Carson-Newman forensics team wins state championship

(Feb. 23, 2017) – For the fourth year in a row, Carson-Newman University’s forensics team has won the Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Championship. The event was held Feb. 11-12 at Middle Tennessee State University.

Capturing the University’s ninth state championship in 11 years, the Carson-Newman team placed first with a total of 325 points, while the team from Middle Tennessee State placed second with 165 points.

In addition, the two top speakers in the state were from C-N. Vincyl Fitzgerald came in first place and Louis Murray placed second. Carson-Newman also had six finalists advance in every category and had all six finalists in the After Dinner Speaking competition.

The state champions in parliamentary debate were all C-N students. The team included: Louis Murray, Theresa Anderson, Katie Knight and David McConnell.

“This is one of the most dominant performances by a single team in a tournament in the 12 years I’ve been at Carson-Newman. For many of these students, this is one of the last regular season tournaments before they graduate. They made that count and went out strong,” said Chip Hall, C-N forensics coach and communications professor.

Hall added, “It is hard for me to contain the pride I feel when I think about what this group of articulate, creative thinkers is able to accomplish week to week. From start to finish, this was a team success.”

The team is preparing to compete in the Pi Kappa Delta National Forensics championship in Boise, Idaho, in March and will finish their season at the National Forensics Association championship in East Claire, Wisconsin, in April.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,600 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.