The Bethany Lutheran College Speech Team continued its winning ways with a successful trip to the National Christian College Forensics Invitational Tournament March 9-11, 2013, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, on the campus of John Brown University. Students participating at the tournament were Baylee Amy (senior), Leah Hensch (sophomore), Shawn Loging (junior), Jacob Schneider (freshman), Rachel Skaaland (senior), and William Soule (junior). Three team members earned national awards:
- William Soule: First place and National Champion in Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking
- Rachel Skaaland: Second place and National Runner-Up in After Dinner Speaking and sixth place in Interpretation of Faith Literature
- Baylee Amy: Fifth place in Interpretation of Faith Literature
After capturing first place in the small school division at last year’s 2012 National Invite, Bethany narrowly missed a team championship again in 2013. Belmont University and Malone University tied with 105 points. Bethany garnered 98 points besting Point Loma Nazarene University, which came in fourth with 68 points. Bethany has earned a team trophy three out of the last four years at the National Forensics Invite—a terrific accomplishment for the College. Professor Jon Loging (communication) is the team’s advisor and coach.