By Mike Greife,
November 12, 2015
WARRENSBURG, MO – The University of Central Missouri Talking Mules speech and debate
team emerged as the Overall Swing Champions at the Green Country Swing hosted by Tulsa
Community College Nov. 7.
The Talking Mules faced stiff regional competition, taking first place Individual
Events sweepstakes honors in both halves of the swing. The team captured three overall
team trophies and 35 individual awards. Thirteen colleges and universities entered
competition representing Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, and Kansas.
“That brings the total to well over 100 team and individual awards, titles and trophies
won in individual events and debate in just four tournaments in the fall semester,”
said Jack Rogers, UCM director of forensics. “It’s a terrific start to our season!”
The Talking Mules have qualified 11 students to the National Forensics Association
National Finals Tournament in April. In upcoming competition, team members will travel
to the City of Cedars Tournament, hosted by McKendree College in Lebanon, Ill., and
to the Missouri Classic hosted by the University of Missouri-Columbia.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our students’ performance,” said Nikki Freeman, assistant
director of forensics. “Their hard work and dedication really paid off in Tulsa.”
For more information on the Talking Mules, contact Rogers at 660-543-8646 or rogers@ucmo.edu.