Truman Forensics Places Third in Missouri
In addition to the overall title, the team took home two sweepstakes trophies, third place in debate, quite a few individual trophies and several state championships. These state titles include Connor Stewart, a freshman, who was named the 2015 Lincoln-Douglas State Champion. Additionally, Stewart and Collin O’Connell, a freshman, won the novice parliamentary debate final round, making them the 2015 co-state champions in that division. Stewart was also awarded best speaker in novice parliamentary while O’Connell was named third. In open parliamentary debate, Adrien Zambrano and Alec Hubbard, both sophomores, earned Excellence Awards for their winning record in preliminary rounds.
Individual accolades include Sarah Muir and Dillon Laaker, juniors, who took third and second place, respectively, in extemporaneous speaking competition. Anson Long-Seabra, a sophomore, was named state champion in poetry interpretation and placed third in after-dinner speaking. Brian Kantanka, a freshman, was named top novice and state champion for his participation in dramatic interpretation.
Truman forensics is now ready to set its sights on the national tournament. The team will travel to Athens, Ohio, to compete in the National Forensic Association Tournament this April.
Participation in the forensics program is open to any Truman student in good standing, regardless of prior speech and debate experience. Students can learn how to get involved by visiting forensics.truman.edu or contact Christopher Outzen, director of individual events, or Kevin Minch, interim director of forensics.
