National Recognition
By Oregon Forensics Forever | January 1, 1979
The late 1970s marked a high point for Oregon Forensics, as the program established itself as a nationally competitive force in individual and team events.
In 1978–79, more than 55 students participated in at least one tournament, earning nearly 100 individual and team awards. Oregon captured sweepstakes honors at the Governor’s Cup Invitational in Sacramento and the Viking Invitational at Western Washington University, showcasing the depth and breadth of the squad.
Six UO students — Joan Larson, Steve Bethlenfalway, Tom Peters, Connie Carnese, Scott Weber, and Jocelyn Stewart — qualified for the National Individual Events Tournament at Iowa State University. At the national level, Oregon secured impressive results:
- Joan Larson — 7th Place in Expository Speaking and After-Dinner Speaking
- Steve Bethlenfalway — 13th Place in Impromptu Speaking
With only five seniors graduating that year, the team looked poised for even greater success in the years ahead. This period reflected the strength of Oregon’s modern forensic tradition, balancing wide student involvement with a sharp competitive edge on the national stage.
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