WKU’s Forensics team competed in four tournaments this past weekend, Feb. 6-7, when they travelled to Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, and Murray State University for the Illini Stars Swing tournament.

When most people think “forensics,” they usually think about the details in solving crimes. But forensics is also competitive speech and debate, and WKU’s forensics team is the reigning national champion.

The team competes in 11 individual categories, some of which include public speaking, interpretation and limited preparation.

“[Forensics] offers students ranging from junior high to college age the skills necessary to confidently and effectively communicate in any situation,” Ganer Newman, the director of Forensics, stated on the WKU Forensics Web page.

A majority of the 37 students on the team competed in the tournaments and came out with 24 individual event championships. In Illinois, the team defeated 14 other schools, including Bradley University, Ball State University and Illinois State University, during two tournaments.

The students on the team spent considerable amounts of time preparing for their events. Most began practicing at the beginning of the semester and spend 13-14 hours per week working with coaches and practicing on their own.

Durwan Green, a sophomore from Lewisville, Texas, placed first in individual sweepstakes in both tournaments. He said he couldn’t completely take the credit for his performance.

“I give all the credit to my coaches and my teammates for pushing me towards my goals,” Green said. “It’s really just a second family.”

The team will host the 43rd Annual Kentucky Forensics State Tournament in Garrett Conference Center on Friday, Feb. 19, at 12:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 20, at 9:30 a.m.

“I encourage everyone to come and check out the event and see what forensics is like,” Newman said. “I would also like to invite any faculty to serve as judges.”

Students will be traveling to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this weekend to compete in the district qualifier for the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournaments. A few will attend the American Forensics Association Tournament from March 31 to April 5, and all the members of the team will attend the National Forensic Association Tournament from April 20 to 25.

WKU’s Forensics team will also be hosting a Black History Month Symposium in the Downing Student Union Auditorium on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature students in the forensics program.

For more information on the Forensics program, contact Ganer Newman at [email protected]. You can also visit the WKU Forensics Facebook page or follow @wkuforensics on Twitter.