UT Speech Team Ranks No. 2 at American Forensic Association Tournament

AUSTIN, Texas – April 10, 2015 - The University of Texas at Austin Speech Team has ranked second nationally and won several individual awards at the 2015 American Forensic Association national collegiate speech tournament. The tournament included 86 colleges and universities and took place April 4–6, 2015, at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore.

The University of Texas at Austin was the only college or university to win multiple national titles at the contest. The Texas Speech students won five of the 12 total individual national championships awarded by the association.

Junior Farrah Bara won the overall individual national championship. She became the fourth student in the university’s history to win that title. Bara also won the national championship in extemporaneous speaking and communication analysis and placed third in persuasive speaking.

Junior Kevin King was awarded two national championships during the competition. He took first place in both persuasive and information speaking, and fourth place overall.

“This contest brings together some of the most exceptional programs in the country. The competition is exceptional,” Randy Cox, director of the University of Texas Speech Team said. “The amount of time and effort put into these performances is extraordinary. While the awards are marvelous, they also deserve the recognition for the work itself.” 

Senior Chelsea Sandlin joined King and Bara in the top five overall speakers in the country. Sandlin was recognized with top six placements in dramatic interpretation and after dinner speaking. Senior Fernando Morales was recognized as the 16th overall speaker in the country.

“What these students have achieved is a great accomplishment, one that demonstrates an excellence that is and should be expected of University of Texas students,” Cox said. “I congratulate all of our students who placed and the team as whole.”

About The University of Texas at Austin Moody College of Communication

One of the nation's foremost institutions for the study of advertising and public relations, communication sciences and disorders, communication studies, journalism and radio-TV-film, The University of Texas at Austin Moody College of Communication is preparing students to thrive in an era of media convergence. Serving more than 4,700 undergraduate and graduate students, the Moody College is nationally recognized for its faculty members, research and student media. For more information about the Moody College, visit moody.utexas.edu.

Contacts: Randy Cox, 512-471-1957; Lauren Phillips, 512-471-2182

Lauren Phillips
Public Affairs Representative