Columbia High School Speech and Debate secured a final first-place finish before it heads to divisionals next weekend.
The team amassed 204 overall points for the win, followed by Whitefish in second place with 120 points at the Polson tournament on Saturday.
Western Divisionals will be held in Stevensville on Jan. 25. The top 12 competitors in each event at divisionals advance to the state tournament, which will be held in Whitefish on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
“Divisionals is going to be a tough tournament,” Columbia Falls competitor Maggie McKeon said. “The top 12 in each event go to State. We know we will be battling in every category, but we are prepared, and we’re looking forward to it.”
Whitefish Head Coach Sara Mueller said the team is looking forward to divisionals based on the performance at the Polson tournament.
“I know the kids are driven to qualify as many as possible to the state tournament this year,” Mueller said. “They are supporting each other, reaching out to me to help prepare for state, and focused on the success of the team as a whole. This is a special group of students who have some great potential in competition and beyond.”
Policy Debate
1. Calie Jo Johnson and Tre Finley, Columbia Falls
3. Shyane Williams and Emma Stephens, Columbia Falls
4. Finley Sundberg and Ava Foley, Columbia Falls
8. Gavin Carmichael and McKenna Ferril, Whitefish
Public Forum Debate
2. Lara Erickson andLaney Conger, Columbia Falls
7. Zoe Tremper and Addie Blackaby, Whitefish
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
1. Raphe Salmon, Columbia Falls
4. Elizabeth Campbell, Whitefish
7. Luca Welle, Whitefish
Impromptu Speaking
1. Abigail Bowden, Whitefish
2. Danika Tintzman, Whitefish
3. Ben Keller, Bigfork
6. Adrienne Healy, Whitefish
7. Maggie McKeon, Columbia Falls
Humorous Interpretation
1. Isaac Adams, Columbia Falls
3. Griffin Conger, Columbia Falls
5. Logan Mercer, Whitefish
6. Eden Scrafford, Whitefish
7. Ave McDonald, Columbia Falls
Dramatic Interpretation
1. Lucy Schindler, Whitefish
2. Isaac Adams, Columbia Falls
3. Griffin Conger, Columbia Falls
5. Gabby Pickert, Whitefish
Original Oratory
1. Julia Sowerwine, Columbia Falls
4. Aidan Reid, Whitefish
5. Adrienne Healy, Whitefish
6. Eden Scrafford, Whitefish
7. Sheridan Skerritt, Columbia Falls
Memorized Public Address
1. Suzanna Rosalez, Columbia Falls
2. Ave McDonald, Columbia Falls
3. Julia Sowerwine, Columbia Falls
4. Danika Tintzman, Whitefish
5. Maya Hartig, Bigfork
Informative Speaking
1. Bethany Barnes, Whitefish
2. Gabby Pickert, Whitefish
7. Aiden Judge, Columbia Falls
Extemporaneous Speaking
1. Abigail Bowden, Whitefish
2. Maggie McKeon, Columbia Falls
3. Sam Lovering, Columbia Falls
7. Bethany Barnes, Whitefish
8. Jordan St. Sauver, Bigfork
