LAKELAND, Fla. (Oct. 12, 2010) --  The Florida Southern College Forensic Team was host to the fifth annual Child of the Sun Invitational tournament on Oct. 1 and 2 and earned six wins to start the season. Nine Florida colleges and universities participated in the tournament, with more than 50 students competing in 12 public speaking events.

Returning junior Megan Getter and freshmen Katie Luecht finished third and sixth, respectively, in "After Dinner Speaking," with speeches on the CSI effect and the current state of political discourse in the media.

Getter also placed third in "Persuasion" with a speech on the oppression of the Falun Gong in China. Luecht also had a strong showing in "Editorial Impromptu," finishing in fourth place, followed by Getter and sophomore Erin Ferguson in fifth and sixth.  Both Luecht and Ferguson are in their first year of competition.

"I have an almost all-novice team this year, so I think this weekend is a great start to an outstanding season," said Forensic Team coach Dr. Chris Fenner, associate professor of communication.

The teams next tournament will be the Capital City Classic on Oct. 22 and 23 at Tallahassee Community College.

The Florida Southern Forensics Team began competing in intercollegiate competition in fall 2005 and has received numerous awards at the state, regional, and national levels. FSC was named the second place Novice National Champion in 2009. For more information about the FSC Forensic Team, please contact Dr. Fenner at 863.680.4158 or cfenner@flsouthern.edu.