Whitman Forensics Newsletter Vol. 7 No. 2, June 2001
Champions of the Northwest Despite a surge by the University of Oregon, Whitman forensics pushed ahead to capture the Northwestern Forensics Conference title for the second year in a row. Every single policy debater earned the squad points. Thad and Charles placed second at the last tournament and three other teams, Scott & John, Lauren & Emily M., and Brian S. & Emily C. were in quarterfinals. The parliamentary debaters put on an impressive show during the spring semester with four teams in elim rounds	Scott, Keola, Brian W, Natalie, Geof, Charles, and Brian D line up outside of Bob Withycombe’s home
at WWU and Whitman. Brian D. & Denice and Brant & Todd were in semis in senior division at Whitman. Further, the team’s individual events success was the best since the Withycombe years. The squad won 59 I.E. awards. First-year students Chris Gorman, Sam Spiegel and Darrell Miller, and sophomores Denice Kelley and Mario Cava contributed with many awards. Not to be outdone, Brian Ward, Thad Blank, Scott Daniel and Todd Borden brought home top awards in extemp LD. With Whitman’s strong depth, and incoming recruits, the team is well poised to three-peat as champions next season. Dani, Samantha, and Sam enjoy time together at the End of the Year Party. The Team’s End of the Year Party Held at former director Bob Withycombe’s house, the team’s end of the year party was a great way to finish off a successful season. It was also much appreciated because Bob and Nancy very nicely offered the use of their plates and glasses when we forgot to bring them. While the team snacked on strawberries, olives, French bread, and other goodies, Jim handed out awards for each team member to recognize their contribution to the team. Top awards included Brian Ward’s “Whatever,” Gabe’s “See how well you can do if you comb your hair” and Lauren’s “Stairmaster” certificates. The team shared good times and memories of the year. Nicholas, Chris, Mario, Keola, Gabe, Denice, Natalie, and Brian D enjoy dinner at NPDA Nats				Jim is quite happy with the party spread! J.P. Lacy relaxes as he finishes four years of outstanding policy debate coaching at Whitman College. Marriages Many recent and current team members are getting hitched! Diana Thomson, former assistant (1997-98), is marrying this June. Assistant Julie Miller ’02 is getting married in June too. Matt Johnson ‘99 just announced his engagement. Ryan Scoville (on the team ’97-’98) just got married. We’re sure there’s more but Jim’s received a whole lot of wedding invitations!
Lauren and Mario ham it up. These sophomores did very well. Jim: “The team’s growth is just tremendous. We sent 24 debaters to national tournaments and 22 returned with trophies. We believe this is a national record. I’m proud of this group.” Staff: Jim Hanson, Director of Forensics, J.P. Lacy, Assistant Policy Coach; Geof Brodak, Assistant Parliamentary and I.E. Coach; Julie Miller, Student Assistant and Intramural Debate Manager; Bob Withycombe, Chair, Rhetoric and Film Studies; and Thomas Cronin, President, Whitman College. 37 Competitors, 2000-2001: Adam Woodard, Aerin Orbits, Andi Lien, Andy Monahan, Brant Olson, Brian Danielson, Brian Simmonds, Brian Ward, Charles Olney, Chris Gorman, Chris McManus, Dani Boucher, Darrell Miller, David Guidry, Denice Kelley, Emily Cordo, Emily Marr, Gabe McGuire, John Poor, Keola Whittaker, Lauren Ritter, Leif Perkins, Mario Cava, Natalie Havlina, Natalie Sofia Mariona, Nathan Roller, Nicholas Thomas, Nicole Reynaud, Sam Spiegel, Samantha Howell, Scott Daniel, Stew Campbell, Thad Blank, Todd Borden, Tony Torres, Valbona Sherifi, Wanjiru Kamau. Mario, John, and Denice enjoy the team party. Senior-staff dinner Jim took seniors and staff along with many other team members for the third annual senior-staff dinner. This year’s dinner was at Jacobi’s. It was a nice change from last year when we had to fend off the Wa’ High Senior Prom crowd at Paisano’s. After dinner, Jim recognized the team’s three graduating seniors—Brian Danielson, Brant Olson and Keola Whittaker. Jim razzed Brian for his support for the legalization of marijuana; Brant for his involvement in a number of protests; and Keola for his switching from parli to public to policy to NFA-LD debate. Jim then turned his attention to J.P., noting his proclivity for playing computer games and installing and uninstalling Linux. Jim also noted Geof’s “aggressive” style of coaching and then noted the “softer” touch Julie brought to the assistant position. Jim made it clear though that they have contributed much to the team and that we are thankful for all they have done for our squad.		