[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5530]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 BSU NATIONAL DEBATE AND SPEECH CHAMPS

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Boise 
State University's outstanding debate and speech team, the Talkin' 
Broncos, who captured the national title at the Biennial Pi Kappa Delta 
National Tournament in St. Louis on March 20. The open tournament is 
the Nation's oldest and largest team competition among 4-year schools 
with forensics programs. More than 470 competitors representing 72 
schools and 29 States participated in the event. The 14-member 
championship team also brought home an impressive 22 individual awards.
  Many in this Chamber appreciate the importance of speech and debate 
in the business of government. Forensic skills translate into effective 
communication, and not just in politics. These young women and men have 
developed techniques that will serve them throughout their lives, no 
matter what career they decide to pursue. They have demonstrated 
exceptional oratory capabilities and the quick and incisive thinking 
needed to communicate ideas and persuade others of the merits of their 
opinions in an expeditious manner.
  I congratulate all the students on the team as well as their coaches 
and head coach Marty Most. I would especially like to recognize John 
Petty, national champion in the broadcast journalism division; and 
Lacey Rammell-O'Brien and Nancy Henke for their recognition as two of 
only nine All-Americans. Over the years, Boise State has firmly 
established itself as a national force for forensics, and the fact that 
most of the students on the team are from Idaho high schools is a fine 
testament to the strength of the secondary academic programs in my home 
state. This national title is especially noteworthy, and I am proud to 
honor Boise State University's tremendous achievement in the United 
States Senate today.

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