Forensics team sweeps Hill Country

Dino Griego • September 20, 2010

The WTAMU Forensics team traveled to San Marcus last Friday to compete against some of the top schools in the nation. After arriving at Texas State University, the speech and debate team showcased their numerous hours of hard work. Whether attending summer workshops, practice sessions, faculty round-robins or committing to the exhausting research and application of communication theory, the team focused and prepared for their public debut.

Jessica Peters, a junior communication studies major, transferred from Tyler Community College to join the speech and debate squad this semester. With a passion for forensics, she has grown with the team, and works to represent WT.

“I love everything about forensics,” Peters said. “I came to WT because I knew this was a program I could benefit and learn from.”

Peters started performing and speaking her mind at an early age. She wanted to be an active voice for the people around her, and she believed in the power of social movement. At WT, she still finds this outlet powerful, but takes a more backseat approach.

“Growing up I continually offered my opinion,” Peters said. “To this day, I still think and argue, but instead of yelling and pointing fingers, I let the rhythm and tones of my literature speak volumes. Forensics is a place I can inspire, and make a difference.”

Victoria Roman, a junior communication studies major, is new to the team this year. Last year, she saw the promise of a successful rebuilding year for the squad, and she decided to take advantage of that opportunity.

“It was intimidating walking into my first round,” Roman said. “Everybody kept saying ‘don’t be upset if you do not break to finals,’ but three first timers broke and I am glad to be apart of that group.”

The WT Forensic team went up against heavy competition. Historically, Hill Country, the name of the tournament, is known for its fierce competition. The University of Texas at Austin, last years fifth ranked team in the nation, was at the tournament.
“The first day UT won,” Roman said, “but we came back the second day, pulled ahead in the leader board, and took overall sweeps. It really meant something to come back the way we did.”
Other well known universities included Oklahoma University, Kansas State, and Texas State. Shay Ward, a junior communications studies major and president of the team, won overall best speaker.

“It was a unifying moment to watch him receive the award,” Roman said.

Blake Boone, a returning forensic member and sophomore communication studies major, had high hopes and ambitions for this tournament. Last year the team took half as many events, so the need to do twice as well was more prevalent.

“The tournament was so much fun,” Boone said. “I think because I am a returner so much more is expected from me. However, we all did really well. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with how the tournament concluded.”

On the first day of Hill Country,