Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Oregon State University forensics team just returned from a strong showing at the Pi Kappa Delta National Honorary Tournament at Louisiana State University, Shreveport. The four-day tournament, held every two years, features students from more than 50 universities.

This marks the most successful season under Mark Porrovecchio, director of forensics at OSU. “This was our first year attending this national tournament,” said Porrovecchio. “It was an excellent way to end a great season.”

Among other awards, Forest Ledbetter, a speech communication major from Sheridan, and David Kubota, an English major from Forest Grove, were semi-finalists in junior and senior debate. Andrew Leder of Albany and Daniel Meiwes of Corvallis also logged impressive showings, taking home excellent and superior rankings in impromptu speaking. The OSU team also included Morgan Mansker of Sisters and graduate assistant coach Dan Torres, of Reno, Nev.

More than 15 students took part in the team this year, taking the forensics workshop course, attending meetings and going to tournaments. The team competed at 10 tournaments this year, giving them the opportunity to travel throughout the West Coast and even compete in a “cyber” debate tournament hosted by Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark.

The OSU forensics team is one of the oldest extracurricular clubs on campus. With the tournament season over, the teams is still planning events and will host the local high school speech and debate qualifier.

Students who are interested in joining the team can contact Porrovecchio at 541-737-8230 or at [email protected]