Sweeping the nation

(March 9, 2016) – When all was said and done, the results were unprecedented.

Carson-Newman University’s forensics team took the top five places at the 19th annual National Christian College Forensics Invitational held in San Diego, California. “They said they thought it was the first time that this had ever happened in the history of the tournament,” said Coach Chip Hall, who noted the event hosted some 200 participants.

The final results led the squad to be crowned national champions Monday, March 7.

Coach Chip Hall said he was incredibly pleased with his team’s domination at the event. “We finished in first place with a total of 505 points,” said Hall following the event. “Second place came in at 323 points. I just couldn’t be prouder of this team.”

Carson-Newman students who took the top five spots were Kyle Summers, first place; Abby Strickland, second place; Louis Murray, third place; Theresa Anderson, fourth place; and Erica Hesson, fifth place.

The event drew some 20 colleges and universities from across the country. Schools included Whitworth University, Colorado Christian University, Cedarville University, Grand Canyon University, Kansas Wesleyan, Biola University and Liberty University.

“We brought 11 students,” explained Hall. “Five were the top five at the tournament, but every one of our students advanced beyond their preliminary round.”

Carson-Newman’s national title comes on the heels of winning the state last month at the Tennessee Intercollegiate Forensics Association Championship.