Novice Nationals 2008

Competed on:March 14-16, 2008
Competed at: University of West Florida
Number of Schools Involved: 43 schools from California to Pennsylvania and Texas to Michigan (teams from throughout the country)

Record:
Informative Speaking:
1st place Scott Burnham, freshman

Awards: 1

There were more than 500 entries in the tournament. Novice students representing Marietta College were Carly Wesemeyer, Scott Burnham, Megan Patsch, Ryan Ellis, and Celia Brockway. Heather Boomer went as President of the Forensics Team and student judge.

Burnham's speech on prosthetics was deemed the best in the nation!

Celia Brockway stated:
"Attending the National Novice Forensics tournament was an exhilarating experience that is literally once-in-a-lifetime.  With competitors from as far away as California, the competition was intense, with a touch of fun.  There was time to meet other competitors and also learn from their speech topics.  I believe that MC Forensics bonded as a family, especially as we ate dinner together every evening.  It was wonderful traveling with these five other students and forming a stronger bond that will last a lifetime."

Carly Wesemeyer said:  "Novice Nationals was an awesome experience, and being able to come was an amazing opportunity.  Not only was competing great, it was also wonderful to see people from the past tournaments, and the sense of camaraderie among all of us.  From the late night practice session to Scott's face when he won, the whole experience was stupendous, and the laughs won't be forgotten."

"This tournament was an awesome way to end the season.  It was a great combination of new people and those we have been competing against all year.  The whole trip was so memorable—all the time spent with the team.  I couldn't' think of a better way to have spent spring break," said Megan Patsch. 

Ryan Ellis said:  "This was the most intense and enjoyable tournament I have been to yet.  The bet word to describe the entire experience is amazing—the people were amazing, the scenery and weather were amazing, and the competition was amazing.  This has been a great opportunity to see the styles other areas of the country bring to competition, and a chance to hone the things we have been working on throughout the year."

Team President, Heather Boomer, said:  "The best part of this year by far was being part of a team that interacts as such a cohesive unit, a quality which showed throughout our trip to the University of West Florida.  I was in a unique position at this tournament as a judge, but also still an undergraduate member of the team.  I learned a lot through judging that makes me appreciate the character of our forensicators even more.  I am extremely proud of our team and their performance at Novice Nationals."

"The National Novice Forensics Tournament was an outstanding experience for me and the entire team.  The pinnacle of the tournament occurred when I received my first place finish in informative speaking.  When I started Forensics, I had no idea about the doors that it would open for me.  I'm so glad that I joined the MC Forensics team," stated Scott Burnham.

"Coaching, researching, listening, laughing, and appreciating reflect the MC experience at National Novice.  This group of students represents the Core Values of Marietta College, and I am proud to be associated with them.  We thank everyone who has supported us and cheered for us all season," stated Dr. Mabry O'Donnell, McCoy and Hillyer Professor and Coach of the MC Forensics team.