After the WJ forensics team failed to place first in their opening meet, they returned to their familiar place atop the competition after their victory in their Jan. 10 meet. In the two meets, 18 team members have already qualified for county finals.


The team is looking to win its ninth consecutive county championship, and coach Rusty McCrady thinks that the team is coming together at the right time.

“The team has gained strength and actually won the second tournament of the year, first place out of 20 schools,” he said. “If we can maintain momentum, I like our chances.”

Though WJ has traditionally dominated the forensics scene, other schools are closing the gap by turning out with more performers.

“WJ has been challenged by Magruder, Northwest and now Blake for the past several years,” said McCrady. “We welcome the competition.”

Still, WJ turned out the largest team for the Jan. 10 tournament, and is still looking to add depth.

“For WJ, recruiting is the key,” said McCrady. “There is a wealth of talent at WJ, and we always welcome new people who might want to give forensics competition a try.”

A common source of forensics competitors is the debate team, because the extemporaneous speaking event requires competitors to formulate an argument on a policy topic in a competitive format similar to that found in debate. McCrady often recruits debaters and members of WJ S*T*A*G*E to join the team. Also, all members of both the forensics and debate teams are required to join the National Forensics League.

“[McCrady] recommended that I try forensics, and I fell in love with it,” said debater and forensics team member senior Claire Kim.

The team’s next meet will be Feb. 21 at Blake.