MOORPARK : College Speech Team Wins Another Title

The Moorpark College Raider Forensic Team on Monday captured its second straight community college state title, edging out longtime rival Orange Coast College to notch its 10th state title in the 21-year history of the team.

A total of 250 students from 29 community colleges competed in this year’s championships, which began Friday at Moorpark College. The speaking com petition was divided into 13 events including debate, team debate, acting and extemporaneous speaking.

Dick Strong, one of four Moorpark coaches, said the victory was especially sweet given the fact that all but four members of last year’s team had graduated. “This was really a rebuilding year for us,” he said. “I decided there was no way we were going to be able to repeat this year.”

Four of the Moorpark students captured gold medals in their respective events. The Raiders will now compete in the Phi Rho Pi National Junior College Championships in Odessa, Texas, from March 28 to April 3.