Coaches | Team

Coaches

Peter Pober
ppober@gmu.edu
Peter 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 31st year in the forensic arts, Peter has been privileged to coach more than 40 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, and the American Forensic Association National Distinguished Service Award. He is the National Vice-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 country his dear friends.

Jason Warren
jwarren8@gmu.edu
Jason Warren joins us as the Assistant Director of Forensics after completing his Master’s degree in Communication Studies at the University of Texas-Austin. While at UT-Austin, Jason has coached 9 AFA National Finalists in Extemp, Persuasion, Poetry, and Prose including the 2005 Extemporaneous Speaking Champion, the 2006 Extemporaneous Speaking Runner-Up, and the 2006 Poetry Runner-Up. Jason also serves as the co-director of Extemporaneous speaking at the George Mason Institute of Forensics and the University of Texas National Institute of Forensics. He received his Bachelors of Science at Northwestern University, where we he graduated with an honors degree in Communication Studies and Political Science. While at Northwestern, Jason reached six final rounds in Extemporaneous and Impromptu Speaking, including 2 national titles in Extemp. During his tenure at Northwestern, Jason helped to establish and continues to support the Tournament of Champions in Extemporaneous Speaking. He hopes that his efforts both in the classroom and in forensics will continue to push students to better understand and question the world around them.

Jeremy Hodgson

I am currently a 1st year grad student at GMU and I am coaching the speech team in Duo interp and Poetry Interp. I'm originally from Canton, Ohio and graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelors degree in secondary education. I competed for 3yrs. of highschool and 4 yrs.of college and loved every minute of my time in forensics. I hope to oneday teach at a community college/university and become head coach of a school that has no forensics program. This way I can build my own team from the ground up. I am 24 years old and just finding out that I love the D.C. area and hope to stay here for a while. If you need to contact me my email address is Mcneeded@msn.com.

Shivali Goudar

Shivali Goudar recently graduated the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a concentration in Business. While at UT Austin Shivali was graced as a National Out-rounder in Poetry, Communication Analysis, and Dramatic Interpretation along with state titles in Programmed Oral Interpretation and Prose Interpretation. Shivali is currently seeking a Masters in Strategic Communications, and is extremely excited to be a part of the George Mason academic and forensics family. .

Kyle Schultz
Kyle Schultz graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Communication Studies. He competed at ISU for four years and was team president his senior year. Kyle is currently a graduate student at George Mason, studying Public Administration. He joins the GMU team to coach Info and co-coach Duo.

Michael Chen
Michael Chen graduated from Seton Hall in 2004 with a BA in History. He competed for four years and was team captain his final two years while being blessed with national final rounds in Impromptu, Informative, Extemp and Communications Analysis. Michael hopes to contribute to the George Mason team's long and proud tradition with his experiences as an All-American team member, District and National Representative and as an individual committed to communication and education.

Ellen Claycomb

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Christine Haynes

I'm happily returning to George Mason, where I received my B.A. in communication. I spent the past two years working on my master's degree in communication studies from Texas State University - San Marcos. I competed for the GMU forensics team from 2002 to 2004. During the time off between getting my undergraduate degree and my masters I coached for the team. I have returned to GMU to teach and to be part of this big family once again. So, this will be my second year of coaching for GMU forensics and I couldn't be any happier. We all know I love me some drama, drama, drama.
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Jimmy Ficaro- Guest Coach
Recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Finance, Jimmy brings his very recent and current experience as 2003 AFA All-American Team member to George Mason. With 2 years as Team Captain and 4 years overall at UT, he was a National Finalist in CA, Informative, Extemp, and Impromptu, and 2003 AFA Final was awarded 3rd Overall Speaker, he will bring current and effective knowledge to the team while he persues his graduate degree at the School of Public Policy at George Mason University.

