Columbia Falls and Whitefish high schools claimed the top two spots in a Frenchtown speech and debate tournament over the weekend after competing against 14 teams.
Columbia Falls scored 188 overall points to Whitefish’s 116.
“We are deep into the season now, with just one preliminary season tournament left before divisionals,” Columbia Falls Head Coach Tara Norick said. “We are happy to see the team performing well overall. This has been a challenging year for us, and it has required our kids to really step up and put in some serious effort to keep strong.”
Whitefish Head Coach Sara Mueller said she was proud of the team’s performance under pressure in light of difficulties getting to the tournament due to bus issues.
“I’m most proud of the team’s ability to overcome adversity as we had some struggles in getting to the tournament. The team had to manage their emotions and perform well despite these problems that were beyond our control,” Mueller said. “This was great practice for the rest of the season. Difficulties arise at all levels of competition, and success favors those who remain unflustered.”
The regular speech and debate season wraps up on Jan.18 with a tournament in Polson. Western Divisionals will be hosted in Stevensville on Jan. 25, which determines who will compete in the Class A state tournament in Whitefish Jan. 31-Feb. 1.
Policy Debate
1. Calie Jo Johnson and Tre Finley, Columbia Falls
5. Anton Young and Elyse Pendlay, Bigfork
6. Gavin Carmichael and McKenna Ferril, Whitefish
7. Emma Stephens and Shyane Williams, Columbia Falls
Public Forum Debate
2. Lara Erickson and Laney Conger, Columbia Falls
6. Damon Morris and Jesse Rusche, Columbia Falls
7. Stacia Tremper and Sophie Tabor, Whitefish
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
1. Raphe Salmon, Columbia Falls
5. Eddie Chisholm, Columbia Falls
7. Konnor Heindl, Columbia Falls
Humorous Interpretation
1. Eden Scrafford, Whitefish
2. Isaac Adams, Columbia Falls
3. Griffin Conger, Columbia Falls
4. Logan Mercer, Whitefish
Dramatic Interpretation
1. Isaac Adams, Columbia Falls
2. Griffin Conger, Columbia Falls
3. Chloe Coberley, Columbia Falls
5. Lucy Schindler, Whitefish
7. Gabby Pickert, Whitefish
Original Oratory
1. Aidan Reid, Whitefish
2. Julia Sowerwine, Columbia Falls
4. Eden Scrafford, Whitefish
7. Lucy Schindler, Whitefish
Memorized Public Address
1. Maya Hartig, Bigfork
2. Danika Tintzman, Whitefish
3. Julia Sowerwine, Columbia Falls
5. Suzanna Rosalez, Columbia Falls
7. Ave McDonald, Columbia Falls
Informative Speaking
1. Bethany Barnes, Whitefish
4. Aiden Judge, Columbia Falls
5. Gabby Pickert, Whitefish
8. Paetra Cooke, Whitefish
Impromptu Speaking
1. Abigail Bowden, Whitefish
3. Adrienne Healy, Whitefish
2. Sam Lovering, Columbia Falls
5. Maggie McKeon, Columbia Falls
6. Chloe Coberley, Columbia Falls
7. Danika Tintzman, Whitefish
Extemporaneous Speaking
1. Maggie McKeon, Columbia Falls
2. Abigail Bowden, Whitefish
5. Sam Lovering, Columbia Falls
8. Jordan St. Sauver, Bigfork
