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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University's forensics team had a strong showing at the Pi Kappa Delta national tournament at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham this week.

The tournament featured more than 80 schools from across the nation, including Bowling Green State, Arkansas State, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Texas A&M University.  There were more than 1,000 individual event entries and 500 debate entries.

"It was wonderful to see the Northwest region get the recognition of hosting a national tournament," said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. "For our graduating seniors, it was a nice way to cap off a great career on the OSU forensics team. For students who will return next year, it is an incredible motivator to compete against the best in the nation."

Senior Loni Hartman of Albany received a superior ranking in open impromptu speaking and an excellent ranking in open IPDA debate. Hartman was also recognized with the 2011 Brightest Star Award, given to students who have had a positive impact on their team and on the larger forensics community.

Senior Dalicia Fennell of Sutherlin received an excellent ranking in open impromptu speaking. Junior Kyle Bidwell of Sumner, Wash., received an excellent ranking in open program oral interpretation.

The travel squad included Daniel Meiwes of Corvallis, Kori Thornburg of Kennewick, Wash., Blane Higa of Pearl City, Hawaii, Jamil Barbar of Portland, Anna Crandall of Salt Lake City, Utah, Michael Walters of Gresham, and graduate assistant Forest Ledbetter of Sheridan, Ore.

Celebrating its 118th season, OSU Forensics is one of the oldest clubs on campus. The team will finish out the season when Bidwell and Meiwes attend the IPDA National Debate Tournament in Nacogdoches, Texas, in April.

For more information on the team, contact Porrovecchio at mark.porrovecchio@oregonstate.edu