CUI’s forensics team placed second at the National Christian College Forensics Invitational that took place from Fri. March 18 through Sun. March 20 in Virginia on Liberty University’s campus.

When Meghan Gleeson, CUI’s assistant debate coach, was asked to describe CUI’s performance at the tournament in one word, she said that it was “awe-inspiring.” 

Benjamin Lange, CUI’s debate coach, said, “I feel that the team performed exceptionally well this year, but we are intent on coming back even stronger. Our primary focus for next national season is to improve judge-adaptation, which means adapting the arguments that we read in round to better appeal to judges that we have not been familiar with in the past.”

Audrey Plechas, a sophomore on CUI’s speech team, said, “I believe my strongest speech skills that contributed to my success at the tournament are actually my nonverbal communication skills. Facial expressions, body language and poise are all crucial to delivering successful speeches and I think these skills set me apart from my competitors. The judges listen to people talk all day, so if you can do something visually that sets yourself apart it really gives you a competitive edge.”

Rebekah Mehrley, captain of the speech team, said, “I have over two hours of coaching every week with our coaches. When you factor in meetings, private practice times, and prep work, it can easily add up to between five and ten hours a week. And that's still not counting tournaments! It was so rewarding to see all of those hours pay off at nationals.”

Despite all of the success CUI had at the national tournament, it was ultimately the way that the team supported each other throughout that success that was the ultimate prize. Mehrley said, “What was most rewarding to me was seeing the fruit of the time I poured into my team. The extra time helping them with book work, example finding, and even just getting suits tailored really paid off!”

Claire Crossman, CUI’s speech coach, said, “I am most proud to see the commitment level from the speech team. They really rarely need to be reminded to practice, and frequently take the initiative to make our team stronger and bring us closer together. Especially because our team is mostly novices this year, maintaining that team culture is super important, and they do it so well.”

Lange added, “We have a very young team this year, and many of our national competitors are still in their first year of college debate. Despite this, the collective work ethic and supportive culture of our team has been remarkable. That's probably the thing that I'm most proud of the debate team for this year.”

Tabitha Johnson is a sophomore on the speech team. “My favorite thing about speech is the unique environment I've been gifted to observe. I was never in speech in high school and haven't been around the forensic world,” Johnson said. “Through attending tournaments, I've not only been able to travel, but I've been able to meet lots of talented people with unique backgrounds. As I continually improve my public speaking skills, I'm also obtaining new connections and experience which makes me so grateful for forensics!”

Nathan Estrick, a junior on the debate team, said, “(Debate has) made me a better public speaker, better critical thinker, and a better essay writer.” Greta Jones, freshman on the debate team, also feels that debate has sharpened her critical thinking skills. “Also, the speed at which debates are conducted has given me the ability to watch lectures and write papers at twice the speed while also being able to understand and comprehend every bit of it.” Jones said.

“Forensics is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Mehrley encouraged, “You will get to advocate for the things that matter most to you, travel across the country, and become a more resilient, devoted, and courageous individual because of it.”

Sean Nowlan, captain of the debate team, summed up the experience, “The forensics team is a wonderful program filled with some of the brightest and smartest students in all of CUI that will help you in all aspects of life and allows you to meet some awesome people, and travel to cool places around the country.”

Rankings 

• Rebekah Mehrley After Dinner Speaking (2nd Place), Impromptu (1st Place)
• Audrey Plechas Communication Analysis (1st Place)
• Tabitha Johnson Persuasive Speaking (1st Place)
• Greta Jones  NFA-LD (1st Place)
• Nathan Estrick  NFA-LD (2st Place)
• Brody Rezen  NFA-LD (3st Place)
• Benjamin Wagner Fellowship Award (1st Place)

Tags: Forensics, event

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