by Serine Warner, Student Public Relations Writer
Stepping onto the tournament stage for the first time during the 2025 Spring semester, Cedarville University’s forensics team wasted no time making an impact. The team earned 12 first place wins at the OU 1804 Tournament and Ohio Forensics Association Novice State Championship at Ohio University in Athens.
“I am always thrilled when we receive competitive success. It's rewarding to have a visible acknowledgement of our hard work,” said Eric Mishne, assistant professor of communication and the director of Cedarville’s forensics team. "But it's not just about first places. Sometimes we count championships as the biggest competitive victories, but sometimes I am most proud of students who show improvement.”
Cedarville’s debate team dominated the competition, claiming the second- through sixth-place debate speaker spots. Zane Enos, a freshman economics major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, led the charge, landing the prize of Debate Tournament Champion and helping Cedarville secure three of the top four spots in Debate Sweepstakes.
In the speech portion of the tournament, Cedarville students showcased their versatility and talent. Cara Enos, a freshman psychology major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, took home five titles, including Novice State Championships in Impromptu Speaking, Broadcasting and After Dinner Speaking. She also won first prize in varsity Broadcasting and claimed the triathlon award.
Ellia Torlone, a junior communication major from Delaware, Ohio, won the Novice State Champion in Prose Interpretation. Laura Ball, a freshman special education major from Salado, Texas, earned the Novice State Champion in Rhetorical Criticism. In addition to his debate wins, Zane Enos won the Novice State Championship in Dramatic Interpretation.
Varsity competitors also made their mark. Noah Hollenbach, a political science junior from Moseley, Virginia, secured first place in varsity Impromptu Speaking. Hollenbach and his partner, Deidra Hall, a junior majoring in psychology from Pawcatuck, Connecticut, took first in varsity Duo Interpretation.
Other standout performances included Eliana Boerner, a freshman communication major from Cincinnati, Ohio, who placed second in novice Persuasive Speaking. Emily Seaver, a senior communication student from Ladson, South Carolina, earned second place in Prose Interpretation. Laura Ball also took second in novice After Dinner Speaking.
While the team celebrates its competitive success, Cedarville forensics team members view each tournament as more than just a competition. They see it as a platform for personal growth, community engagement and meaningful Gospel conversations.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an evangelical Christian university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 5,456 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the university, visit cedarville.edu.