The NIU forensics team took three of the top four spots at the Kishwaukee College Corn Classic Nov. 11 and 12.

Competing in two-person parliamentary teams were: junior business administration major Adam Gibbons and sophomore electrical engineering major Caleb Westadt; freshman English major Chelsea Maney and freshman sociology major John Wagle; and senior corporate communication major Mike Reifsnyder and freshman sociology major Lornett Vestal.

Three-way tie for first

The teams decided not to compete against each other once they realized they would all be in the top three, so instead took a three-way tie for first place. Maney and Wagle, as well as Reifsnyder and Vestal, each had a 5-1 preliminary round record. Gibbons and Westadt enjoyed a 4-2 record.

“Advancing even one team to elimination rounds is a tremendous accomplishment,” coach Ioana Cionea said in a press release. “We are thrilled to have three teams qualify at such an important tournament.”

A young team

The team is fairly young, with Gibbons, Maney Reifsnyder, Vestal and Wagle all in their first year with the team, said Kerith Woodyard, faculty advisor for the Forensics organization.

Woodyard was pleased with the success of the recent tournament.

“I’m really happy that some of our new debaters have had some early success,” Woodyard said.

Left in the dark

The debaters were pleased with themselves as well. Unlike at past debates, where scores are posted after each round, scores for this debate were withheld until all preliminary rounds were completed. The teams had no idea whether they won or lost a single debate until they had completely finished.

“We didn’t find out until the very end whether we had won or lost each debate,” Reifsnyder said. “It was a big shock to see how well we placed.”

Not satisfied yet

Now that team members have enjoyed the taste of a big win, they are craving more.

“My goal for the rest of the season is to win the rest of the debates,” Vestal said. His partner, Reifsnyder, said he would like to see the team head to nationals.

With January through March being the busiest time for debates, forensics members are forming goals.

“I’d like to work on formulating arguments, work on my presence as a speaker and just get better overall,” Gibbons said.

Any student interested in joining Forensics can call Kerith Woodyard at 753-7101 for more information.