SDSU’s Jackrabbits Forensics team celebrates historic national success at AFA tournament

South Dakota State University’s Jackrabbits Forensics team capped another landmark season with a historic showing — including two students’ national championship and another’s All-American honor — at the 2026 American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament.

This year’s results build on the program’s strong competitive trajectory, including last season’s Tier 2 National Championship at the Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament and a run of sustained top 20 national finishes.

Held April 4-6 at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, this year’s American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament brought together the nation’s most accomplished collegiate speakers.

SDSU advanced 10 events to quarterfinals, placing those students among the top speakers in their respective categories. Four students went on to semifinal rounds in three events before ultimately reaching multiple final rounds of competition — a first in the program’s more than 100-year history.

SDSU celebrated its first-ever national championship at the American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament when Hannah Markley and Gavin Eischens secured first place in Duo Interpretation, marking a historic milestone for Jackrabbits Forensics.

Senior Emma Arneson was named to the American Forensic Association All-American Team, one of only 15 students in the country recognized for exceptional competitive achievement, academic excellence and service to their communities. Arneson also placed fifth in Impromptu Speaking. Eischens earned sixth place in Program Oral Interpretation.

As a team, SDSU placed 13th overall in Team Sweepstakes, maintaining a top 20 national ranking for the third consecutive year.

Jackrabbits Forensics is known for its commitment to empowering students to articulate ideas, challenge perspectives and engage thoughtfully with societal issues. Under consistent leadership and a culture of determination, the team has produced steady year-over-year gains — from expanding its national qualifications to securing multiple championships across regional and national circuits.

"Our national success reflects the commitment of students to do their best and the investment from the university and our supporters,” Jackrabbits Forensics director Andrea Carlile said.

With this historic national success, Jackrabbits Forensics adds another defining chapter to a program already marked by growth and a commitment to speaking your passion.