RAGE 2 THE THUNDERBIRD MONDAY NOVEMBER 3, 1986 Forensics basks in stellar S (JSC's team finishes first in small schools , fifth overall SUSC's commitment to an active forensic program has paid off with top rankings in an overall summary of the nation's most active debate and individual events programs. of the According to a recently released wrap-u- p 1985-8- 6 forensic season, SUSC finished first in schools with enrollments below 5,000 students and fifth overall among the more than 800 colleges and universities listed in the annual report. The summation was compiled by Ed Harris, a forensic coach at Suffolk University, Boston, Mass., who tallied the points earned by each school during the forensic season. Harris collected information from the tournament directors then compiled the total number of points each squad received. "Points are determined according to the size of the tournament," explains SUSC Forensic Director Suzanne Larson. "A win at a large tournament, will earn more points than a win at a small tournament, and a good showing at regional and national tournaments earns still more points." SUSC's success, Larson says, was determined largely by the squad's excellent showing at the national tournaments which included a tie for fourth place at the American Forensics Association (AFA) National Individual Events Tournament and first place at the prestigious DSR-TKnational speech honor society tournament. While the Thunderbirds have been ranked in the cumulative polls before (third in 1979-8- 0 and second in 1980-8- 1 for schools under 3000 students) Larson says this is the first time the squad has finished in the top ten in overall points. Harris divided schools into four categories for his rankings; those with enrollment over 10,000 students, enrollment between 5,000 and 10,000 A NOV. 315, '85-8- 6 students, and enrollment under 5,000 students. colleges made up the fourth division. SUSC was ranked first in schools under 5,000 Two-ye- ar students, followed by Biola University, Los Angeles, and Emerson College, Boston, Mass. Biola finished seventh in overall rankings, Emerson ninth. SUSC competes in individual events and both NDT (National Debate Topic) and CEDA (Cross Examination Debate Association) debate. With 30 to 35 members, the squad is considered moderately large for schools that "do everything" and of medium size among schools competing in just individual events. The SUSC forensic program, and Utah forensics in general, are successful on the national level largely because of the talent produced by the state's high schools, Larson says. "Utah high school forensics are very good, and even though there's a large drop off in numbers from high school to college or university levels, the talent is there." "Recruiting can be fierce," she continues, "with SUSC, the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Weber State College, and Arizona State University competing for the top freshman." "Students come here because they know SUSC has a strong reputation in forensics," Larson says. "There's also a strong sense of unity among squad members. They form a really cohesive unit and really work to support one another. It's not unusual to see older students helping younger students or squad members helping one another with their speeches." Larson and Sage Platt, director of individual events, coach the winning SUSC squad. They predict that SUSC has the potential to do equally well, or better, than last year. "I think we'll be better," Larson says. 1986 8a8C BOOKSTORE Hours: 8:30 am to 4:3C pm Weekdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturdays