Forensics team earns multiple honors at national tournament

The Muskingum University forensics team made a strong showing at the 47th annual National Pi Kappa Delta Tournament, held recently in Gresham, Oregon.

Andrea Richards ’11 and Tanner Maclaine ’12 placed second in the novice category of parliamentary debate, the culmination of their first year of competitive debate.

After six preliminary rounds, the two broke to quarterfinals as one of the top 8 teams out of 37. They debated the topic “Resolved: The federal government should substantially decrease one or more facets of the affordable health care act.”

Both Richards and Maclaine also received “Superior” rankings, placing them in the top 10 percent of speakers at the tournament. Richards also received a “Good” ranking in informative speaking, placing her in the top third of the tournament.

In individual parliamentary debate, John Edwards ’13 received a “Good” ranking and Kiley Wright ’11 received a “Good” ranking in the category of dramatic interpretation of literature, placing them both in the top third of the tournament.

In other honors, Maclaine, Richards and fellow team member Nathania Johnson ’11 were named “Pi Kappa Delta Members of Highest Distinction,” recognizing their academics achievements, their participation in college forensics and their service to the community.

The forensics program is advised and coached by Director of Forensics and Instructor of Speech Communication Rachel Pollock.