The Cal State LA Forensics Speech and Debate Team competed at the American Forensics Association National Speech Tournament (AFA NST) in Nebraska to finish in 14th place, a record for the program, according to an email from Paxton Attridge, director of forensics.

This was also the first national tournament the team has traveled to in two years. 

The team competed in 59 rounds of competition with more than 60 other schools from across the nation. A few Cal State LA students stood out.

Junior Eddie Diaz made the top 12 in the nation for reaching the semifinal Round of Program Oral Interpretation.

Senior Richard Hu finished off strong, placing top 24 for reaching the quarterfinal round in Informative speaking and placing top 12 when competing in the semifinal round of After-Dinner Speaking.

Then, he placed third in Extemporaneous Speaking and second in the entire country in Impromptu Speaking.

Lastly, Hu’s placements in the other categories earned him ninth place in Individual Sweepstakes.

Other students like Indigo Luevand, Phoebe Yagi and Jonathan Tapia helped the Cal State LA team as a whole earn 14th place in the Team Sweepstakes.

“These successes would not be possible without the support of our department, the ceaseless work ethic of our students, and the contributions of our staff,” Attridge said.

The Cal State LA team will now move on to their final tournament of the season, the National Forensics Association National Championship at Illinois State University.

Correction was made on April 23, 2022 at 11:09pm. The photo showcases the Forensic Science building which is not associated with the team above.