Christyn Wallace- Guest Coach

Greetings and Salutations, it is I, Christyn Wallace, yes, of the Charles City Wallaces, I see you have heard of me. After being on the GMU speech team for 4 years, I have also served in the position as prose coach for my second year now. Through my vast experience regarding everything and nothing, I feel as though I now have the knowledge to lead this pack of daisies into victory, and by victory...i mean VICTORY!!! thank you, and GodSpeed!!

Team

Al Bender
abender2@gmu.edu
Team Co-Captain

Al Bender is a Senior Government and International Politics major, enjoying his fourth year on the team, and is proud to be serving his second year as one of its captains. Al is also proud to be serving his third year as District 7 student representative, and his second year as the AFA student secretary. With aspirations of attending graduate school, law school or both, he hopes to utilize his last year in forensics as a venue of research and expression of the fields of study he hopes to make his life work.

Jeff Moscaritolo
jmoscari@gmu.edu
Team Co-Captain

After four years of competition in high school, Jeff has returned to Mason Forensics for the third year running, this time filling the role of one third of the captainship. A Junior at Mason, Jeff is an English major with a concentration in creative writing. When he's not buried in an edition of the Best American Short Stories looking for a prose to probably never perform, he enjoys drawing people in suits, watching good films, and eating Italian food. He is deeply appreciative of the opportunities afforded to him both by Mason Forensics and by the activity itself, and he is unbelievably excited to be competing for yet another year.

Ian Summers
isummers@gmu.edu
Team Co-Captain

Ian Summers is entering his final year at GMU Forensics. Hailing from California by way of Minnesota, he is excited and somewhat frightened to think of what to do with his Economics and Communications degrees once he graduates (will do extemp for food). He is honored to serve this team as one of their co-captains.

Jacob Abraham

Jacob Abraham is a Freshman at GMU majoring in Communications and a new member to the George Mason Forensics Team. He is very excited to be taking on two new events that hes never done before. Jacob also enjoys listening to Dave Matthews Band with Chrissy Kendall.

Camilo Brun

Camilo Brun is a Freshman Psychology major with a minor in Religious Studies, and is absolutely ecstatic to be joining the amazing legacy that is GMU Forensics

Mickey Cox

Mickey Cox is starting his second year on the team at Mason. He is a major in Communications, and is full of anticipation for this upcoming year.

Kat Dayton

Kat Dayton is a Freshman at George Mason University. She is majoring in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies. She hales all the way from Gainesville, Georgia (near Atlanta), and is very excited to spend her first year on such a great forensics team.

Elizabeth Ellington

Elizabeth Ellington is a Freshman at George Mason University. She is majoring in Psychology. Her hometown is Buford, Georgia and she feels blessed to be apart of such a fantastic team!

Regan Fallon

Regan Fallon is from Orange County, California. A first year member of the forensics team, Regan loves GMU and plans on majoring in Communication.

Tyler Fruge

Tyler Fruge is a Sophomore at George Mason, double majoring in Communication and Theatre. He enjoys writing drama/poetry, hanging out with friends, and if there's time catching up on some well deserved sleep. As always, he feels honored and blessed that he has been given the privilege to be apart of the Mason Forensics Family!

Rowena Gasmen

Rowena Gasmen is so excited to be back for her second year with the GMU Forensics Family. She is currently a Sophomore and recently switched majors from Finance to Biology. When Rowena isn't practicing anything forensics related or studying for school, she loves to go shopping and has an affinity for handbags.

Sean Hardwick

Sean is a 4th year from New Jersey who loves to do LP's and PA's. He's looking forward to competing and representing george mason to fight the good fight.

Richie Hartz

Richie Hartz is an incoming Freshman from Virginia. He is very excited to begin his career as a GMU forensicator and is majoring in Economics.

S.R. Hilliard

S.R. Hilliard is returning to the GMU Forensics Team for his third year. A Communication major, S.R. is interested in pursuing a career in film and television production.

Chrissy Kendall

Hi! I'm Chrissy and I am senior on the forensics team and also team's historian, about which I'm very excited. I love forensics, love the team, and love Dave Matthews. When I'm not making up a speech about a quotation in seven minutes, I can be found speaking Russian, dancing, and playing.

