CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University’s Forensics (speech and debate) Team attended the American Forensics Association’s National Individual Events (AFA-NIET) Qualifier for District II at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, on February 24, 2018.
The tournament, which featured schools from across the Northwest region, is a preliminary step to qualifying for the national AFA tournament held later this year.
“Qualifying for the NIET is a huge accomplishment,” said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. “Our region is incredibly competitive.”
Junior Kaden Meyers, a Political Science major from Sandy, took second place in Open Impromptu Speaking and was first place in Open Extemporaneous Speaking. Sophomore Uwe Keist, a Political Science major from Corvallis, took fourth place in Open Impromptu Speaking and third place in Open Extemporaneous Speaking.
“Meyers and Keist represent what is best about this team in terms of ability,” offered Porrovecchio. “Meyers is a successful seasoned member of the team and Keist is a talented newcomer.”
The team was coached by graduate assistant Evan Steele of Concord, Calif. Steele is a MAIS student in the Speech Communication area of the School of Arts and Communication.
Celebrating its 125th season, OSU Forensics is one of the oldest clubs on campus and a member of the Performing Arts Board in the School of Arts and 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 mark.porrovecchio@oregonstate.edu.
CONTACT:
Mark Porrovecchio
205 Shepard Hall`
737-8230
Pictured (l-r): Uwe Keist, Kaden Meyers, and Evan Steele.