Traveling to the Kansas IE Championship on Feb. 18, 2017, Sterling College students Wesley Lowrey and Dara Quastad brought home three awards from the statewide tournament. The students competed against schools from across Kansas, including tough competition from host Bethel College, Ottawa University, Kansas State University, Independence Community College, Kansas Wesleyan University and Kansas University.

“Wesley and Dara have proven to be among the best this season. Both of them are novice competitors, so to take home high-ranking awards from a state-wide tournament is outstanding. They are hard workers and respond well to critique in their presentation and craft,” said Ken Troyer, forensics coach.

Lowrey of Topeka, Kansas, placed third in extemporaneous speaking and fourth in impromptu speaking.

Quastad of Inman, Kansas, advanced to the finals in persuasion, placing third overall.

Both students plan to return to Bethel College on March 4 to participate in the American Forensic Association District Tournament.

“We can expect to meet tough competition at the AFA District Tournament, but I believe they are ready to compete with the best. Wesley’s and Dara’s abilities have peaked at the right time, and it will be exciting to see how they rank among the best in the area,” said Troyer.

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, visit www.sterling.edu.