Patrick Mahoney

I am Patrick, more informally known as Pat. After retiring my alias of “Major Mahoney,” a cadet squadron commander at a well-reputed military school, I must now adapt to a new and far greater experience: being a freshman at GMU. I plan to major in Administration of Justice, hoping to also pursue my passion for Music as a minor.

Katie Miller

Hi! I am Katie Miller and I am a freshman at Mason. I am from little Evansville, Indiana and am majoring in Communications with a focus in Journalism. I currently have three passions: speech, belly dancing, and cooking. Cheers!

Amanda Powell

Amanda Powell is a Junior from Colorado majoring in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, her first love. Her second love is forensics, especially extemporaneous speaking. She also loves classic rock and reading. She is super psyched to begin another great chapter in the Mason legacy.

Colston Reid

Good day!? My name is Colston and I am a Sophomore on the GMU Forensics team and I am very excited to be returning this year. This is a very talented group of people and we look forward to good things to come. Outside of forensics I am a government major, spend a great deal of time at Potbelly Sandwich Works, enjoy Star Trek and long walks on the beach. P.S. Hopefully this picture is better than last year's (I haven't seen it yet, but it probably will be...I don't actually look like a bulldog.)

Quincey Smith

Quincey Smith is excited to take a break from the desert plains and snowy mountains of Wyoming to travel along the east coast and beyond with the Mason team. He is a Freshman studying Communications and Government, and he is excited to be located on a campus so involved and surrounded by politics and history.

Jenn Torres

Jennifer Torres is a transfer student from California, majoring in communications. She is starting her Junior year at George Mason and is very excited to be a part of this wonderful program.

David Tuck

A cognitive neuroscience major and a native of the northern Virginia area, David Tuck finally joins the GMU Forensics family after spending a length of time in forensics limbo. Science, brains, and a good CA make his rabbit run. Holla 'atcha boy.

