CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University’s Forensics (speech and debate) Team attended the 94th Annual Mahaffey Memorial Forensics Tournament on November 15-17, 2024, at Linfield University, McMinnville.
The tournament featured schools from across the Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC), including Whitworth University, Spokane, Wash.; Carroll College, Helena, Mont.; and Weber State University, Ogden, Utah.
Junior Adam Moeglein, a Computer Science major from Ashland, was an Octofinalist and fourth best speaker in Open IPDA Debate and also competed in Open Impromptu Speaking. Sophomore Veronica Robinson, a Psychology major from Portland, was a quarterfinalist in Open IPDA Debate and also competed in Open Impromptu Speaking. Senior Emerson Pearson, a Political Science major from Beaverton, was sixth best speaker in Open IPDA Debate and competed in Junior Persuasive Speaking and Open Impromptu Speaking.
“It was great seeing Adam, Veronica, and Emerson do so well against top competition in the region,” said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. “But this is a team win; they all help and support each other.”
Also attending the tournament were Junior Sydnie McCarty, a Human Development and Family Science major from Coos Bay, who competed in Open Poetry Interpretation and Open Program Oral Interpretation; and Junior Nadir Isweesi, a Computer Science and Economics major from Benghazi, Libya, who competed in Novice Impromptu Speaking.
The team was supported by graduate student Megan Baus from Salem. Baus is a former competitor for OSU and a current MAIS graduate student in the Speech Communication area of the School of Communication.
“This is the last regional designated tournament of the year,” continued Porrovecchio. “But we are already looking forward to a great schedule for 2025.”
Celebrating its 132nd season, OSU Forensics is one of the oldest clubs on campus and a member of the Performing Arts Board in the School of Communication. The team is open to all students in good academic standing regardless of experience or academic background. If you are a student interested in participating, or a member of the community who would like to support the team, please contact Porrovecchio at [email protected].
CONTACT:
Mark Porrovecchio
205 Shepard Hall
737-8230
Photo (from left to right): Sydnie McCarty, Emerson Pearson, Adam Moeglein, Vernonica Robinson, and Nadir Isweesi enjoying the Fall foliage on the Linfield University campus.