Speakers take first place at Libby Invitational

The Columbia Falls speech and debate team continued its roll, taking first place in Libby on Dec. 1.

The Wildcats were led by first-place finishes from Allison Foust in Lincoln-Douglas debate, Erick Franklund and Colter Norick in policy debate and Yeo Chung in expository speaking.

“The team is improving with good balance between speech and debate events,” coach Tara Norick said. “We have reached the halfway point of our season, and we are very aware of other strong competition, particularly from Stevensville. The team is motivated to work hard to remain competitive for the second half of the season.”

The Wildcats travel to Great Falls this weekend for a two-day Class AA tournament.

Other results included:

Policy debate

2nd - Mara Barnes and Monique Schoech

7th - Stephen Lindsey and Mike Dittrich

Lincoln-Douglas debate

5th - Kaitlin Barnes

6th - KC Holm

Orignal oratory

6th - Meredith Stolte

7th - Mary Gross

Memorized public address

4th - Breanna Friar

5th - Olivia Ramstad

Impromptu speaking

2nd - Mason Gedlaman

Extemporaneous speaking

2nd - Cody Phillips

4th - Blake Ladenburg

8th - Mary Gross

Expository speaking

2nd - Baylee Brinton

6th - Mariah Walker

Serious oral interpretation

3rd - Bailey Duke

6th - Meredith Stolte