Speech has Strong Showing at Spring District Tournament

The Cornell Speech Team traveled to Long Island on the first weekend of February for a two day swing tournament. Students were competing for qualifications to the 2023 American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament, hosted in Santa Ana, California in early April. 

The first day was the Lucky 7 Tournament, hosted by Hofstra University. Experienced and Novice Cornellian speakers had a strong showing. Novice sophomore Aidan Helfant was recognized as the top IE speaker, receiving first in After Dinner Speaking (ADS), as well as reaching finals in 3 other events. Junior Asha Prabhat won Communication Analysis and finished 2nd in ADS. Additionally, Rushika Prasad finished 3rd in Impromptu Speaking, attaining a national qualification in the event. Overall, the Cornell team came 2nd on day 2. 

The District 7 Spring Qualifier was the second day. This tournament provides a unique opportunity, as every top 3 finisher in each event earns a national qualification. Across the 9 person squad, Cornell earned 11 qualifications. Events included Persuasive, Impromptu, Extemporaneous, ADS, Communication Analysis, and Dramatic Interpretation. Special congratulations goes to Ian Gilenson, who finished 1st in Extemporaneous and 3rd in Impromptu at his first ever tournament. He received national quals in both events. Further recognition goes to Aidan, Rushika, and Byron Quevedo, who also qualified their first event. 

The team entered the weekend with 18 qualified entries and finished with 30 entries across 12 students. The team is now preparing to host the Big Red Tournament of Love on February 18th and 19th. If you are nearby Ithaca, the team is looking for volunteers to judge.