	Peter Pober ppober@gmu.edu Peter 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 31st year in the forensic arts, Peter has been privileged to coach more than 40 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, and the American Forensic Association National Distinguished Service Award. He is the National Vice-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 country his dear friends.
	Jason Warren jwarren8@gmu.edu Jason Warren joins us as the Assistant Director of Forensics after completing his Master’s degree in Communication Studies at the University of Texas-Austin. While at UT-Austin, Jason has coached 9 AFA National Finalists in Extemp, Persuasion, Poetry, and Prose including the 2005 Extemporaneous Speaking Champion, the 2006 Extemporaneous Speaking Runner-Up, and the 2006 Poetry Runner-Up. Jason also serves as the co-director of Extemporaneous speaking at the George Mason Institute of Forensics and the University of Texas National Institute of Forensics. He received his Bachelors of Science at Northwestern University, where we he graduated with an honors degree in Communication Studies and Political Science. While at Northwestern, Jason reached six final rounds in Extemporaneous and Impromptu Speaking, including 2 national titles in Extemp. During his tenure at Northwestern, Jason helped to establish and continues to support the Tournament of Champions in Extemporaneous Speaking. He hopes that his efforts both in the classroom and in forensics will continue to push students to better understand and question the world around them.
	Jeremy Hodgson I am currently a 1st year grad student at GMU and I am coaching the speech team in Duo interp and Poetry Interp. I'm originally from Canton, Ohio and graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelors degree in secondary education. I competed for 3yrs. of highschool and 4 yrs.of college and loved every minute of my time in forensics. I hope to oneday teach at a community college/university and become head coach of a school that has no forensics program. This way I can build my own team from the ground up. I am 24 years old and just finding out that I love the D.C. area and hope to stay here for a while. If you need to contact me my email address is Mcneeded@msn.com.
	Shivali Goudar Shivali Goudar recently graduated the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a concentration in Business. While at UT Austin Shivali was graced as a National Out-rounder in Poetry, Communication Analysis, and Dramatic Interpretation along with state titles in Programmed Oral Interpretation and Prose Interpretation. Shivali is currently seeking a Masters in Strategic Communications, and is extremely excited to be a part of the George Mason academic and forensics family. .
	Kyle Schultz Kyle Schultz graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Communication Studies. He competed at ISU for four years and was team president his senior year. Kyle is currently a graduate student at George Mason, studying Public Administration. He joins the GMU team to coach Info and co-coach Duo.
	Michael Chen Michael Chen graduated from Seton Hall in 2004 with a BA in History. He competed for four years and was team captain his final two years while being blessed with national final rounds in Impromptu, Informative, Extemp and Communications Analysis. Michael hopes to contribute to the George Mason team's long and proud tradition with his experiences as an All-American team member, District and National Representative and as an individual committed to communication and education.
	Ellen Claycomb .
	Christine Haynes I'm happily returning to George Mason, where I received my B.A. in communication. I spent the past two years working on my master's degree in communication studies from Texas State University - San Marcos. I competed for the GMU forensics team from 2002 to 2004. During the time off between getting my undergraduate degree and my masters I coached for the team. I have returned to GMU to teach and to be part of this big family once again. So, this will be my second year of coaching for GMU forensics and I couldn't be any happier. We all know I love me some drama, drama, drama. .
	Jimmy Ficaro- Guest Coach Recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Finance, Jimmy brings his very recent and current experience as 2003 AFA All-American Team member to George Mason. With 2 years as Team Captain and 4 years overall at UT, he was a National Finalist in CA, Informative, Extemp, and Impromptu, and 2003 AFA Final was awarded 3rd Overall Speaker, he will bring current and effective knowledge to the team while he persues his graduate degree at the School of Public Policy at George Mason University.
	Christyn Wallace- Guest Coach Greetings and Salutations, it is I, Christyn Wallace, yes, of the Charles City Wallaces, I see you have heard of me. After being on the GMU speech team for 4 years, I have also served in the position as prose coach for my second year now. Through my vast experience regarding everything and nothing, I feel as though I now have the knowledge to lead this pack of daisies into victory, and by victory...i mean VICTORY!!! thank you, and GodSpeed!!

