Debate team brings home national title

The Talkin’ Broncos, BSU’s speech and debate team, are national champions after defeating the six-time titleholder Southwest Baptist University of Missouri at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament at Webster University in St. Louis, Mo., last week. The team finished first in debate sweepstakes, second in speech sweepstakes, and brought home 22 individual awards. Senior John Petti added another win for the team with his national championship in the broadcast journalism division of the competition.

The tournament awards competitors in the top 10 percent of an event with “superior” awards. “Excellent” awards are given to the next 10 percent. The Talkin’ Broncos that received “superiors” are Anna Merkley in Prose Interpretation, John Petti in Broadcast Journalism, and Lacey Rammell-O’Brien in Impromptu Speaking. Rammell-O’Brien was the team’s leading scorer, earning “excellent” awards in Informative Speaking and Speech to Entertain. In addition, she finished second in Parliamentary Debate with teammate Barton Jackson.

Many of the Talkin’ Broncos were multiple award winners, bringing home “excellents” in an array of categories. Junior Kristen Davidson brought home three “excellent” awards in Rhetorical Analysis, Poetry Interpretation, and Speeches in Honor of Women. Seniors Nancy Henke and Scott Nelson each earned two “excellent” awards. Henke earned her awards in Informative and Persuasive Speaking, and Nelson received his for Broadcast Journalism and Rhetorical Analysis. Hillary Davidson also earned two awards for her performances in Persuasive Speaking and Prose Interpretation. She then teamed up with debate partner Wayne Rysavy to place third in the junior division of Parliamentary Debate. Rysavy also earned an “excellent” in Dramatic Interpretation.

Other “excellents” were awarded to debaters Jared Cooke, Krista King, and Nate Pohl. Richard Martini and Mile Stirewalt also contributed to the overall Bronco sweep at the tournament by finishing in the top half of the field in their events.

The Talkin’ Broncos were also honored by having two of their debaters, Rammell-O’Brien and Henke, recognized as “All-Americans.” Only nine “All-Americans” are chosen biannually from Pi Kappa Delta’s membership. The teammates were awarded for their excellence in classroom endeavors, success in speech and debate competition, and service to their institution and community.

Henke and Rammell-O’Brien are the third and fourth “All-Americans” from Boise State, joining Jaime Thompson Bott, who received the award in 1999, and Ken Rock, who received it in 2003.

Mariana Bekker
Assistant News Editor

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4. News Briefs: Boise State debate team wins two national awards
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