Whitman’s stunning success at DSR and NPDA Whitman’s parliamentary teams did very well at the DSR-TKA national tournament at Colorado College. Three of the four parliamentary debate teams advanced into elimination rounds. Two took 9th place (Chris Gorman & Mario Cava and Keola Whittaker & Nicholas Thomas) and one took 5th (Brian Danielson & Denice Kelley). Nicholas also was a finalist in extemporaneous speaking. Then, at the National Parliamentary Debate Association’s championship tournament, Whitman stunned the nation, advancing all five of its teams to finals rounds. Chris & Mario lost a close elim round to finish in 65th place. Brant Olson & Todd Borden and Keola & Nicholas both took 33rd place. Brian & Denice were 17th; and Natalie Havlina & Gabe McGuire took 3rd place in the nation! Brian and Nicholas were also the 12th and 10th speaker respectively. Policy Nationals Run Back-to-Back Running concurrently with NPDA Nationals was CEDA’s national tournament at Middle Tennessee State University. All of our policy teams advanced with the exception of John Poor and Scott Daniel who missed on speaker points! Brian Ward & David Guidry and Emily Marr & Lauren Ritter took 33rd place. Brian Simmonds & Emily Cordo took 17^th (double-octas) and Thad Blank and Charles Olney finished 5^th (quarters) in the nation. The squad won 8th place in the CEDA national rankings for the year and Charles came home as the 18th place speaker. The very next weekend, the team went to Baylor University for the National Debate Tournament. For the second year in a row, we qualified two teams (Blank & Olney and Cordo & Simmonds). Overall, the squad finished in 12th place overall and 8th in varsity in the NDT rankings. Jim will begin doing the NDT rankings this fall; maybe he will cook up extra points for the team! J Geof and JP plot future plans. Changes for the coming year Campus office space is getting tight and the Hunter building is being used to relieve some of the pressure. The third floor will see changes with the practice-storage room getting a new cabinet, the rhetoric seminar room will now be Bob’s office, and new computers will arrive in the policy and parli-ie prep rooms. Jim remains to begin his tenth year as Director. Julie Miller will also return and plans on working more closely with interpretation students in addition to her student assistant and intramural debate management duties. Unfortunately, both of the team’s assistant coaches will be leaving. J.P. Lacy will be taking a coaching position at Wake Forest. Some speculate that he may even finish his masters’ work. The team is in progress searching for a replacement for “Jeep.” Geof Brodak will be going to CSU Long Beach where he will start work toward a master’s degree. Keola Whittaker, who just graduated, will take over for Geof. Even with new replacements, both J.P. and Geof will be sorely missed. Sandy Stoneman, Geof’s girlfriend, helped out the team with practice and judging at tournaments. Thanks Sandy!
Jim is now an Associate Professor Jim finishes his ninth year as director with great news: he was given the title Associate Professor. Jim received outstanding reviews based on his management of the team, teaching skills, and service to forensics and Whitman.
Brian D., Charles, and Scott kick back at the party.					Continued Support is greatly appreciated The Salzman-Medica Fund has donated another $250,000 to the team’s Salzman-Medica Forensics fund. This contribution will be used to enhance our assistant coach salaries. Jim noted: “The money generated from this donation will be instrumental in attracting high quality coaches. In addition, it provides a good salary for a young person just beginning their involvement in coaching.” Thank you so much Megan Salzman Medica and John Medica.
Should we get tough with China: IM Championship The recent spy plane incident with China spurred on strong feelings in the intramural debate championships. Students debated whether the United States federal government should adopt a policy of containment toward the People’s Republic of China. In the experienced division, Adam Woodard and Stew Campbell fought it out for the championship. In the end, Adam triumphed in a very close race. The inexperienced division was also tough. McLeish Martin triumphed over Emily Young in the final round. Close behind was Chris McManus who took third place.
Mario rests on Dani’s side. Lauren, Keola, Scott, Emily M., Brian S. smile for the camera.
