SIC Forensics Falcons Earn Bronze at Phi Rho Pi Nationals
The Southeastern Illinois College Forensic Falcons ended a successful season April 12, earning a bronze medal in team individual events at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Norfolk, Virginia. The Falcons also captured several individual medals in interpretation and public speaking.
Coach Paul Cummins was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the tournament, honoring him for his contributions to the speech and debate community in Illinois and throughout the country. Cummins has coached the Forensic Falcons for seventeen years.
Second year team member Rachel Russell, who earned three medals at the tournament, explained that nationals is grueling, but rewarding: “Phi rho pi is such a tough competition and fighting and clawing our way through the tournament makes the victory all the more sweeter.”
Her teammate, medalist Abby Zirkelbach, agrees. “I am extremely proud of this team. I truly think we are small but mighty. Each individual on our team has their own special skill and I believe we definitely showed up and showed off. I had a lot of fun!”
“This team has worked hard all season long, and it’s gratifying to see their effort rewarded,” notes Jenny Billman, Director of Forensics. “I am also exceptionally grateful to coach with Paul Cummins and Rachel Parish. Their expertise continues to amaze me.”
The 2025 national tournament marks the end of the Falcons’ 2024-2025 season, which also included winning the community college division at the National Speech Championship in March. SIC’s Forensic Falcons have a long history of success, placing first at Phi Rho Pi in overall national competition in 1986, 2005, and 2021.
Individual results from the tournament are as follows:
Rachel Russell, Norris City – gold in dramatic interpretation, silver in duo interpretation with partner Abby Zirkelbach, bronze in prose interpretation.
Abby Zirkelbach, Marion – silver in dramatic interpretation, silver in duo interpretation with partner Rachel Russell
Grant Dooley, Harrisburg – Silver in informative speaking.
Also representing SIC were Francesca Messerschmidt (Harrisburg), Emery Stricklin (Hardin County), and Erica Johnson (Equality).
The Forensic Falcons will begin preparing for the 2025-26 season when SIC’s fall semester begins in August. No prior forensics experience is required to join the team. Students interested in participating may email Jenny Billman at jenny.billman@sic.edu.
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