Whitefish speech earns fourth at Corvallis

Whitefish speech and debate finished fourth among Class A schools at the Corvallis Invite last weekend.

Columbia Falls took first with 205 sweepstakes points, followed by Hamilton with 115 points and Stevensville in third with 109. Whitefish had 106 points.

“Overall strong performances from all members of the team left Whitefish right in the midst of tight competition,” Coach Sara Mueller said. “Scoring points across the board, Whitefish was three points behind Stevensville and nine points behind second place Hamilton.”

Sam Benkelman again led the Bulldogs with a first place medal in expository. A trio of second place finishes — from Abbie Belcher, Hira Ramay and Hunter Cripe in their respective events — also added to the team points.

“The students are fired up for what is promising to be a competitive run toward state,” Mueller said.

Makkie Haller was named tournament captain for showing leadership throughout the week.

Individual results:

Impromptu: 2. Abbie Belcher

Extemporaneous: 7. Abbie Belcher

Original oratory: 2. Hira Ramay, 5. Hunter Cripe

Memorized public address: 8. Kolton Mohn

Expository: 1. Sam Benkelman

Serious oral interpretation: 2. Hunter Cripe

Policy debate: 4. Galen Jamison and Zach Kasselder