There are heated arguments, fierce competition and prestigious awards.

People actually get units for this fun stuff?

It is called the Cerritos College Forensics Team.

This speech and debate squad meets twice every week to sharpen their argument skills and then spends the weekends meeting with other colleges from southern California at large tournaments and competitions.

The club has two advisors: Professor Sparks and, the assistant director, Professor Lavarie.

In addition, to the two advisors, there are also two student advisors: John Maddron and Jason Miramontes.

Sparks said, “I am real happy with the student coaches this year.”

The club members, too, appear to be happy with the way their semester has begun.

Jill Ratzlaff, an English major and Forensics team member said of her squad, “You can really make a family here. My favorite thing is the friendships.”

Although the Forensics team sounds like lots of fun, like most campusactivities, behind the scenes, there is work to be done.

“We have a relatively new and inexperienced team,” Sparks said. The year will be a “challenge.”

Ratzlaff feels that although rewarding and fun, debate is always a challenge. “I really like the speaking aspect of it and the experience for the future. The challenge of getting up there and trying to beat someone with your words is exhilarating.”

Sparks is not pessimistic about his young team.

He said, “The favorite thing I like about forensics is the improvement I see with students on the team.”

Sparks reports that most of his students seem to enjoy what they are doing.

“Students enjoy competitions because they get to travel and they end up forming friendships that last a lifetime.”

“The traveling is fun,” Ratzlaff commented.

“Surveys,” Sparks said, “tend to indicate that graduates rate forensics as one of their favorite courses.”

Although the club just recently elected officers, it is still “in a recruitingmode.”

Any student who enjoys debating, or is looking to improve their oralcommunication skills, is encouraged to contact Sparks in his office at extension2848.