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March 22, 2007

ULM Speech Team wins national championship

The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Speech and Debate Forum captured both the team national championship and two individual national championships at the 25th annual Novice National Championship Tournament hosted by Laramie County Community College March 16 – 18.

The team was led by freshman Mallory Bonnette of Alexandria, who earned the national championship in dramatic interpretation and a fifth place finish in prose interpretation. Bonnette also teamed with freshman Josh Mohon to earn the national championship in duo interpretation. Mohon also earned a sixth place finish in poetry interpretation. Junior Carl O’Banion of Alexandria finished in 12th place in after dinner speaking, and Junior Robert Redding of Atlanta, Ga. finished in eighth place in extemporaneous speaking.

The Novice National Championship organization, which includes over 195 member colleges and universities, celebrated its 25th year of competition in 2007 as ULM celebrated its first team national championship at the competition. ULM earned a total of 65.5 team points, outpacing second place Florida Southern (59 points) and earning more individual national championships (total of 2) than the second through fifth place programs combined (total of 1).

Head coach Bob Alexander said, “This team has left an old speech coach virtually speechless. We knew that they had tremendous talent and potential, but they have truly risen to the occasion and this is a testament not only to the hard work and dedication of each of the members as well as a legacy of past team members who have laid the foundation for this success. Words cannot express how proud I am to be associated with such a tremendous group of students. With each of these members returning for the 2007-2008 year, and the new talent who will join them, this program is in a position to build even further upon this success.”

ULM’s Speech and Debate Forum is open to any student, and no prior experience is required. For more information, contact Bob Alexander at 342-1462 or alexander@ulm.edu.

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