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Dani Bernat
Sophomore, Organizational Communication, from Youngstown, Ohio
Although new to the team in 2006, Dani has competed in after dinner speaking, informative, persuasion, rhetorical criticism, prose, poetry, duo interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and program of oral interpretation. Dani takes great pride in her accomplishment last year of being named State Champion in persuasive speaking, which qualified her for the Interstate Oratorical Association competition. “One of the most memorable things for me was the beginning of Work Week last year. I walked into the room knowing no one, looked around at such a serious group and atmosphere. Everyone was quietly working and then all of a sudden I heard a giant “crash”! I looked behind me, and there was (former teammate) Daniel DiLoretto, lying on the ground. He had fallen out of his chair. From that moment on I knew that this dorky guy would be my best friend. Many falls came after that, but together we spent the entire year as duo [interpretation] partners. When I think of forensics, I think of him.”
Michael Catlos
Freshman, Health Communication, from Poland, Ohio
Michael is beginning his journey towards nationals as he plans on competing in poetry, persuasion, dramatic interpretation, program of oral interpretation, prose, informative, duo interpretation, and after dinner speaking for his first year on the team. As a competitor in high school, Michael was a two-time national qualifier and was fourth in the state of Ohio in duo interpretation in 2006. Michael says, "My favorite memory is doing more research, writing, and practicing in the first nine days at Work Week than I did for anything in my entire four years in high school! Also, the great joy it’s brought me. I’m really looking forward to this year and being on the Ohio team."
Ted Dacey
Freshman, Political Science, from Frederick, Maryland
For his first year in collegiate forensics, Ted plans on competing in informative, persuasion, extemporaneous, impromptu, duo interpretation, prose, and poetry events. As a senior in high school, Ted was a national semi-finalist in the American Legion High School Oratorical Contest. Ted explains, “I came to Ohio because I thought the team would give me the best opportunity to improve myself as a public speaker and competitor.”
Jill Flauto
Sophomore, Media Management, from Poland, Ohio
Showing great interest and determination for Bobcat forensics, Jill will be competing this year in after dinner speaking, informative, persuasion, prose, poetry, duo interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and program of oral interpretation. During her senior year in high school, Jill placed first in impromptu speaking at the Niles tournament in Northeastern Ohio. Jill says, “My favorite memory so far is going to nationals at Berry College last year with the team to see if I wanted to pursue forensics in college. Initially, I didn’t know anybody when I got there, but I left Georgia with some of the greatest people I’ve ever met. Now, we’re competing together this year and they are my best friends. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to go on that trip.”
Christopher Glaser
Senior, Advertising Management, from Louisville, Ohio
Entering his third year on the circuit, Chris competes in after dinner speaking, extemporaneous, informative, impromptu, persuasion, and rhetorical criticism. Chris placed fifth in the nation in after dinner speaking at the Pi Kappa Delta tournament in 2007. Chris says, “My favorite memories of competing with the Ohio University Forensics team include traveling to all the tournaments and being able to bond with fellow competitors. And winning, of course!”
Dan Glaser
Sophomore, Broadcast Journalism, from Louisville, Ohio
Joining the Ohio Forensics team last year, Dan brought home a trophy and was ranked third in the nation for informative speaking at the National Forensics Association tournament. Dan also competed in after dinner speaking, informative, rhetorical criticism, prose, duo interpretation, dramatic interpretation, impromptu, and extemporaneous events for the Bobcat team. Dan says, “I came to Ohio to be a part of the empire that is Ohio University Forensics.”
Megan Gorey
Junior, Broadcast Journalism & Communication Studies, from Strongsville, Ohio
Transferring to Ohio University from Kent State University, Megan plans on competing in after dinner speaking, informative, persuasion, prose, poetry, duo interpretation, dramatic interpretation, impromptu, and program of oral interpretation events. Her senior year of high school, Megan placed fourth in the nation for informative speaking in the SkillsUSA competition. While competing with KSU, Megan placed first in state for duo interpretation and fourth in public relations extemporaneous speaking in 2006, as well as several qualifications for nationals. As she prepares for a new year of forensics, Megan says, "I came to Ohio University not only for the Scripps School of Journalism but also the forensics team’s sterling reputation for excellence and camaraderie. I am so proud to be a part of the empire!"
