The University of Lynchburg’s Debate and Forensics Society traveled to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, for the Harold Cox Collegiate Forensics Association Invitational on Feb. 6-7. At the tournament, hosted by Wilkes College, Lynchburg finished fourth.
Lynchburg’s team consists of Aisha Knotts ’26, Indra Velasco ’28, Yasaman Ahmadi ’29, Lainey Hallan ’29, Taverez Hill ’29, and Genesis Reyes ’29. They are coached by Dr. John Angelis, associate professor of operations management.
The team also received individual honors in various categories.
Hill and Knotts placed second in Dramatic Duo, in which two participants perform a piece from TV, film, or a play. Hill placed third in Declamation, where competitors recite a famous speech or their own interpretation of it.
Velasco was fourth in Declamation, fifth in the more spontaneous Impromptu Speaking, and seventh in Poetry Interpretation. Reyes was fifth in Informative Speaking, in which competitors present an original, well-researched and cited speech, and sixth in Poetry Interpretation.
Ahmadi placed sixth in Persuasive Speaking, which the CFA describes as an “original, well-researched speech on a topic of genuine significance and with a genuine impact on the audience.”
“At the beginning of the season, we only had three members, and only one of them had significant college forensics experience,” Angelis said. “I’m proud of our team for how we have grown in numbers and ability, and their enthusiasm and hard work.
“And I’m looking forward to our team placing even higher in the last tournament of the season in Florida next weekend.”
On Feb. 27-28, Lynchburg will compete in the CFA “Sun and Sand” Tournament in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Held at a resort hotel, the event “gives students the chance to end the season on a fun travel note,” Angelis said. “It’s basically our nationals for the league.
“Four students will be representing us in categories such as Parliamentary Debate, performing famous speeches and plays, and also presenting their own creative, informative, and persuasive speeches.”
