Our 2014-2015 Squad!
Coaches
 Director of Forensics |
Peter Pober (Professor of Communication, Director of Forensics and Distinguished Service Professor) is proud to continue the legacy of GMU forensics started in 1971 by Margaret Duffner and propelled by Bruce Manchester and Sheryl Friedley. Entering his 38th year in the forensic arts, Peter has been privileged to coach more than 50 individual and team national champions at both the high school and college levels. He has been awarded the Texas Intercollegiate Forensic Association Coach of the Year, the Texas Speech Communication Educator of the Year, the American Forensic Association District III Distinguished Service Award, the L.E. Norton Forensic Educator Award, the AFA-NIET National Distinguished Service Award, and the American Forensic Association National Distinguished Service Award. He is the National Chair of the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament. His students mean the world to him and he is honored to call so many of them across the world his dear friends.
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 Assistant Director of Forensics 
2nd Year Graduate Student
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Jeremy Hodgson (Assistant Director of Forensics) is humbled to be a part of the George Mason family as the Assistant Director of Forensics for his 5th year. Jeremy was recognized in 2011 as GMU’s Basic Course Instructor of the Year in Communication, the Center for Teaching and Faculty Excellence "Teacher of Distinction" 2014, and recipient of the Mason ACCESS program Faculty Excellence Award 2014. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Education at The University of Akron, OH and completed his Master’s degree at George Mason University in Communication. Jeremy feels so honored to be back and is looking forward to a 15th year of coaching and wonderful semester.
Nick Cox is a second-year coach for George Mason Forensics. He's pursuing a Master's in Health Communication. Nickreceived his B.S. in Global Community Health from George Mason, during which time he was proud to be a member of the team. Flattered and honored to be back for his 6th year with this family, Nick is excited to coach two of his favorite events: Poetry and Prose. The year is sure to bring joy, love, and intellectual challenges.
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 2nd Year Graduate Assistant  2nd Year Graduate Student 
1st Year Graduate Student
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Andrew Eilola is a first year PhD student from Minnesota where he received his Bachelor's Degree in 2012 from Concordia College in Communication and Sociology. This is his third year coaching at George Mason and he could not be more excited for the upcoming season! He is pursuing his PhD in Health Communication and will be coaching Persuasion and Informative this year.
Jaime Gomez is back for a second year as a mason graduate assistant. When he isn't helping kids make jokes, he can be found reading a profound article or playing league of legends. He is very excited to work with the talented Gmu speech team again and can not wait to see what his kids can do. Ian Hopkins is starting is PhD in Communication Studies at George Mason, and could not be more excited to join the legacy! After 15 years in the activity, Ian finally feels at home here at Mason. In his free time Ian can be found out on the water kayaking, in the kitchen trying new recipes, or playing Mario Kart! He cannot wait to see what this year brings, and is thrilled to be here. |
2nd Year Graduate Student
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Brennan “Sparky” Morris is a second year Graduate Assistant advising student practitioners of both Limited Preparation events and Communication Analysis. He competed for seven years in forensics during both high school and college. Brennan received his BA in Political & Persuasive Communication at George Mason University and is now working towards an MA in Political Science. |
2nd Year Graduate Student
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Harrison Postler is a second year MA student at George Mason University. He coaches Duo and ADS. He studies Health Communication. He likes doing all of those things. |
2nd Year Graduate Student
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Rob Warchol is returning to the GMU Forensics Team for his 6th year, and 2nd as a Graduate Assistant Coach in Extemp and Persuasive speaking. After completing his B.A. in Government and International Politics this past Spring, Rob is looking to complete his M.A. in Middle East and Islamic Studies. He continues to be blessed by being surrounded by so many talented people who never hesitate to call Rob part of their family. |
Students
"A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and time in which it is used." -Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
