The Ball State Speech Team ranked seventh overall and first in its division at the 35th Forensics Association National Tournament in Akron, Ohio, on Monday.
"It's the first time we've been in the top 10 since 1991, and I don't think we've ever won our division before," Mary Moore, team director, said.
The college teams at the competition were separated into divisions based on how many events they competed in, she said. Ball State's team participated in 33 events. The team advanced to quarter finals in 11 events and to semifinals in two events, Moore said.
To qualify for nationals, a team has to have advanced to the final round at a previous competition during the season.
Ball State's team won the state competition against its rival, Indiana University, Moore said.
"We were very cautious about having high expectations going into our state tournament," she said. "We're really young, and we're only graduating one senior this year."
Senior Lea Brustkern said the nationals competition was a wonderful experience.
"I couldn't be happier with how I'm leaving the team," she said. "I think I'm going out at the best point possible."
Brustkern said the team had the best personality, and each person contributed immensely.
"All the new members that came in just automatically clicked," she said. "When people get along, it makes it much easier to work together."
Students from all different majors are on the speech team.
"I think we have a group of students who work really hard," Moore said. "We have a good diverse group of students."
Brustkern said the students have been practicing since September, giving up their social lives to be part of the team.
"You do the same event all year, so you perfect it all season," Moore said.
She estimated that a speech team member normally spends about 10 hours a week in March alone to prepare for the nationals.
"It's an activity you have to love to do it," Brustkern said. "For me, it's the ideal of everything I wanted to be."
The team had a speech showcase on campus before nationals, and more than 100 people attended, Moore said.
"A lot of students who were there for extra credit were pleasantly surprised that they actually enjoyed themselves," she said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
