Forensics team competes at Trapper Rendezvous, Ward Champion in Persuasion

PUEBLO – The Colorado State University-Pueblo Forensics Team traveled to Powell, Wyo., this past weekend to compete in the 48^th annual Trapper Rendezvous at Northwest College. The squad of three students competed in six different events, bringing home several trophies for their efforts.

Jacob Ward, sophomore from Trinidad, took first place in Persuasive Speaking for the second year in a row with his speech about removing limits on free speech on college campuses throughout the United States. Ward also took fourth place in Informative Speaking with his speech on federal versus state ownership of public land.

Brianna Heifner, a junior from Canon City, dominated the debate side of the tournament. Debating with a student from Northwest College as a hybrid team, Heifner and her partner, Isabela Munoz, made it to the final round of the tournament, barely missing a tournament victory on a 2-1 decision. They debated the topic, “Resolved: The United States federal government should enact a policy to significantly reduce student loan debt.” In addition to her second-place finish with her partner, Heifner was ranked third speaker among all tournament participants.

In addition to individual success, the team earned a third place finish overall at the tournament in sweepstakes, which marks the first time the CSU-Pueblo Forensics Team has earned such a victory under Director of Forensics Kathryn Starkey.

The Trapper Rendezvous marks the final tournament for the team for the fall semester. The team will return in its first competition this spring semester at Texas Tech University in January.