The Moorpark College speech and debate team hosted the Forensics Spring Championships this past weekend on the Moorpark campus.

The best speakers from 35 different schools gathered in Fountain Hall for the beginning of the Pacific Southern California Forensics Association Liesel Reinhart spring championships, after which they dispersed into different buildings around campus.

Fountain Hall was used as the main building for registration and postings and the Performing Arts Center held the awards ceremony, according to team member 21-year-old Jamie Whittington-Studer. Multiple buildings, such as the Academic Center and Humanities and Social Sciences building, opened their classrooms for a total of 44 competitions between Feb. 21 and Feb. 23.

This is one of the largest tournaments of the semester, bringing in more more than 800 competition entries.

“Spring Champs is always exciting,” Whittington-Studer said. “It’s the last competition before state.”

According to Whittington-Studer, the familiarity of the campus did not ease the stress for Moorpark College competitors, but it did play a helpful role. Instead of asking around to find the correct classrooms, the Moorpark speakers were directing others.

“I liked being able to help other people,” Whittington-Studer said.

In addition to the masses of students, the competition also brought 140 judges to the campus. The school provided the expected amenities, such as water and food, for them to enjoy between rounds.

The Moorpark forensics team tied for third place overall with Pasadena City College, coming in at 72 points. Irvine Valley College achieved second place at 98 points and Orange Coast College won first place with 101.

This is the last competition before state championships and the end of the season is approaching steadily. After this tournament, the team is setting its sights on the state and national championships.

“We’re really confident that we have a good set of people to work with,” Feras Morad, 18, communications major, said.

After a positive season and a successful spring championship,the Moorpark Forensics team is excited to compete at state and national championships. The state tournament will be held at Solano Community College Mar. 12-16, and nationals will be on April 4-12 in Denver.