MavFORENSICS
MavFORENSICS
Who We Are & What We Do
MavFORENSICS is UNO's nationally-ranked competitive speech team. We are dedicated to expanding the co-curricular experiences and outlooks of undergraduates through public speech and performance arts.
Students in this activity spend their time developing research, critical thinking, public speaking and performance skills. They travel to colleges and universities throughout the country to compete in diverse speaking forms including informative, persuasive, after dinner, extemporaneous and impromptu; as well as performing oral interpretations of literature, including poetry, drama and prose.
We believe in giving students the opportunity to speak about the issues most important to them. Participation in forensics fosters students’ ability to consider issues critically from multiple perspectives, communicate their thoughts clearly to others, and advocate for what they think is right. These are vital skills not only for academic and personal growth, but also for active civic participation.
MavFORENSICS is one of the top five teams in the country, earning a fifth-place ranking at the American Forensics Association (AFA) national tournament in April 2015. This designates us as one of the best competitive speech teams in the country, and the highest ranking of three Nebraska schools in the Top 10. This is the third time in the past four years that MavFORENSICS was the top-ranked program in the state of Nebraska.
This is the sixth consecutive year UNO has made it in the Top 10, which makes UNO one of the most historically successful among all collegiate forensics programs who have competed in the AFA tournament during its 40-plus-year history. Full results of the tournament can be found here.
MavFORENSICS has swept the Nebraska Intercollegiate Forensics Association tournament twice. The state of Nebraska has a reputation for competitive speech, and MavFORENSICS is proud to feature prominently in continuing this tradition. A recent Omaha World-Herald article showcases the success of our team at a national level.
Our Coaches
 |
Abbie Syrek |
 |
Cameron Logsdon |
 |
Ryan Syrek |
 |
Trae Graham |
 |
QueenTara Pimentel |
Who Can Join?
While the forensics program is housed in the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media's School of Communication, it serves all university students. Forensics competitors have had a range of academic majors, including biotechnology, communication studies, computer science, mathematics, political science, business and education. Regardless of major, experience, or expertise, MavFORENSICSwelcomes all students to join our unique, academically-centered team!
Although team auditions are typically held the summer before the season begins, we are always looking for new members. If you'd like more information about the team or how to join, please contact any member of our coaching staff.
Support our Students
UNO Forensics Development Fund
All gifts directed toward this fund will be used to cover the expenses needed to travel, register students for competition, host tournaments at UNO, and purchase supplies. The high cost of these operational expenses limit the number of students that we can welcome to our program. With your help, we can reach more students on campus and provide them with the life-changing experiences that forensics offers.
UNO Forensics Scholarship Fund
With an ever-increasing number of students needing financial assistance, your gift to this fund will decrease the financial burden on students and allow them to spend more time on academics, extra-curricular activities and community service.
Starting the Season Strong!
The MavForensics team has once again hit the ground running with a strong showing at the “Debates on a Plain” tournament, held Sept. 26 - 27 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Led by senior Catie Zaleski, who managed to win four individual events on Saturday alone (along with taking home the award for top overall speaker), the young team saw 13 of its 15 competitors make finals over the weekend. As the squad gears up for an exhausting but exciting marathon of competition, it’s safe to say things got off on the right foot.
“This year's team is easily the youngest we've ever had,” said MavForensics Assistant Coach Ryan Syrek. “More than half the team are freshmen. That means when we set foot on campus this weekend, more than half the squad had never competed in college forensics before! So color us quite proud that we were able to take both days of the season's first tournament against stiff competition.”
The region is stacked with some of the best teams in the country, including 3 of the top 10 squads.
"Combine that with the fact that we're smaller than most squads, and these results make us that much more proud," Syrek said.
Click below for the full results of the Debates on a Plain tournament.
More InformationContact Us
- School of Communication
- 6001 Dodge Street, ASH 140
- Omaha, NE 68182
- Phone: 402.554.2600
- Fax: 402.554.3836
College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. Learn more about Equity, Access and Diversity.