Whitworth’s Forensics Team Wins National Tournament for Fifth Time in a Row
The Arguing Bucs finished ahead of national rivals like California Baptist University, Colorado Christian University, Dordt University, Grand Canyon University and Liberty University.
Jericho Simone ’22 was the top overall competitor, capturing first place in informative speech, second in poetry, fourth in communication analysis and sixth in prose. She placed second in debate.
Aidan Hollister ’23 took second place in extemporaneous speech, second in impromptu and second in informative. He placed first in debate.
In the junior division, Nathan Cooper ’24 took first place, Olivia Bolin ’24 took second and Isaac Price ’24 was a semifinalist.
The Arguing Bucs have placed first in six of seven tournaments this season.
Six team members will be headed to Nebraska April 2-4 for the American Forensics Association’s National Speech Tournament. This is the first time in 25 years the Arguing Bucs will take part in this competition.
The team’s final tournament, the International Public Debate Association National Tournament, will be held April 9-11 at Abilene Christian University.
The team is coached by Mike Ingram, professor of communication studies, Rylee Walter ’19 and Lori Welch ’90.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Michael Ingram, professor of communication studies, director of forensics, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4428 or mingram@whitworth.edu.
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
