelbach was among the students competing at this weekend’s tournament. She notes, “Our team worked very hard for this accomplishment. We spent countless hours putting things together and practicing, and to see it pay off is really rewarding. I can’t wait for the rest of the season!”

Coach Jenny Billman agrees. “Our students worked hard to prepare for their first tournament. It is so gratifying to see them succeed.”

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: 2^nd in open duo interpretation (with partner Abby Zirkelbach), 3^rd in open speech to entertain, 4^th in open dramatic interpretation, 4^th in open prose, 4^th in open individual sweepstakes

Abby Zirkelbach, Marion: Tournament champion in open dramatic interpretation, 2^nd in open duo interpretation (with partner Rachel Russell), 4^th in open improv, 5^th in overall individual sweepstakes

Grant Dooley, Harrisburg: Champion in open prose interpretation, 2^nd in open communication analysis

Carter Wiseman, Galatia: 2^nd in novice impromptu speaking, 2^nd in novice extemporaneous speaking, 7^th in open persuasive speaking

Emery Stricklin, Hardin County: 2^nd in open persuasive speaking, 3^rd in novice poetry interpretation.

###