Dovell-Gose ends in a tie The long history of the Dovell-Gose Oratory Competition never prepared people for this. The 2001 competition was the first time students were allowed to submit speeches on videotape. It also was the first time in memory that both the men’s and the women’s division ended in a tie! On the women’s side, Emily Cordo, with her speech on post-modern revisions of African feminism, tied for first place with Liz Briggs’ speech on radical democracy promotion. To round out the division, Nashaunte Pleasant took third place. For the men, Nicholas Thomas’ speech on male feminism shared the championship with Keola Whittaker’s oration on why the Dovell-Gose contest should not accept videotaped speeches. This is the third year in a row that Nicholas has taken first. Third place went to Thad Blank. Whitman Hosts the First National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence Top teams from around the nation were treated to Whitman hospitality in April at the first ever National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence. Teams received invitations to the tournament based on their performance at qualifying tournaments across the nation throughout the year. Whitman would have qualified three teams: Natalie Havlina & Gabe McGuire, Brant Olson & Todd Borden, and Brian Danielson & Denice Kelley! Unfortunately, Brian & Denice could not attend because of scheduling conflicts. Natalie & Gabe did well and Brant & Todd advanced into elimination rounds, taking 5th place. Policy teams just can’t seem to stay healthy! This spring semester seemed to be a tough one for student health. On the way to the Cal Swing, Emily Cordo became ill and had to be taken to the hospital. At the University of Utah, Keola had an adverse prescription reaction and had to be taken to the hospital. At the Northwest CEDA Championship tournament, Emily Marr fainted and had to be taken to the hospital. And, at CEDA Nationals, Lauren Ritter slipped on the stairs carrying her debate tubs, spraining her ankle. The tournament agreed to wait 45 minutes for Lauren to return so that she and Emily Marr could debate in the triple-octa-finals round. Jim, who broke his ankle some five years ago, seemed more panicked than Lauren. Everyone’s fine now but Jim and J.P. have seen too many emergency rooms lately! Rhetoric Department adds Film Studies Exciting news as the Rhetoric department added a third full time position. Robert Sickles joins the tradition dating back to the late 1890s when oratory, speaking, and strong communication skills began their important role in the liberal arts education that Whitman offers. Robert will be teaching courses focused on rhetorical aspects of films such as Blade Runner and on film production. Bob, Robert, and Jim hope to add official majors in Rhetoric and in Film Studies soon.			Nancy Withycombe “crazes” it up at the team party! Thanks for all the help Nancy! Geof draws up another brilliant strategy! Natalie and Mario smile Nicholas practices

Withycombe and Walker Fund Contributions We are grateful for your contributions to the forensic team! Generous donors Dec. 1, 2000 through May 10, 2001 include: Jennifer L. Becker and Andy Backlund, Matt Johnson, Kristofer Peterson, Jared Phillips and Loan Lam, Abby St. Lawrence, Bob Withycombe, Kelly Cleman, Susan and Lloyd Danielson, Beverly and Robert Hanson, R. Beveridge and Lysle Wilhelmi, John Miller, and Jason Smith. If we missed you, please tell us because we do appreciate your support! Send contributions to the Walker Fund or the Withycombe Fund to: Annual Fund Office Whitman College Walla Walla WA 99362 Checks should be made out to Whitman College with a note that says to place the contribution into the Walker or Withycombe Fund. History Pages ready to go We encourage you to check out the history pages in late July, 2001 as we expect most of them to be finished by then. Click this history link! Policy Awards