	Al Bender abender2@gmu.edu Team Co-Captain Al Bender is a Senior Government and International Politics major, enjoying his fourth year on the team, and is proud to be serving his second year as one of its captains. Al is also proud to be serving his third year as District 7 student representative, and his second year as the AFA student secretary. With aspirations of attending graduate school, law school or both, he hopes to utilize his last year in forensics as a venue of research and expression of the fields of study he hopes to make his life work.
	Jeff Moscaritolo jmoscari@gmu.edu Team Co-Captain After four years of competition in high school, Jeff has returned to Mason Forensics for the third year running, this time filling the role of one third of the captainship. A Junior at Mason, Jeff is an English major with a concentration in creative writing. When he's not buried in an edition of the Best American Short Stories looking for a prose to probably never perform, he enjoys drawing people in suits, watching good films, and eating Italian food. He is deeply appreciative of the opportunities afforded to him both by Mason Forensics and by the activity itself, and he is unbelievably excited to be competing for yet another year.
	Ian Summers isummers@gmu.edu Team Co-Captain Ian Summers is entering his final year at GMU Forensics. Hailing from California by way of Minnesota, he is excited and somewhat frightened to think of what to do with his Economics and Communications degrees once he graduates (will do extemp for food). He is honored to serve this team as one of their co-captains.
	Jacob Abraham Jacob Abraham is a Freshman at GMU majoring in Communications and a new member to the George Mason Forensics Team. He is very excited to be taking on two new events that hes never done before. Jacob also enjoys listening to Dave Matthews Band with Chrissy Kendall.
	Camilo Brun Camilo Brun is a Freshman Psychology major with a minor in Religious Studies, and is absolutely ecstatic to be joining the amazing legacy that is GMU Forensics
	Mickey Cox Mickey Cox is starting his second year on the team at Mason. He is a major in Communications, and is full of anticipation for this upcoming year.
	Kat Dayton Kat Dayton is a Freshman at George Mason University. She is majoring in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies. She hales all the way from Gainesville, Georgia (near Atlanta), and is very excited to spend her first year on such a great forensics team.
	Elizabeth Ellington Elizabeth Ellington is a Freshman at George Mason University. She is majoring in Psychology. Her hometown is Buford, Georgia and she feels blessed to be apart of such a fantastic team!
	Regan Fallon Regan Fallon is from Orange County, California. A first year member of the forensics team, Regan loves GMU and plans on majoring in Communication.
	Tyler Fruge Tyler Fruge is a Sophomore at George Mason, double majoring in Communication and Theatre. He enjoys writing drama/poetry, hanging out with friends, and if there's time catching up on some well deserved sleep. As always, he feels honored and blessed that he has been given the privilege to be apart of the Mason Forensics Family!
	Rowena Gasmen Rowena Gasmen is so excited to be back for her second year with the GMU Forensics Family. She is currently a Sophomore and recently switched majors from Finance to Biology. When Rowena isn't practicing anything forensics related or studying for school, she loves to go shopping and has an affinity for handbags.
	Sean Hardwick Sean is a 4th year from New Jersey who loves to do LP's and PA's. He's looking forward to competing and representing george mason to fight the good fight.
	Richie Hartz Richie Hartz is an incoming Freshman from Virginia. He is very excited to begin his career as a GMU forensicator and is majoring in Economics.
	S.R. Hilliard S.R. Hilliard is returning to the GMU Forensics Team for his third year. A Communication major, S.R. is interested in pursuing a career in film and television production.
	Chrissy Kendall Hi! I'm Chrissy and I am senior on the forensics team and also team's historian, about which I'm very excited. I love forensics, love the team, and love Dave Matthews. When I'm not making up a speech about a quotation in seven minutes, I can be found speaking Russian, dancing, and playing.
	Patrick Mahoney I am Patrick, more informally known as Pat. After retiring my alias of “Major Mahoney,” a cadet squadron commander at a well-reputed military school, I must now adapt to a new and far greater experience: being a freshman at GMU. I plan to major in Administration of Justice, hoping to also pursue my passion for Music as a minor.
	Katie Miller Hi! I am Katie Miller and I am a freshman at Mason. I am from little Evansville, Indiana and am majoring in Communications with a focus in Journalism. I currently have three passions: speech, belly dancing, and cooking. Cheers!
	Amanda Powell Amanda Powell is a Junior from Colorado majoring in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, her first love. Her second love is forensics, especially extemporaneous speaking. She also loves classic rock and reading. She is super psyched to begin another great chapter in the Mason legacy.
	Colston Reid Good day!? My name is Colston and I am a Sophomore on the GMU Forensics team and I am very excited to be returning this year. This is a very talented group of people and we look forward to good things to come. Outside of forensics I am a government major, spend a great deal of time at Potbelly Sandwich Works, enjoy Star Trek and long walks on the beach. P.S. Hopefully this picture is better than last year's (I haven't seen it yet, but it probably will be...I don't actually look like a bulldog.)
	Quincey Smith Quincey Smith is excited to take a break from the desert plains and snowy mountains of Wyoming to travel along the east coast and beyond with the Mason team. He is a Freshman studying Communications and Government, and he is excited to be located on a campus so involved and surrounded by politics and history.
	Jenn Torres Jennifer Torres is a transfer student from California, majoring in communications. She is starting her Junior year at George Mason and is very excited to be a part of this wonderful program.
	David Tuck A cognitive neuroscience major and a native of the northern Virginia area, David Tuck finally joins the GMU Forensics family after spending a length of time in forensics limbo. Science, brains, and a good CA make his rabbit run. Holla 'atcha boy.

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