Blugold Forensics has another outstanding year

UW-Eau Claire Forensics celebrates 10th place at NFA

Members of the UW-Eau Claire forensics program again demonstrated that they are the best in the state and among the best in the nation.  Students, coached by faculty members Karen Morris and KellyJo Wright, competed in public speaking and oral interpretation events around the country between September and May.  The team placed first in the Wisconsin State Tournament for the 17th consecutive year, and again sent two students to the Interstate Oratory Contest.

Nine students traveled to the American Forensics Association National Individual Events Tournament in Akron, Ohio in April.  Despite competing with many larger, more robustly funded programs, UW-Eau Claire placed 22nd at the tournament.  Sophomore Megan Pickard was among the top 12 informative speakers in the nation, and Junior Nick Miller was among the top 12 persuasive speakers.  Senior Eric Plantenberg was named to the 2009 AFA-NIET All-American Team.  Students selected to this team must have excelled equally in academics, forensics and community services.  Only 17 students were selected for this honor.  UW-Eau Claire has had at least one All-American each of the last six years.

On April 16-21st nineteen students traveled to the National Forensics Association National Tournament in Springfield, Missouri.  The team reached their goal of placing among the top ten teams in the nation. UW-Eau Claire students reaching the quarterfinal rounds of their events were: Junior Dylan Jambrek, Junior Nick Miller (2 events), Junior Whitney Zahn, and Senior Eric Platenberg. Junior Jake Johnson reached the semi-finals of the editorial impromptu event, and Dylan Jambrek placed fourth in Editorial Impromptu.  UW-Eau Claire Forensics graduate Aaron Unseth (2002) was inducted into the NFA Hall of Fame at the awards assembly.

UW-Eau Claire Forensics looks forward to welcoming approximately 800 students and coaches from 80-100 schools across the nation as UW-Eau Claire hosts the 2010 American Forensics Association-National Individual Events Tournament April 2-4.  Alumni who wish to be involved in the event can contact Director Karen Morris at morriskr@uwec.edu. Information about a corresponding forensics alumni reunion will be available in the fall. 

The students and coaches who work with UW-Eau Claire Forensics appreciate the strong support they receive from so many alumni of the program.