Brian Simmonds and Brian Ward, 9th, U. So. Cal. Brian Simmonds and Emily Cordo, Whitman, 5^th, NW CEDA Champs, 5^th, CEDA Nats, 17^th, NDT participant Brian Ward and David Guidry, WWU 5^th, CEDA Nats, 33^rd Charles Olney and Thad Blank, NW Scrimmage 3^rd, U. Kentucky, 17^th, Lewis and Clark 5^th, U. Oregon 1^st, U. So. Cal. 9^th, Cal Fullerton 5^th, Baylor, 5^th, Northwestern 9^th, Whitman 2^nd, NW CEDA Champs 1^st, CEDA Nats, 5^th, NDT participant David Guidry and John Poor, Lewis and Clark 1^st, Utah, 1^st Emily Cordo and Nicholas Thomas, NW Scrimmage, 4^th, Lewis and Clark 3^rd, U. Oregon 1^st John Poor and Mario Cava, U. So. Cal, 3^rd, Cal Fullerton, 3^rd John Poor and Samantha Howell, U. Oregon, 5^th Keola Whittaker and Scott Daniel, U. Oregon 5^th Lauren Ritter and Emily Marr, U. Oregon, 3^rd, U. So. Cal., 1^st, Cal Fullerton, 1^st, Utah, 1^st, Whitman, 5^th, CEDA Nats, 33^rd Scott Daniel and John Poor, WWU, 5^th, Whitman, 5^th Parli Awards Brant Olson and Todd Borden, Lewis and Clark 9^th; U. Oregon, 9^th, Utah, 9^th, Whitman, 3^rd, Hatfields, 5^th, NPDA Nats, 33^rd, NPTE 5^th Chris Gorman and Bona Sherifi, Lewis and Clark 9^th Chris Gorman and Mario Cava, Utah, 2^nd, Whitman, 9^th, DSR Nats, 9^th, NPDA Nats, 65^th Denice Kelley and Brian Danielson, Lewis and Clark 9^th,WWU, 3^rd, Whitman, 3^rd, NPDA Nats, 17^th Gabe McGuire and Natalie Havlina, Lewis and Clark 5^th; U. Oregon, 9^th, NPDA Nats, 3^rd, NPTE Participant Keola Whittaker and Nicholas Thomas, WWU, 5^th, Whitman, 9^th, DSR Nats, 9^th, NPDA Nats, 33^rd Sam Spiegel and Darrell Miller, WWU 3^rd, Pi Kapp Nats, Superior Rating Samantha Howell and Dani Boucher, Pi Kapp Nats, Good Rating IM Championship Experienced: First, Adam Woodard; Second, Stew Campbell Inexperienced: First, McLeish Martin; Second, Emily Young; Third, Chris McManus

It was great to see alums Sean Harris and Abby St. Lawrence shown with Keola Whittaker who returned to Whitman’s campus during commencement. Individual Events Awards Brian Danielson Junior Impromptu: Finalist, Lewis and Clark; Junior Extemp: Finalist, Lewis and Clark; Senior Extemp, Semi-finalist, Utah; Senior Impromptu, Finalist Brian Ward Jr. Extemp LD, First Charles Olney Novice Impromptu: 3^rd, Lewis and Clark Chris Gorman Junior Prose: 3^rd, Lewis and Clark, 3^rd; U. Oregon, 2^nd WWU; Junior Extemp: Finalist, Lewis and Clark, 3^rd, WWU; Senior Impromptu, Finalist Darrell Miller Junior ADS: 3^rd, Lewis and Clark, 1^st, U. Oregon, Finalist, WWU, 2^nd, Whitman; Senior ADS, Good, Pi Kapp Nats David Guidry Novice Impromptu: Finalist, Lewis and Clark Denice Kelley Junior Extemp: 1^st, Lewis and Clark, Finalist, U. Oregon; Junior Impromptu: 1^st, University of Oregon; Senior Impromptu: 3^rd, Utah; Finalist, WWU, 1^st, Whitman Gabe McGuire Junior Impromptu: Finalist, U. Oregon; Jr. Extemp: 2^nd, WWU; Jr. Inform: 3^rd, WWU Keola Whittaker Junior Impromptu: 3^rd, WWU, 3^rd, Whitman; Jr. POI, Finalist Mario Cava Senior ADS, 2^nd, WWU; 2^nd, Dean McSloy; 3^rd, Whitman; Junior Extemp: Finalist, WWU Mario Cava and Denice Kelley Open Duo: 1^st, U. Oregon, 3^rd, WWU, Finalist, Whitman Natalie Havlina Junior Poetry, 2^nd, WWU, 3^rd, Whitman Nicholas Thomas Junior Impromptu: 2^nd, U. Oregon; Senior Extemp, Finalist, DSR Nats Nicole Reynaud Junior POI, Finalist, Lewis and Clark; Junior Poetry: 2^nd, Whitman Sam Spiegel Junior ADS, 2^nd, U. Oregon, 3^rd, WWU, Finalist, Whitman; Senior ADS, Superior, Pi Kapp Nats Samantha Howell Novice Extemp: Finalist, Lewis and Clark, Finalist WWU Scott Daniel Junior Extemp: Finalist, Lewis and Clark; Junior Extemp-LD: 3^rd, Whitman Stewart Campbell Novice Extemp: 2^nd, Lewis and Clark Thad Blank Senior Extemp-LD, 1^st, Whitman Todd Borden Senior Impromptu, Semifinalist, Utah; Senior Extemp-LD, 1^st, Whitman; Senior NFA LD, 2^nd, Whitman; Junior Impromptu, 1^st, WWU Tony Torres Junior Extemp: Finalist, Lewis and Clark Wanjiru Kamau Junior Poetry: 3^rd, Lewis and Clark