Concordia Forensics shines at speech and debate tournament

The Concordia University speech and debate team returned from the January 21 Kansas In Nebraska tournament with a first place team sweepstakes win and a myriad of additional individual awards for team members.  The tournament was conducted at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and included teams from Nebraska, Kansas and Minnesota. 

“I am proud of how the team did this weekend, and I hope that we can keep this energy as we go forward with our preparations for state,” said Speech and Debate Assistant Coach Malia Frerking. “While I've worked with the team for a while, this was my first tournament as a full-time coach. It was a good experience for the newer students on the team, and we will keep representing Concordia Nebraska Forensics as a strong competitor in our state and at national tournaments.  

Like many other activities, speech and debate tournaments were halted during COVID-19 shutdowns, but the team is excited to return to a more regular schedule of in-person tournaments. 

“Husker Speech and Debate provided us with a wonderful opportunity this past weekend in hosting a rare in-person tournament this semester,” said senior Angelina Stinson. “Providing a physical platform for courageous speakers across multiple states, this was a stepping stone toward the 2023 NIFA Tournament we get to host at Concordia. Given the results this past weekend, it is evident that Concordia has been putting in the time and the effort to represent not only the activity with new ideas and research, but to represent our brothers and sisters in and through Christ. I am incredibly proud of my team, and I am excited to discover what the future has in store for us!” 

In addition to the first place team sweepstakes, these team members placed as noted in the following categories: 

After Dinner Speaking: Thomas Welch - 6th 
Dramatic Interpretation: Madelyn Graham - 4th 
Duo Interpretation: Sabrina Reed/Madelyn Graham - 3rd 
Extemporaneous Speaking: Quinlan Hendrickson - 6th, Alex Vieselmeyer - 4th, McKenna McSpadden- 2nd 
Informative Speaking:  Alex Vieselmeyer - 4th 
Impromptu Speaking: Tristin Kinderknecht - 2nd 
Persuasive Speaking: Brynn Holtmeier - 5th, Angelina Stinson - Champion 
Poetry Interpretation: Sabrina Reed - Champion 
Program Oral Interpretation: Brynn Holtemeier - 3rd, Sabrina Reed - Champion 
Prose Interpretation: Esther Molina - 6th, Anna Hoier - 5th, Gwen Gaunt - 3rd 

“It was so fulfilling to experience a tournament with some of the best competitors in the state,” said senior Sabrina Reed. “I'm looking forward to seeing how people continue to grow this semester as the postseason gets closer!” 

The team is excited to continue to work together throughout the remainder of the semester as they prepare for future events both regionally and at the state level. 

“It was really great to have so many people from the team compete and the energy that everyone brought was amazing!” said freshman Brynn Holtmeier. “As a freshman, I'm grateful for the in person experience because the circuit has been hit hard with virtual meets and canceled meets. Moving forward, I think our team has shown what we are capable of and that we will have a strong presence at state.” 

Interested in becoming part of the speech and debate team at Concordia? Learn more here.