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Name: Sean Cummings (Co-Captain)
Hometown: Natick, MA Year: Senior Favorite Events: DI, Duo, ADS Sean Cummings is a senior majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Legal Studies. He hails from the beautiful state of Massachusetts and could not be more excited to begin his fourth year with the GMU Family! When not practicing his page turns for his progrums, he enjoys watching movies, talking about Meryl Streep, dancing FOSSE, and singing along to Broadway Cast Recordings. He considers himself so lucky to be surrounded by such talented and loving people. |
"I think I like who I am becoming"
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Name: Bria Woodyard (Co-Captain)
Hometown: Alexandria, VA Year: Senior Favorite Events: Poetry, CA Bria Woodyard is returning for a fourth and final year with her Mason family. Majoring in environmental sustainability studies with a minor in technical theatre, Bria tends to keep busy. While her heart always lies in poetry, she's ventured into all three genres throughout the years. Though anxious about it being her last year competing; Bria has all the faith in her team, all the trust in her coaches, and all the love for the boys of her class. |
"I can't go anywhere without someone judging me" - Britney Spears
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Name: Sam Abney (Secretary) Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Year: Junior Favorite Events: ADS, POI, PersI Sam Abney is thrilled to be entering his third year on the GMU team! Hailing from the very warm state of Arizona, he is proud to call the team his new (and quite lovely) home. He likes wearing suits. That's a plus for him being here. He does not know how to write bios about himself. But trust him, he could not be happier to be here in beautiful (yet sometimes obscenely humid) Fairfax, Virginia. |
 “Honestly, I can’t sing…” - Myself |
Name: Meagan Ashner
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama Year: Freshman Favorite Events: DI, Poetry Meagan Ashner is a Freshman from way down in Alabama, who is beyond excited to join the GMU Forensics Family. She will be competing in Interp and possibly dabbling in the world of PA this year. She’s a Communications Major with a concentration in Media Production and Criticism. She’s your classic southern girl who enjoys a glass of chilled sweet tea on a hot summer day and monogramming literally anything. You can find her shopping during her free time or happily sipping on some Jamba Juice. |
 “Don’t be ignert.” - my Nanna |
Name: Landry Ayres
Hometown: Grapevine, TX Year: Senior Favorite Events: Prose, Duo, ADS Landry hails from the glorious red dirt of the Lone Star State. He's a Communication major with a concentration in Media Production and Criticism. He loves guacamole, short fiction, and social justice. GMU Forensics is his second family and he could not be more excited to join the team for its 44th (and his final ;-( ) competitive season. He thinks we should all wash our hands, work hard, and be nice to people. |
 "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down" - Michael Scott |
Name: Ian Birdwell
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia Year: Senior Favorite Events: Extemp,Info Ian is excited to spend another amazing year with the Mason team. Ian is Majoring in Government and International Politics, with a concentration in International Relations and Comparative Politics in addition to double Minors in German and European Studies. Ian plans on competing in LP and PA over this year. Outside of the speech world and his Mason family, Ian enjoys almost all forms of outdoor activity from sailing the Chesapeake to hiking in the Blue Ridge. He is excited to rejoin his family and looks forward to another amazing year in Mason Forensics! |
“The whole world is beautiful but not sayable. That’s why we need art.” - Charles Simic
"What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester and then run?"
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Name: Emma Bleker
Hometown: Austin, TX Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: Duo, Poetry, DI Emma Bleker is an incoming sophomore originally from Austin, Texas who is absolutely thrilled to be able to be a part of the Mason family for another year. Outside of forensics, Emma enjoys poetry, reading, riting, and watching Netflix into the early hours of the morning. She could not be more excited to take on this upcoming year with her favorite family!! Name: Miles Boone
Hometown: Hattiesburg Mississippi Year: Junior Favorite Events: Poetry, Duo Program Oral Interpretation Miles is an incoming transfer junior, originally from Hattiesburg, MS. Miles plans to complete his education at GMU, and continue his journey as an aspiring actor in New York, New York |
"I'm tired of pretending I'm not a total bitchin' rock star from Mars" - Charlie Sheen
"To ancient times and distant music!"- Quelf: The Unpredictable Party Game.
