Novice Nationals Forensics Tournament

Berea College & University of the Cumberlands Speech & Debate Swing

Competed on: March 11-13, 2011

Competed at: Novice Nationals at the University of Indianapolis

Number of Schools Involved: 31

  • Ball State University
  • Berry College
  • Butler University
  • Cedarville University
  • Clemson University
  • Crowder College
  • DePauw University
  • Eastern Michigan University
  • Elgin Community College
  • Florida Southern College
  • Florida State University
  • Grove City College
  • Hutchinson Community College
  • Indiana University Purdue University - Indianapolis
  • Lafayette College
  • Laramie Country Community College
  • Marian University
  • Marietta College
  • Miami University
  • Murray State University
  • Nassau community College
  • Northern Illinois University
  • Ohio University
  • Parkland College
  • Purdue University
  • San Jose State University
  • Spring Arbor University
  • University of Houston
  • University of Indianapolis
  • Volunteer State Community College
  • Western Michigan University

Number of awards: 4

 

Record:

Parliamentary Debate: Quaterfinals:

Nyssa Wilkerson, Junior and Ben Reese, Sophomore

Parliamentary Debate Speaker:

Ben Reese, Sophomore, 7th place

Division III Team:

Marietta College, 4th place

Also, competing for Marietta: Ryan Ellis, Kim Hughes, Dave Hood, Nyssa Wilkerson, and Andy Kasick.

Dr. Mabry M. O’Donnell, McCoy Professor of Communication Hillyer Professor of Literature, Rhetoric, and Oratory Director of Forensics and Dr. Tomeka Robinson, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Assistant Director of Forensics Director of Debate

Nyssa Wilkerson said, "Going to a national tournament was a great experience. There were competitors from large 'power-house' schools, community colleges, west coast and east coast schools as well as some familiar faces from Ohio University and Miami University. The talent that surrounded me this past weekend was nothing short of amazing. Hearing different pieces and fresh perspectives was a great way to get 'the wheel turning' with ideas for next year.

Within the first year of having our debate program we are one of the top eight novice teams in the country. Also with only three individual events and debate we snagged a fourth place division III (small entry) win! Although it was only two of us who competed, we still showcased the talent of Marietta Forensics.

The true test of integrity is how you act when no one is around to watch you. This tournament gave Ben and me a chance to show the integrity of the team.

After a debate round a judge was unnecessarily harsh and rude to the opposing team. My partner and I immediately consoled our colleagues repeatedly telling them to shake off the criticism and to perform to the best of their abilities (they also made it to the top 8). The friendships and networks that were made at Novice Nationals are ones to be cherished.

Competition aside we upheld the integrity of not only MC Forensics but of Marietta College as well. Leaving Novice Nationals, I hope that Ben and I showed the nation that Marietta's forensics program is a force to be reckoned with, but also that we act with class and integrity every step along the way."

Ben Reese said, "It was immensely rewarding to see Marietta College's debate team, which started only this year, be one of the top 8 novice debate teams in the country. To go up against 28 other teams from almost 30 other schools and make it to quarter finals was an amazing experience. My partner and I owe a big thanks to Dr. Robinson for re-starting the program and coaching us."

Dr. O'Donnell said, "Marietta College forensics shines brightly, both in individual events and debate. We treasure the past and look forward to the future for all of our students."