Leadership changes but victory song remains the same for Wildcat forensics
The term “forensics” may conjure the application of scientific methods to support legal decision-making in criminal and civil law. However, in the hearts of a handful of talented Wildcats, forensics is all about competitive speech and performance. Every year, from November through January, these students prepare a piece for their chosen category, whether that be interpretation of literature or the penning of original speeches or even impromptu categories. Then, from January to April, students compete at tournaments every Saturday with the hopes of winning awards for being the very best in their category.
Assistant coach and first year chemistry teacher Logan Martilla explains how traditional tournaments work.
“Competitors perform their piece in front of a different judge three separate times, and then get ranked based on their performance compared to others in the room,” he said. “Then there's a power round or final round where usually the top five or six of each category compete against each other in one room with three judges, then those five or six students get medals or trophies depending on how they are placed.”
The 2024-2025 season is Martilla’s first season as assistant coach. He took up this opportunity when a spot opened up after English teacher and former forensics coach Scott Thurwatcher stepped down and English teacher Michelle Huettl took his place as head coach. Martilla feels the season has been going well, not only for the team but for the coaches as well, considering the change in leadership.
“I think it’s going very well, but that’s also because I was lucky enough to be here all of last year student teaching and also subbing, so it’s been relatively easy for me,” he said. “It’s also nice to stay busy helping Ms. [Lexi] Novak with drama and helping Ms. Huettl with forensics, especially because that was something that I did in high school. It’s nice to see that the passion is still alive.”
by Tenna Ruetten
Published February 24th, 2025
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue V