All five of the Sterling College competitors at the Sooner Showdown brought home awards. Junior Wesley Lowrey of Topeka, Kansas, brought home the most awards for Sterling College, finishing in the top six in four competitions. The group traveled to the University of Oklahoma in Norman for the competition between 26 schools Nov. 3-5.

“The group had an impressive run this weekend. As the weekend unfolded, our students were supportive of each other and focused, which is what led to our success,” said Ken Troyer, forensics coach. “They have put in a lot of hard work, and the season is just beginning.”

“Particularly impressive was the fact that Sterling College had all three of its entries in persuasive speaking advanced to the final round, where SC represented half of the field. In the end it was a showdown between Texas Christian University, West Texas A&M and Sterling College,” said Troyer.

Lowrey earned fourth and sixth place in two persuasive speaking competitions, fifth place in impromptu speaking, and sixth place in extemporaneous speaking.

Junior Gabriella Martinez of Hutchinson, Kansas, secured the highest award among the group of Sterling College students. Martinez earned second place in informative speaking.

Senior Stephen Jenkins of Topeka, Kansas, ended his competition in fourth place for persuasive speaking.

Senior Dara Quastad of Inman, Kansas, was awarded fifth place in both prose and persuasive speaking.

Freshman Matt Scharff of Tonganoxie, Kansas, placed sixth in dramatic interpretation.

The next competition for the Sterling College Forensics Team will be at the Christmas Classic at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, Dec. 1-3.