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FORENSIC FALCONS TAKE ON MURRAY

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February 9, 2026
Forensic Falcon Hardware
SIC Forensic Falcons show off their trophies earned at a major speech tournament in Murray, Kentucky. Pictured (front row L-R) are Gracie Miller, Mary Floyd, Frankie Messerschmidt, and Jenann Woods. Back row, L-R: Christopher Webb, Callie Belford, and Tristyn Franks. Not pictured: Dacey King.
SIC Forensic Falcons At Murray
SIC’s Forensic Falcons traveled to Murray State for the Jackson Purchase Swing last weekend. Pictured (front row L-R) are Mary Floyd (Pope County), Dacey King (Pope County), and Jenann Woods (Marion). Back row, L-R: Frankie Messerschmidt (Harrisburg), Callie Belford (Hardin County), Christopher Webb (Pope County), Gracie Miller (Harrisburg), and Tristyn Franks (Gallatin County).

The Southeastern Illinois College Forensic Falcons traveled to the Murray State University for the Jackson Purchase Swing Saturday, Feb. 7. Nineteen schools competed from Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and Illinois, making this year’s event the largest in the tournament’s history. The competition was steep and varied from the traditional competition circuit, and also served as the Kentucky Forensics Association’s state championship.

Sophomore Frankie Messerschmidt notes, “This was our first tournament back after winter break and a snowstorm and everyone worked so hard in that time to compete so well! Everyone on the team was so very supportive too.”

Frankie Messerschmidt (Harrisburg) broke into Impromptu semi-finals and finals and placed 5th. Gracie Miller (Harrisburg) made it to the Prose Finals and placed 4th and received Top Novice. Mary Floyd (Pope County) broke into Persuasion finals and placed 5th. Jenann Woods (Marion) also received Top Novice in Informative Speaking.

The team will travel again in March 2026 for the Illinois state championship, with competitions continuing in preparation for the Phi Rho Pi Nationals in April in Bethesda, Maryland. The Forensic Falcons’ annual Night Before Nationals fundraiser, which showcases the team’s skills and performances, will be held Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center Theatre. Admission is $5 per person and the event is open to family, friends, and the community.

SIC’s Forensic Falcons are coached by Jenny Billman, Rachel Parish, and Angie Dunk.

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