28-04-2025
SIC Forensics Falcons earn bronze at national competition
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say the Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) Forensic Falcons ended a successful season April 12, earning a bronze medal in team individual events at the Phi Rho Pi National Tournament in Norfolk, Virginia. The Falcons also captured several individual medals in interpretation and public speaking.
SIC says Coach Paul Cummins was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at the tournament, honoring him for his contributions to the speech and debate community in Illinois and throughout the country. Second year team member Rachel Russell, of Norris City, earned three medals at the tournament.
'This team has worked hard all season long, and it's gratifying to see their effort rewarded,' notes Jenny Billman, Director of Forensics. 'I am also exceptionally grateful to coach with Paul Cummins and Rachel Parish. Their expertise continues to amaze me.'
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Officials note the 2025 national tournament marks the end of the Falcons' 2024-2025 season, which also included winning the community college division at the National Speech Championship in March. SIC's Forensic Falcons have a long history of success, placing first at Phi Rho Pi in overall national competition in 1986, 2005, and 2021.
In terms of the Eyewitness News coverage area, SIC says these are the individual results from the tournament:
Rachel Russell
Gold in dramatic interpretation
Silver in duo interpretation with partner Abby Zirkelbach
Bronze in prose interpretation
Abby Zirkelbach, of Marion, Illinois
Silver in dramatic interpretation
Silver in duo interpretation with partner Rachel Russell
SIC says the Forensic Falcons will begin preparing for the 2025-26 season when SIC's fall semester begins in August. No prior forensics experience is required to join the team. Students interested in participating may email Jenny Billman at
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