LAKELAND, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2009) — The forensic team returned from its first competition of the spring with four wins, including a first place finish for junior Shay Lessman.

Six members of the team competed at the University of Gainesville “Chicken of the Egg Invitational” tournament on Jan. 16. Lessman and senior Tashoy Walters were both finalists in Poetry Interpretation, finishing first and third respectively.

“This was a great weekend for Shay,” said Coach Chris Fenner. “He has put in so much work this year, and this weekend it really paid off.” Walters’ third place finish also was impressive, said Fenner, given that this was only her second time competing.

The successful weekend qualified both Walters and Lessman to compete at the National Forensic Association national championship along with three other members of the team, Jordan Stout, Krista Miller, and Tony Rivera.

The team will compete again on Jan. 31st at the Marks Invitational, which is hosted by the University of West Florida. Florida Southern College will host the Florida Interstate Forensic Association State Championship February 13-15.

The Florida Southern Forensics Team was founded through a generous grant by local businessman C.C. “Doc” Dockery. For more information about intercollegiate forensics, please contact Chris Fenner at cfenner@flsouthern.edu.