Saddleback College’s Forensics Team Placed 5th at the Southwestern College Tournament

The Saddleback College Forensics Team competed at the Southwestern College National Speech Tournament on February 6^th in Chula Vista, California.  More than 400 participants competed in the event representing over 40 colleges.  Saddleback students placed 5^th overall, competing against many four year schools including: Nebraska, University of Texas at El Paso, Rice, Utah State, and the Air Force Academy just to name a few.

Co-Team Director Larry Radden stated, “This was an extremely competitive tournament that drew some of the best four year institutions to Southern California. Once again, Saddleback performed well and is beginning to peak at the right time. We’re very excited for the team. We feel that Saddleback has a legitimate shot at the State and National tournament.”

According to Heidi Ochoa, Co-Team Director, “We’re very proud of how the students performed. The results are exciting, but what’s even more illuminating is that several new and talented students were on the cusp of placing in their first tournament. The students are thrilled and starved to compete again.”

Here are the individual awards:

Andrew Ronquillo- 1^st Place Extemporaneous, 4^th Place Persuasion, 5^th Place Communication Analysis

Derek Demerjian- 2^nd Place Dramatic Interpretation

Maria Zakhar-5^th Place Programmed Oral Interpretation

Yamah Karim- 7^th Place Informative Speaking, 5^th Place Impromptu, 3^rd place Novice Extemporaneous

The Saddleback Forensics team is grateful for the support received from Dean Bart McHenry, President Tod Burnett, administrative assistants Suzie Bugay Joyce Speakman and the Associated Student Government.

The Saddleback Forensics Team started in the 1970s and prides itself on offering students the ability to create innovative arguments for future writing and speaking engagements to strengthen their critical thinking skills, and to better communicate with others.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community.  Having served more than 500,000 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.