Augsburg News

News Archives - 2003

Speech Team novices are top-notch in tournaments

April 2003

Entire Speech team after their big competitionAugsburg's speech team novices surprised their coach, and even themselves, as they carried home a fifth place sweepstakes award in the largest and most competitive division at the 21st Annual Novice National Speech Tournament, held Feb. 28 - March 3.

They competed in 11 recognized events and two debate categories against hundreds of students from teams across the country.

"This award represents a breakthrough for the team," said Robert Groven, coach and speech professor. "We had assumed that competing in Division One would prevent us from winning a sweepstakes award, but the team's performance exceeded my expectations."

The team also competed well in the local and state tournaments. At the Minnesota College Forensic Association State Tournament they garnered a third place sweepstakes award.