NSU Speech and Debate Team scores big

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) - The Northeastern State University competitive speech and debate team participated in the 2018 Oklahoma Intercollegiate Forensics Association State Tournament at Oklahoma City University on Feb. 23 and 24. Though the team was short of members due to extenuating circumstances, they still walked away with numerous awards.

The tournament hosted 10 universities over the course of two days. While the OIFA State Tournament is mostly for Oklahoma universities, there were out-of-state competitors as well.

NSU brought home nine awards from the competition. Gemini Creason, a senior from Tahlequah, won third in Extemporaneous Speaking, second in After-Dinner Speaking, sixth in Prose, second in Impromptu Speaking, third in Communication Analysis, first in Informative Speaking and first in Pentathlon. Creason also brought home two state awards: Champion in Informative Speaking and Champion in Pentathlon.

Overall, NSU was one of the top Oklahoma schools at the tournament.

It was a great way for Gemini to end her collegiate forensic career, said Tricia Diaville, NSU Speech and Debate coach. She has been an asset to the team and she is very deserving of being named State Champion in those events.

In addition, Diaville was elected OIFAs executive secretary, a position that is voted on by all of the Oklahoma collegiate forensic coaches. Her duties include helping to plan and facilitate next years state tournament and working with the president of OIFA.

The NSU competitive speech and debate team will have tryouts on April 17. They are looking for students who are motivated and excited to excel inside and outside of the classroom. Scholarships are available.