Debaters struggle at Hamilton meet

Despite high hopes for a strong showing at the Hamilton Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament last weekend, the Bulldogs placed a disappointing fourth.

Competing against seven other Class A schools, Whitefish managed only 57 points behind Columbia Falls' 93, Hamilton's 80 and Stevensville's 72.

"My concerns about strong contenders coming in from the southwest division were confirmed," head coach Pat McLaughlin said.

Returning original oratory state champion junior Jessie Mazur managed only a fifth-place finish in her signature event. However, as a double-entry competitor, she took second in expository speaking.

Mazur was required to make 14 speeches in her two events over the course of the two-day tournament. When asked what it is like to compete in two different events at the same tournament, she said, "It's more interesting competing in two events because it constantly keeps me on my toes."

Expository speeches are original compositions of the contestant. The expository speech is a speech to inform, not a performance. It should describe, clarify, illustrate or define an object, idea, concept or process.

Other Bulldogs who placed were seniors Joe Mazur and Jack Hyer, third in policy debate; junior Julie Peterman, sixth in original oratory; junior Jenni Vail, sixth in serious oral interpretation; senior John Joern, seventh in memorized public address; and senior Derek Janni, seventh in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Despite her team's fourth place finish, McLaughlin remains optimistic.

"We have a chance to turn things around at Ronan," she said. "It depends on the kids. We have a capable team. Now they need to prove themselves strong enough to take the first three places in their events."

The Bulldogs travel next to Ronan on the Saturday, Dec. 5, to compete in the Ronan Invitational.