BHS forensics off to strong start
Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2008
BENTONVILLE — If the first meet is any indication, the Bentonville High School forensics team will have a strong season.
The team took first place in a sweeps competition Oct. 24 and 25 at the Central High School meet in Little Rock — considered to be one of the season’s toughest meets because of the large number of competing schools.
Sweeps is a competition involving points accumulated by each team. The points from each contestant are added into the team’s total, and whichever team has the most points at the end of the meet wins the sweeps.
The overall competition win was not the only glory the Tiger forensics team brought home.
The team also had a total of 15 entries in the finals competition, 10 of which received medals. In forensics competitions, only first- through third-place winners receive medals.
Several students agreed that even though they were tired by the time the sweeps results were announced, they were thrilled with the news of the team’s success.
The students employ a variety of methods to become successful in their categories.
For Kristyn Baker, getting critiques ahead of time from her fellow students helped her succeed.
Nick Pecoraro said that what’s helped him is learning how to “ let go, like you’re someone else. ” the team because it has a new coach. Vicki Thompson retired last year after building the forensics team into the powerhouse it is known for today. Julia Woods, the freshmen forensics teacher, took over the team this year. She has encouraged the students to develop personal goals for success, rather than be focused on winning team trophies.
Baker’s personal goal is to place at the state competition at the end of the season.
“ I want our team to show that Bentonville is one of the best teams in the state, ” she said.
Pecoraro has also set a personal goal: to place in the finals competition at each meet he participates in.
The next forensics meet for Bentonville will be this This season is unique for weekend in Russellville.
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