Paul Heidemann
Junior, Organizational Communication, from Cincinnati, Ohio
Returning for his second year on the Bobcat team, Paul competes in after dinner speaking, informative, persuasive, prose, duo interpretation, rhetorical criticism, and impromptu events. Competing his first year in forensics, Paul qualified four events to the National Forensics Association tournament in 2007. Paul says his favorite memories include, “The entire national tournament last year since it was my first experience and it was with great team members and friends.”
Sarah Hoppes
Junior, Visual Communication and Journalism, from Jeffersonville, Ohio
Going into her third year on the Bobcat team, Sarah competes in after dinner speaking, informative, persuasion, rhetorical criticism, prose, poetry, duo interpretation, and dramatic interpretation events. Last year, Sarah placed second in the nation at the Pi Kappa Delta tournament in the after dinner speaking category. Sarah says, “By far, the best memory from competing with the Ohio University team was flying on the Ohio University President’s private jet to the Creighton University tournament in Omaha, Nebraska.”
Erin Kuester
Sophomore, Art History, from Madison, Ohio
New to forensics, Erin will be competing in after dinner speaking, informative, persuasion, rhetorical criticism, prose, poetry, duo, dramatic interpretation, impromptu, and program of oral interpretation. Erin said the highlight of her high school experiences was directing a one-act play which was a major success. From there, she found an interest in forensics and a love for audiences. Erin says, “I will be competing in forensics to improve my confidence in public speaking and help me to learn to command an audience. Both of which I know will help me in the future with my career.”
Kristin Nehls
Freshman, Broadcast Journalism and Political Science, from Naperville, Illinois
Starting as a new Bobcat, Kristin will be competing in informative, rhetorical criticism, prose, poetry, duo interpretation, and dramatic interpretation events this year. As a senior in high school, Kristin placed fourth in prose speaking category at the Illinois state tournament. Kristin said smiling, "My favorite memory was doing the bunny dance with Megan to relieve stress during the intense work week at the beginning of this year! I am really looking forward to this year and all the competitions."
Jen Scott
Freshman, Sports Broadcast, from Rome, Ohio
For her first year on the team, Jen will be competing in after dinner speaking, informative, persuasion, rhetorical criticism, prose, duo interpretation, dramatic interpretation, and extemporaneous events. Coming from a forensics family, Jen has always enjoyed competing in local speech competitions during her high school years. Jen says, “Forensics is a way to get my name out there and a way for me to practice what I will be doing for the rest of my life!”
Hassan Sheikh
Junior, Communication and Public Advocacy, from Freehold, New Jersey
Transferring to Ohio University, Hassan will be competing in Lincoln-Douglas debates, impromptu, extemporaneous, informative, persuasion, dramatic interpretation, and rhetorical criticism events. Hassan was named novice debate champion during his first-ever forensics competition last year while competing with Brookdale Community College in New Jersey. “My favorite memory from forensics was during the NYU Skyline Spectacular tournament last year. During the second round I went up against Mark Kokaska (Lafayette College), whom I consider to be the best debater on the Eastern Seaboard. He defeated me with ease. However, in the following round, I faced one of his teammates and used the same strategy that Mark used against me to defeat his teammate. Mr. Dan West judged both of those rounds. And that’s why I am now part of the Ohio University Forensics team.”
Anthony Sylvester
Freshman, Communication Studies, from Louisville, Ohio
Spark Tabor
Junior, Organizational Communication, from Cincinnati, Ohio
For his first year with the Bobcat team, Spark will be competing in the categories of after dinner speaking, informative, prose, poetry, duo interpretation, impromptu, and extemporaneous. With this being his first collegiate forensics experience, Spark has set his sights on winning a national championship in impromptu speaking. Spark says, “I joined the forensics team because I enjoy challenging myself mentally and physically. I am looking forward to a great, competitive year.”
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