Speech team continues legacy of success

The Yuba College speech team competed at its first tournament of the semester at Santa Clara University, Feb. 7-9, 2003, and brought home several awards. Shannon Doscher placed fourth for Prose Interpretation and fifth for Oral Interpretation of Literature; Colleen Sullivan placed fifth for Prose Interpretation; and Brian Jukes placed second for Prose Interpretation.

The judges rated the team as “excellent” and “superior” public speakers.Coach Suzanne Ruckle said this semester’s team is in the process of developing into another winning group, despite the loss of many members at the end of Fall 2002. Last fall the Yuba College speech team finished the year ranked in second place overall among college speech teams in Northern California.

The “league” in which the Yuba College team competes includes colleges and universities from Fresno to Southern Oregon.Yuba College gained a national reputation for facilitating excellent speakers after earning awards at three of the country’s top intercollegiate forensics competitions held in Atlanta, Chicago and Portland during Ruckle’s tenure as coach. “Nationals is like the Olympics of public speaking,” said Ruckle.

At the national level, Yuba College received two awards for Dramatic Interpretation of Prose and one for Speaking to Entertain.Ruckle was concerned that many students do not realize a speech team does more than just “give speeches.” Collegiate forensics incorporates both public speaking and drama events, including dramatic interpretations of prose, poetry and scenes from plays, as well as impromptu, informative and persuasive exercises for public speaking.

Forensics experience may be beneficial to many students, not only to those interested in pursuing careers in business, but also to those pursuing careers in drama or public service.

Students interested in joining the speech team may contact Ruckle at 741-6941.