The other Bobcat champs: Forensics team excels

Nick Prephan of the Speaking Bobcats speech and debate team draws the question, "œWhat effect will a new Egyptian president have on politics in the Middle East?" Although he's kept up on politics, Prephan's knowledge of Egyptian government is understandably limited.

The only research tool he has is his computer database of 9,000-plus files saved since the fall. He is not allowed to search for additional articles or other information online. He has only a half hour to prep. And he must present an answer in the form of a seven-minute speech.

Makes your palms sweaty just thinking about it.

And that's for only one round.

Prephan, a sophomore history major at Ohio University, won fourth place in the extemporaneous speaking category (plus five other awards) in the 2010 National Comprehensive Tournament that took place March 18-21 in Bloomington, Minn.

The Speaking Bobcats won first place in combined sweepstakes and 44 individual awards. Ted Dacey, a junior communication studies major, claimed the honor of persuasive-speaking national champion for his speech on the FAA's shortage of air-traffic controllers.

But compared to the hype surrounding the Ohio men's basketball team's upset over Georgetown in the NCAA Tournament the same week, the forensics team's victory seemed to go unnoticed "“ despite the fact the team has been ranked number one in the state for the past three years, winning first place in the Ohio Forensic Association tournament the past three years.

They also won seventh place in the National Forensic Association (NFA) competition last year, the most valued tournament for the team.

"It's a pretty touchy subject," admitted freshman competitor Tom Pinney, stating that when the basketball team won the MAC championship, a mass e-mail was sent out to the student body, whereas when the forensics team won, no notification was e-mailed to OU students.

But Pinney added, "I think the way we defeat the stigma and get the recognition we deserve is to keep winning. It inspires me."

Among other awards, Pinney won second place in dramatic duo interpretation "“ his favorite event "“ with teammate Adam Cesarz, for a program set up as a game show about puberty, interspersed with commercials. Cesarz acts as a young adolescent boy, while Pinney channels the legendary Bob Barker as the game-show host.

Head coach Dan West said the university is supportive of the Speaking Bobcats, and that he understands why the university focuses on athletics -they simply draw many more fans. But he said he does wish the forensics team received more publicity.

"Without sounding bitter... I wish we got a little more press from the university," said West, who is director of forensics at OU. Plus, he said, in reference to Vision Ohio, "We serve a pretty strong vision for the university, and we attract really bright students."

Of the 30 incoming freshmen students who applied for the team, 22 are eligible for Gateway Scholarships, he said. (Fourteen freshmen have committed. There are no scholarships for incoming freshmen planning to compete on the team, though current members can apply for small, alumni-funded scholarships.)

THIS YEAR'S TEAM IS relatively small compared to those at other schools, such as Western Kentucky University, made up of 55 members and ranked number one in the country.

While West said larger teams do have an advantage, what's so remarkable about OU's team is not the overall size as much as the large number of underclassmen compared to upperclassmen. The team is comprised of seven freshmen, four sophomores, three juniors and two seniors, for a total of 16 members.

OU doctoral students Brian Swafford and Mark Kokoska also help run the team. Swafford is director of operations for the team, while Kokoska coaches three of the events.

Jeremy Frazer, a sophomore COMS public advocacy major, noted that OU's team may be small, but it's a potent bunch.

"It's interesting that we're pretty small in comparison to other top 10 schools, which have 40-plus people," Frazer said.

He competes in impromptu speaking (among other events), which entails interpreting a random quotation.

One such quote from a past speech was, "People who throw kisses are hopelessly lazy." He had seven minutes total to prep and then give a speech on said Bob Hope quote. The best speakers, Frazer said, take only a minute and a half to prepare.

His thesis? "We must be aggressive in obtaining the things we desire," Frazer recalled.

The Speaking Bobcats practice about two hours a day typically, but around the time of the national tournaments they meet about three to four hours a day. Throughout the season they also attend a weekly group meeting as well as individual sessions with a coach.

THEIR NEXT TOURNAMENT "“ deemed "the final practice competition" "“ is the American Forensic Association National Tournament, taking place in Eau Claire, Wis., this weekend.

Although proud of their win at the 2010 National Comprehensive Tournament, the team is focusing on the NFA competition, which is the oldest national collegiate forensics tournament, begun in 1971. OU is one of only two schools that have competed every year.

"I'm confident we'll be in the top 10 again," said West, adding that the team's goal is to do even better than last year's seventh place.

While Prephan said some people are still unaware that OU even has a forensics team, he plans to have some big fan support at the NFA tournament April 15-19, which takes place right here at OU.

"You better believe I'm going to have every person I know there... It's going to be a little ridiculous," Prephan said, adding that his friends are very supportive of him.

For Frazer, doing well at NFA means everything: "I'm up to about 60 trophies this year, but I'd give up them all to do well at NFA this year."