CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University’s Forensics (speech and debate) Team attended the 92nd Annual Mahaffey Memorial Forensics Tournament at Linfield University in McMinnville, on November 11-13, 2022. This was the second designated Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC) of the season. The tournament was held virtually this year.
Senior Megan Baus, a Chemical Engineering major from Salem, took sixth place in Open Poetry Interpretation. She also competed in Open Prose Interpretation, and Open Program Oral Interpretation. Sophomore Aaron Maves, a Microbiology Major from Anchorage, Alaska, was an octofinalist in Novice IPDA Debate.
“Megan continues to impress this season, and setting a wonderful example for her new teammates,” said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. “This was Aaron’s first tournament, so it was nice to see him do well right from the start.”
The tournament featured schools from across the NFC and beyond, including Boise State University, Idaho; Casper College, Wyoming; Hillsdale College, Michigan; and Texas A&M University, College Station.
Also competing at the tournament were Sophomore Rachel Woods, a Biology major from Portland, competed in Junior Impromptu Speaking and Junior IPDA Debate; Freshman Joshua Giacomini, an Education Major from Coos Bay, competed in Junior Impromptu Speaking and Junior IPDA Debate; and Freshman Sydnie McCarty, a Psychology Major from Coos Bay, competed in Junior Program Oral Communication. Sophomore Rayna Voltin, a Biology major from Silverton, also attended to support the team.
The team was coached by assistant coach Tasha Robinson from Hillsboro. Robinson is a former student competitor for OSU and a current MAIS graduate student in the Speech Communication area of the School of Communication.
“It was nice to have some of our new students finally get to compete at a collegiate-level tournament,” continued Porrovecchio. “Even though it was virtual this year, Linfield provides them with an educational experience they can apply at future tournaments.”
Celebrating its 130th 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 mark.porrovecchio@oregonstate.edu.
CONTACT:
Mark Porrovecchio
205 Shepard Hall`
737-8230
Photo (l-r): Rayna Voltin, Josh Giacomini, Sydnie McCarty, Megan Baus, Rachel Woods, and Aaron Maves taking a break from virtual competition.