 "What you do in life echoes in eternity" - Gladiator |
Rachel Hanon (Historian)
Ellicott City, MD Favorite Events: Persuasion and Prose Sophomore Rachel Hanon comes from the exceedingly safe and prosperous city of Baltimore. She is a sophomore double majoring in Communication and Economics and loves the Mason Forensics family more than words! In her spare time she can be found makin' quinoa, watching Netflix, or scanning VOX for the third time that day. Although she's usually the one behind the camera, she loves the spotlight just as much as the next gal. Name: Molly Hoke (Team Librarian) Hometown: Hamlin, WV Year: Junior Favorite Events: DI, Duo, ADS Molly Hoke is a Junior who hails from the majestic hills of wild and wonderful West Virginia! She is majoring in Communication, with a minor in Film and Media Studies, and has aspirations of becoming a broadcast journalist. In her free time you'll find her jamming out to The Beatles, gorging on Chipotle, or watching a fantastic film. Wanna strike up a conversation? Comment on a good movie (Pulp Fiction is a good place to start). Her life's work is to tell the world of her love for Michelle Bennett, dear friend and Facebook-official spouse. Molly is more than ecstatic to continue her college journey with such a wonderful family. Name: Jasjot Jaggi Hometown: Year: Senior Favorite Events: Persuasion, Communication Analysis, Program Oral Interpretation Jasjot Jaggi, better known as Avi, is a senior on the team this year. In spring of 2015 he will be graduating from George Mason with a Bachelors in Government and International Politics and a double minor in Global Affairs, and Information Technology. The George Mason forensics team has been his family for the past four years and he cannot wait to embark on this final chapter with this year’s squad. When not in sessions, Avi can be found getting down on the Bhangra floor. |
 "The ballroom is filled with the joy of making old friends." -A.A. Bondy 
“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” - Winston Churchill
"Sometimes I forget that unsaid sentences don't mean unfelt emotions, that not everyone can, or will, or wants to spill it all out like me. Sometimes I forget that crossed arms don't mean keep away, but come closes, open them, be those arms crossed tight and hold me the same." – Tyler Knott Gregson
 "Look, honey! I'm reading The Economist. Did you know Indonesia is at a crossroads?" - Homer Simpson  "You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life." - Winston Churchill 
“I don't trust anyone who doesn't laugh.” ― Maya Angelou
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Bio: Aleks Jaunzemis
Hometown: Baltimore MD, Yeah: Freshman Favorite events: DI, DUO Aleks Jaunzemis is ecstatic to be joining the Mason Speech Team for his first year. Having competed in speech during all four years of high-school at Loyola Blakefield, he looks forward to facing even more fierce competition in college. He also wishes the person reading this a nice day. You can go to class now. Name: Sammy Jordan (Co-Tournament Director)
Hometown: Salina, KA Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: Bio: Sammy Jordan is from heart of America, Salina, Kansas. She is a flourishing sophomore Economics Major and Russian Minor. This year, she will be competing in CA, info, poetry and POI. She enjoys running quickly, Liberty, and watching Bones. Sammy is excited to partake in the scholarship and friendship that is GMU Forensics! Name: Marc Lacognata Hometown: Oviedo, FL Year: Freshman Favorite Events: DI, Poetry Marc Lacognata is a Freshman who is so incredibly excited to join the Mason family. He plans to compete in Interp and eventually in some of the PA events. He is majoring in Communication (concentrating on Public Relations) and Business Management. Outside of forensics, Marc loves theatre, shopping, Chipotle, iced coffee and Gaga. He is so happy to be surround by such beautiful, talented, and brilliant people! Name: Nathan Leys (LP Captain)
Hometown: Des Moines, IA Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: Extemp, Info, Persuasion Nathan is a rising sophomore and the team's Limited Prep Captain. After living in Des Moines, IA for 18 years, he came to GMU to study Government & International Politics, with minors in International Security and Data Analysis. He is incredibly excited to see what a new season will bring. Name: Kate Loving Hometown: Houston, TX Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: ADS, Persuasion, Duo Kate hails from the wonderfully hot plains of Houston, Texas and is loving life. Here at Mason she is an American Government/International Politics major with a Communication minor. Kate is also a member of Mason Student Government and the Roosevelt Institute, it's a wonder she has time for board games. Along with sitting in bluebonnet fields, she loves skyping with her dogs (whom she misses dearly), interior decor, making Jambalaya, watching Veep, and table manners. She could not be more excited for the 2014- 2015 forensics year to begin! Name: Desirae Luna Year: Junior Hometown: Redlands, CA Favorite Events: Persuasion, Info BIO: Des is a Government & International Politics Major and Journalism minor and hopes to one day work in political journalism. She is super excited for her third year at Mason and cannot wait to see all the brilliant pieces that will be performed from schools all over the nation. GMU! YOU KNOW! |
"Had he the motive and the cue for passion that I have? He would drown the stage with tears and cleave the general ear with horrid speech, make mad the guilty and appal the free, confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed the very faculties of eyes and ears." -Hamlet
"Μηκέθ᾽ ὅλως περὶ τοῦ οἷόν τινα εἶναι τὸν ἀγαθὸν ἄνδρα διαλέγεσθαι, ἀλλὰ εἶναι τοιοῦτον."
"Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one."
