EASTON, Pa.(www.lafayette.edu), December 7, 2007 — The Forensics Society placed fourth at The Ohio State University’s Holiday Frolic, held on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Often referred to as “Fall Champs” in the forensics world, it is one of the largest and toughest competitions that Lafayette competes in.
The competition had teams from 32 colleges and universities. Some schools who participated in the competition include United States Air Force Academy, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Alabama, Northwestern University, and Marshall University.
Mark Kokoska ’08 (Bloomsburg, Pa.), who is majoring in computer science, placed second in extemporaneous speaking, second in impromptu speaking, third in pentathlon, and was in the top 16 in debate. Teevrat Garg ’10 (Haryana, India), who is pursuing a B.S. in mathematics and an A.B. in economics and business, took first place in extemporaneous speaking, fourth in impromptu speaking, and fifth in persuasive speaking.
Michael Griffeth ’11 (Carlisle, Mass.) finished third in the novice extemporaneous speaking and Sam Derrick ’10 (Etters, Pa.), who is majoring in government and law, was one of the top eight competitors in debate.
Trustee Scholar Elizabeth Wehler ’09 (Gettysburg, Pa.), who is double-majoring in mathematics and economics & business, Trustee Scholar Joe Dudek ’09 (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.), who is double-majoring in mathematics and philosophy, Marquis Scholar Amy Solomito ’09 (Coopersburg, Pa.), who is majoring in English, Anthony Romanoski ’10 (Etters, Pa.), who is majoring in chemical engineering, Kyle deCant ’10 (Orange, Conn.), who is majoring in government & law, Marquis Scholar James Hilbert ’11 (Whippany, N.J.), and Marquis Scholar Megan Jones ’11 (Bridgewater, N.J.) also attended the competition, but did not receive awards.
“This was by far the toughest tournament of the semester for us, but we still saw personal and team performance at all time highs,” says Kokoska. “The amount of personal growth I see in both myself and my teammates can only be attributed to our time in the Lafayette forensics program. In my opinion, there is no better activity to engage in and the program has always been an important aspect of my Lafayette Experience.”
On Sunday, Dec. 2, half of the team remained in Ohio to participate in Otterbein College’s Frolic Some More competition. Lafayette’s students only competed in debate.
Six other colleges competed, including Creighton University, United States Air Force Academy, Ohio University, Western Kentucky University, Central Michigan University, and the University of Alabama.
Garg finished in the top 16 competitors and won the second place speaker award. The speaker award rewards students who speak the best in each round, regardless of their win-loss record.
Kokoska, Derrick, Romanoski, and Hilbert also attended the competition, but did not receive awards.
"The OSU/Otterbein tournament was a truly rewarding experience. It was great to see our team compete with national heavyweights. I am pleased with my success as well as the success of our team,” says Garg. “I am proud to be a part of Lafayette's Forensics team and the forensic community at large.”
Wehler reflected back on the season, saying, “This semester has been a shining success for the entire forensics program, and I know it will continue in the spring.”
Previous tournament reports include:
