AG College News

Evangel students awarded trophies at October Slam Forensics Tournament

Evangel University seniors Zach Payne and Brena Swanson each received a first-place trophy at the 2012 October Slam Forensics Tournament held Oct. 5-7 at Crowder College in Neosho, Mo.  

“I love the challenge of looking calm and delivering a speech in front of a critical audience,” said freshman Ryan Odle, first-time competitor.  “I regret not competing in forensics in the past. Competing in forensics will develop my public speaking ability and prepare me for my future career in law.”   

Nine members of the Evangel forensics team competed, with seven members reaching the finals and five placing. Twelve colleges and universities from Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas participated in the tournament.

Those who placed or made it to the finals in the tournament include the following:

• Payne won first place in informative speaking.
• Swanson won first place in communication analysis and placed fifth in impromptu speaking.
• Odle placed third in after dinner speaking.
• Freshman Karissa Boyd placed sixth in persuasive speaking.
• Junior Ryan Patty placed sixth in communication analysis.
• Juniors Lauren Simms and Bethany Thomas were finalists in dramatic duo.

“For many of our students, this was their first forensics competition experience.  I was pleased with how well our students did in what was the team’s first tournament experience this year,” said Mark Kelton, associate professor of communication and the team’s faculty adviser.  

Melinda Booze, assistant professor of communication, traveled with the team and served as a judge.