MARSHALL — A trio of Southwest Minnesota State University forensics team members placed in the recent International Forensic Association (IFA) tournament, which was held virtually.

It marked the first time in SMSU Forensics history that that team competed in the IFA tournament. It was originally scheduled to be held in Japan this year, but was held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Ben Walker, Director of Forensics, said a total of 40 colleges and universities from the U.S. participated, as well as others from across the globe.

“We have always wanted to compete in the IFA event but it has been cost-prohibitive,” he said. “This virtual format gave our forensic team members a chance to participate in an international tournament.”

Leading the SMSU contingent was Kyle Goblirsch, a freshman Business major from New Ulm, who took third in the International Tourism category.

Maureen Ndubuisi placed fifth in International Tourism. She was an international student from Nigeria who graduated in December 2020 and was finishing up a speech project, said Walker.

Taking sixth place in International Tourism was Corina Prince, a freshman Biology major from Marshall.

Others competing for the SMSU team were:

• Colton Jensen, a sophomore Theatre major from Sanborn.

• Jenna Zeug, a sophomore History Education major from Marshall.

• Stephen Zimmer, a freshman Marketing major from Marshalln.

• Alex Duus, a freshman Communication Studies major from Tyler.

• Domonique McPhail, a freshman Theatre major from Murdock.

• Jackie Wisinski, an Agricultural Communication major from Stevens Point, Wis.

• Devyn Halvorson, an English Education major from Devils Lake, N.D.

•Corina Prince, a freshman Biology major from Marshall.

• Megan Siewert, a freshman Business major from Glencoe.

• Nick Polfliet, a sophomore Computer Science major from St. Michael, Minn.

“I thought we did a fantastic job,” said Walker. “We have a very young team, we had just two members back from last year and most are freshmen and sophomores. They continue to show great promise and resilience, and we look forward to finishing the year, and move forward into next year.”

The two coaches — Walker and his wife, Julie — also had a chance to compete, with Julie taking second and Ben, third, in the Academic Lecture category.