CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University’s Forensics (speech and debate) Team attended the International Forensics Association (IFA) annual speech and debate tournament on March 14-15, 2022. The competition, originally scheduled to take place in Mexico City, was held virtually due to Covid-19.
Junior Tasha Robinson, a Public Health major from Hillsboro, was a quarterfinalist in Open IPDA Debate. She also competed in Open Impromptu Speaking. Senior Kaitlyn Blake, a Management major from Walnut Creek, Calif., was an octofinalist in Open IPDA Debate. She also competed in Open Impromptu Speaking.
“Tasha and Kaitlyn are true debate talents,” said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. “It was nice to end the season with them getting recognized.”
The tournament featured schools from across the United States. Among the schools participating were the University of Utah, Salt Lake City; Texas Southern University, Houston; and Colorado College, Colorado Springs.
Also attending the IFA tournament was Senior Simon Millsap, a Business Information Systems major from Portland, who competed at the IFA tournament in Open Impromptu Speaking and Open IPDA Debate. The team was coached by assistant coach Kaden Meyers of Sandy. Meyers is a former student competitor for OSU and recent MAIS graduate in the Speech Communication area of the School of Communication.
“The end to the season is bittersweet,” Porrovecchio continued. “All three of the students are graduating and Kaden is moving on to other endeavors. That said, I am also lucky. Tasha will be returning as my graduate assistant next Fall.”
Celebrating its 129th 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 (clockwise, from top left): Tasha Robinson, Simon Millsap, and Kaitlyn Blake take a ‘virtual’ break from competition.
