SIC Forensic Falcons Earn Top Community College Honor at UIndy 500 Speech Competition

The Southeastern Illinois College Forensic Falcons brought home the title of Top Community College after competing at the UIndy 500 Speech Competition on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the University of Indianapolis.

More than a dozen colleges and universities from Ohio, Indiana, Missouri and Illinois participated in the tournament. Despite not taking a full squad, SIC held its own in a competitive field that differed from the traditional community college circuit.

“University competitions can be super difficult. It’s an entirely different can of worms from the community college circuit,” said sophomore Frankie Messerschmidt. “Our team really showed up and stood their ground.”

Messerschmidt, of Harrisburg, advanced to the Communication Analysis Finals—referred to as Rhetorical Criticism at UIndy—and placed fifth. Teammate Tristyn Franks, of Gallatin County, also reached the Rhetorical Criticism Finals, finishing sixth and earning the Top Novice award for the highest-placing freshman in the event. Gracie Miller, of Harrisburg, broke into Prose Finals and placed sixth.

The Forensic Falcons will resume competition in January 2026 as they prepare for the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in April in Bethesda, Maryland. SIC’s team is coached by Jenny Billman, Rachel Parish, and Angie Dunk.

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