The Moorpark College Forensics team returned home from the National Championships, placing fifth, with nine of its 12 members earning medals.

The team entered the Kansas City, Missouri competition without a majority of its members from the previous year, including one of the forensics coaches, resulting in many viewing this year as one of rebuilding.

“This year has been a difficult one,” said Forensic Coach Rolland Petrello. “We lost all but two of last years team as well as one of our coaches, and this team has dedicated themselves and worked incredibly hard to uphold the programs strong tradition. Fortunately, it looks like we will have a very strong group of students returning next year, that should put us right back in contention for the national title.”

Since 1972, when the Moorpark College Forensics program first began competing, they’ve retained the preeminent record of any community college throughout the country.

Receiving eight national championships and placing second, 10 times and third, nine times. Dean of Student Learning, Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh, who also attended Nationals in Missouri, was quite pleased with how the team epitomized Moorpark College.

“At the national community college tournament in Kansas City, MO, the Forensics team represented Moorpark College with customary grace and style,” Abu-Ghazaleh said. “In every debate or interpretive round I attended, the Moorpark College competitorsperformed beautifully.”

Moorpark College students did well this year, many taking home silver, gold and bronze medals. Speeches performed were Debate, Informative, Interpreter’s Theatre and Poetry Interpretation.

For more information please contact the Director of Forensics Jim Wyman at (805) 378-1471 or e-mail: [email protected].