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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University's forensics team garnered several awards at the Scheller Forensics Tournament at Pacific University in Forest Grove last weekend, including a first place prize for Kyle Bidwell of Sumner, Wash., and a gold medal for Daniel Meiwes of Corvallis.

The tournament featured a dozen schools from the Northwest, including Willamette University, Boise State University, and Lewis and Clark College.

"I continue to be impressed with the team this year," said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team.  "They support each other, focus on education, and the results speak for themselves."

The team had fared well in individual events. Bidwell took first place in open extemporaneous speaking, second place in open program oral interpretation, and sixth place in open prose interpretation. Kori Thornburg of Kennewick, Wash., finished in fourth place in open impromptu speaking. Loni Hartman of Albany took fifth in open persuasive speaking. Anna Crandall of Salt Lake City, took second place in novice impromptu speaking and third place in novice persuasive speaking. Blane Higa of Pearl City, Hawaii, took third in novice informative speaking.

The wins continued in debate. Meiwes took a gold medal in open debate. Bidwell received a bronze medal in the same division. As a result of its overall performance at the tournament, the team received third place in the Division II Sweepstakes category.

The travel squad included Dalicia Fennell of Sutherlin, Michael Walters of Gresham, and Jana Hodgins of Clackamas. The team was coached by graduate assistant Forest Ledbetter of Sheridan, Ore.

Celebrating its 118th season, the OSU forensics club is one of the oldest clubs on campus. For more information on the team, contact Porrovecchio at mark.porrovecchio@oregonstate.edu.