Pacific Index

Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: News

Having already won their division this year at the Northwest Forensics Conference at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash. Jan. 26-28, Pacific's speech and debaters are headed overseas March 15-22 to compete in the International Forensics Association Tournament in London, England.

Five members of the team, Mark Truax, David Maile, Josh Masagatani, Jennifer Conner and David Brouillette, will be going on the trip, along with their coach, Sam Mathies.

"I am excited to be going out of the country," said Maile. "I am looking forward to the intense competition."

The speech competitions consist of three main events: oral interpretation of literature, prepared public speaking and limited preparation. These events require teamwork, cooperation and intense preparation in order to prove successful.

"We spend hours practicing together, competing, eating and practically living together at times. They're my family away from home," said Maile.

Pacific's team is a strong competitor in the Northwest. They exercise skills in critical thinking, research methods, organization, language usage, listening and public speaking. While some events require speeches that are previously prepared, others are impromptu or extemporaneous and allow students only 30 minutes to research a given topic before giving a speech.

"Last year we attended the AFA NIET National tournament and we didn't do well. But, this year is different. And I think we are all extremely prepared for this international tournament," said Maile.

This will be the team's third international trip in recent years.

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