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April 1, 2010 – 1:47 pm by: Nick Bubb
Wisconsin Forensics Daily is proud to be able to share this breaking story, that will soon be available on both the WFCA and WHSFA websites. Both organizations for forensics in Wisconsin have put aside their different visions for the activity to focus on a common goal: eliminating arcane, strange, and duplicative forensics events. The proposals will be voted on at the WFCA’s 40th Anniversary Convention in Wisconsin Dells and the summer Board of Control meeting.
The proposal calls for the elimination of Group Discussion, Public Address, Moments in History, Special Occasion, Oral Interpretation of Literature, Farrago, Play Acting, Radio Announcing, Group Interpretation, and Demonstration Speaking.
“This proposal will streamline our events so that coaches and students can more effectively prepare for competitions,” said Steve Sexton, former President of the WFCA, a long-time advocate of downsizing the number of forensic categories. He continued, “These events needed to be removed. Does anyone even know what a Farrago is? This sweeping move will allow students to compete in the core categories of our activity.”
Supporters of the move have suggested that the eliminated events provide limited educational value that could be found in other events. Madison Memorial Coach Tim Scheffler said, “Group Discussion frequently is Group Think. All it takes is for one kid to introduce one bad idea and everyone agrees with it. I’ve judged discussions where students have advocated creating “special living areas” for members potentially dangerous ethnic groups and the lone dissenter was silenced when it was suggested his group could also be added to the final solution the group endorsed. It’s about time that event was eliminated.”
While supporters of the proposal are celebrating its passage, opponents are gearing up for a fight. “Outside the Beltway, the American people are very angry,” said Senator John McCain (R-AZ). “They don’t like it and we’re going to repeal this.” Whether Senator McCain was referring to this decision or another, was entirely unclear.
The Wisconsin Trophy, Awards and Recognition Association expressed dismay over the potential loss of Play Acting and Group Interpretation. “While we are sure Duo Interp as a discipline is a more challenging and rewarding form of acting and interp, the problem remains that tournaments only need to purchase two awards per finalist entry,” said organization spokesman Michael Isaacson. “With Play Acting and Group Interp, we could consistently count on tournaments over purchasing by as many as twelve trophies for each event, or adding an express supplemental order after the event is over.”
Several coaches have expressed concerns about losing Moments, Special Occasion, and Public Address because of the positive impact on student creativity. Ed Faulkner of Fox Valley Christian was particularly aware of what such a change would bring about. “If we don’t give our students specific topics to speak on, just think of all the crazy topics they could come up with in Four Minute and Oratory! Forcing students into those categories guarantees that students will be choosing subject matter meaningful to them in each and every round. Who wants students using this competitive format to learn how to research and articulate their thoughts on the issues truly important to their values and lives?”
Similarly, Waupaca coach Lyne Luce expressed concerns that, “without 20 events that appeal to every small niche, students are less likely to take advantage of the opportunity to double enter at state, which the WFCA will most certainly approve at the same meeting. This will hurt the ability for small schools to recruit kids to their program.” Not surprisingly, Brookfield East coach Mary Wacker disagreed. “I’m sick of losing to Memorial in Public Address. Let them try bringing it in Oratory instead,” she added.
The possible loss of Demonstration is not stirring up as much controversy as expected. Micah Herstand, the category’s 2005 WFCA State Champion noted, “The Demo Champ really isn’t a speaker. I can tap dance well while cracking a few jokes. For all intents and purposes, I was the State Champ in Tap Dancing. If it went away, people can still talk about their hobbies in Four Minute.”
Several WHSFA member schools are concerned that the proposals do not sufficiently recognize the recent requests by some WHSFA districts to do away with Extemp and Oratory. Barb Johnson of Crandon High School said, “If we are to get rid of old categories, we should eliminate Extemp and Oratory – they are the oldest. Getting rid of Oratory will resolve our long confusion as to whether this speech can be preformed with the use of notes. And Extemp is too hard for most students anyway.” These WHSFA members hope that Wisconsin can continue its 115 year history as a leader in Speech competition by leading the nation into a new Extemp and Oratory-free era.
Former coaches are even considering returning to Wisconsin to fight this change. Steve Thompson has mentioned that he is considering returning from Pennsylvania so that organizations can do what is right and finally add a unique event for every competitor. Among the events that are opponents are considering adding are: Oratorical Declamation, Original Comedy, and Coach Presentation – a new event where the high school students are done away with completely and the coach or judge preforms the selection the right way the first time.
Tim Scheffler and Bill Batterman contributed to this post.
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