- Marcus Aurelius
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Name: Lucas Muratore Hometown: Chelmsford, MA Year: Freshman Favorite Events: Prose, DI, POI Bio: Lucas is so excited to begin his first year on the GMU forensics team. When not doing forensics he can be found hanging out with his fellow frosh, watching movies, and being a generally awesome person. He believes in the good in people and the strong, invisible bond that connects all of us beautiful people. He hopes to achieve greats things in the future and GMU Forensics is the first rung on the golden ladder of success. Name: Pablo Ramírez Uribe (Webmaster) Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia (Bethesda, MD) Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: Impromptu, ADS, POI Bio: After five years of Forensics you’d think Pablo Ramirez would have decided do go somewhere else with his life, but he is so unbelievably excited to be back on the team, and also as the Webmaster! When not doing Forensics work, he’ll be bogged up with other "boring, adult" responsibilities. Whenever he has a sliver of free time, Pablo will be writing, reading, making terrible puns and jokes, geeking out about Doctor Who, LEGO , or any topic that he’s obsessed over this week. He can’t wait for the coming year and what this wonderful family will show the nation! |
 “There’s a small chance I’ll get what I want: to be someone to relate to for anyone who is alienated, awkward, spastic, and passionate as me.”
- Max Bemis  "You are enough. You are so enough. It's incredible how enough you are" - Sierra Boggess |
Name: Jess Rauchberg
Hometown: Randolph, NJ Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: Prose, POI, INFO, EXT Bio: Originally hailing from the fourth “worst" state in America (New Jersey), Jess is excited to be back at Mason for round two! Win her over with spontaneous real talk and an appreciation for micronarratives. A Conflict Analysis and Resolution major,Jess aspires to be an educational policy analyst. But for now, speech is a pretty cool thing. She loves Mad Men, PBS, and Soviet kitsch. Outside of speech, Jess enjoys applying Foucaultian theorem to Nicki Minaj lyrics and furthering her Lilly Pulitzer addiction. Jess loves The Legacy with all of her heart and is grateful to call her teammates and coaches family. GMU, you know! Name: Tanner Terrell (Co-Tournament Director) Hometown: Grapevine, Texas Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: DI, DUO Tanner is a rising sophomore on the George Mason forensics team. Tanner is from the Lone Star State where he has lived his entire life, until now! Tanner has reached out rounds at tournaments such as the L.E. Norton, HFO, IFA, and AFA Nationals. He is extremely thrilled to continue his love for speech in the seasons to come. Tanner is thrilled to be a part of such a talented and welcoming team. He is excited to see the success of the team in the years to come! This "lady" killer is pumped for the 2014-2015 season! |
 "Art to me is an anecdote of the spirit." - Mark Rothko  "You're Poor." -Brandon McCasland |
Name: Bailey Walker
Hometown: Colorado Year: Freshman Favorite Events: DI, Duo A Colorado native, Bailey is a freshman on the GMU forensics team. After having competed in Speech at Kent Denver High School for four years, Bailey is incredibly excited to begin another journey in college-level Forensics! In addition to Speech, Bailey enjoys reading trashy mystery novels and puns. Name: Tyler Watkins (Alumni-Liaison) Hometown: Lynchburg, Va Year: Senior Favorite Events: ADS, Prose, DUO Bio: Tyler is so excited to return for his fourth year on Mason's team. He's down to talk anyone so chat him up. It should be super fun year. So yeah...that's it. |
 "It's only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye." - The Little Prince |
Name: Jim Welty
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona Year: Freshman Favorite events: Poetry, Extemp Bio: This is Jim's first year on the GMU forensics team. In high school he competed in debate, oratory, and numerous interpretation events. In college he's excited to start a few new ones as well. Outside of the team, he is a government and international affairs major who also enjoys folk music and swimming. I like art. Not all art, just some art. |
 "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." - Nick, The Great Gatsby |
Name: Patricia Zibelli
Hometown: Plymouth, MA Year: Junior Favorite events: Prose, Poetry, ADS Patricia (Patty) Zibelli is a current junior from Carver, MA. Not quite the land of the Pilgrims, but pretty darn close. She’s a communication major, and one day hopes to grow up to become Seth Meyers. Outside of forensics, Patty enjoys puppies, kittens, watching cute videos of puppies and kittens, hanging out with her friends, and snuggling with her mom. She’s wicked excited to be returning to the team, and can’t wait for the memory making to commence. In short, she’s one cool cat. |
