The Sterling College debate and forensics team earned a third place finish for their third intercollegiate forensics tournament this season. The group traveled to Oklahoma City, Okla., for the Oklahoma City University and Texas A&M Christmas Classic competition among 17 schools Nov. 30 - Dec. 2. Only Texas Southern University and Texas Christian University finished higher than Sterling.

“Overall this was our toughest competition of the season thus far. And the team really seems to be stepping up and rising to the occasion,” said Ken Troyer, forensics coach.

Junior Joseph Bahr of Harker Heights, Texas, finished as the tournament champion in Impromptu Speaking as well second in IPDA Debate. Adam Moore from Hutchinson, Kan., placed first in After Dinner Speaking.

Bahr’s finish in Impromptu Speaking, combined with early season success have allowed him to qualify for the American Forensics Association national tournament to be held in Tuscaloosa, Ala., at the University of Alabama in April.  His qualification marks the 13^th consecutive year that Sterling has qualified at least one student for the national tournament.

Wesley Lowrey of Topeka, Kan., placed second in Informative Speaking and sixth in Impromptu Speaking. Paige Sherraden from Plainville, Kan., placed fourth in Persuasive Speaking.

Schools in the competition included: Texas Christian University, Northwest Arkansas Community College, Oklahoma City University, Tulsa Community College, Wayland Baptist University, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas-Dallas, Texas Southern University, Kansas Wesleyan University, Sterling College, West Texas A&M, Ranger College, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Oral Roberts University, Kansas State, Carl Albert State College and Northeastern State University.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visitwww.sterling.edu.