Talkin’ T-Birds win big at final tournament

Awards all around: The Casper College Talkin’ T-Birds came back from the Phi Rho National Tournament with eight bronze medals, one silver, and six golds. L-r: Markie Whitney, Alex Walters, Violet Wright, head coach Doug Hall, Emma Kellick, Brax Allen-Sambrano, Emma Rudell, Jayden Roccaforte, assistant coach Ethan Fife, Shelby Davis, and Pearl Taylor. (Photo courtesy/Doug Hall)

The Casper College Talkin’ T-Birds came back from the Phi Rho National Tournament with eight bronze medals, one silver, and six golds. The team also finished as the Top Bronze in the Wyman division.

According to Doug Hall, the Top Bronze in the Wyman Division equates to fifth overall out of 42 schools. “The schools we trailed are massive programs that are always at the top of the list. We missed fourth place by just 10 points,” said Hall, director of forensics.

Hall noted that the students delivered on the expectations that he and Ethan Fife, assistant coach, had for them. “We advanced 15 of our 35 entries to elimination rounds. We then advanced seven of those 15 to the final round,” Hall noted. In addition, a team member earned Top Speaker in the international public debate, while another was honored with the Warren-Dahlin Student Fellowship Award for Region III.

“Ethan and I couldn’t be prouder of this group; what a great year,” said Hall.