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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University's forensics team attended the 82nd Annual Mahaffey Memorial Forensics Tournament at Linfield College in McMinnville recently.

The tournament, the second designated of the Northwest Forensics Conference season, featured 30 schools from the Northwest and beyond, including Boise State University, Southwest Baptist University, and Simon Fraser University.

"The Mahaffey tournament is a highly competitive tradition in the Northwest," said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team.  "It was nice to see talented first-year students and spirited returnees giving it their all while helping each other."

Evan Steele of Concord, Calif., competing at his first collegiate tournament, placed 5th in Junior Impromptu Speaking.

Cody Connolly of Salem was a semi-finalist in Open International Public Debate. Steele, in a field of over 20 competitors, was next out as an octo-finalist in Junior International Public Debate as well.

The travel squad was rounded out by Brytann Busick of Ferndale, Calif., and Brittany Williams of Klamath Falls. The team was coached by graduate assistant Kori Thornburg of Kennewick, Wash., and assisted by team alumni Kyle Bidwell of Sumner, Wash.

Celebrating its 120th season, OSU Forensics is one of the oldest clubs on campus. The team is open to all students in good academic standing regardless of experience or academic background.