Whitefish speakers strong heading into state tournament

With 27 competitors qualifying, Whitefish is poised to make a good showing at the Class A state tournament this weekend.

Whitefish took second at the divisional tournament Saturday in Hamilton. The team had 218 sweepstakes points, just behind Columbia Falls at 232 and Polson took third with 75 points.

Coach Sara Mueller is confident in her team, but knows the battle isn’t over just yet.

“We have placed ourselves in position to make a run for the team championship,” she said. “However, with more competitors qualified, divisional champions Columbia Falls will not be stepping out of our way and making the road easy. Third place Polson has stellar debate teams in all events, who will certainly make state interesting for us, as well.”

Mueller said it’s been an invaluable experience all season as all the teams have pushed each other during tournaments.

“It is gut-check time for all members of our teams,” she said. “I am exceptionally proud and excited to be heading into state with mine. They’ve certainly risen to the challenges so far.”

Whitefish was lead at divisional by three individual champions. Abbie Belcher took first in impromptu speaking, Sam Benkelman first in original oratory and Zache Ade earned first in memorized public address.

The Bulldogs head to Belgrade to compete at the state tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Individual results from Hamilton:

Policy debate: 2. Ian Caltabiano and Zach Kasselder, 5. Mirielle Kruger and Kate Doorn, also qualified for state: Jade Greenberg and Ella Greenberg

Public forum debate: 3. Bergen Carloss and Kate Ehrenberg, 4. Cody Casazza and Bailey Mccann, also qualified: Solomon Zeigert and Julien Leroux

Lincoln-Douglas debate: 3. Dakota Henson, also qualified: Lilly Butts, Mary Hook

Impromptu: 1. Abbie Belcher, 4. Saige Perchy, 5. Teigen Tremper

Extemporaneous: 2. Abbie Belcher, 3. Zach Ade, also qualified: Makkie Haller

Humorous oral interpretation: qualified: Saige Perchy

Dramatic oral interpretation: 3. Hunter Cripe, 5. Ella van Vlack, also qualified: Naya Brigette

Expository: 5. Teigen Tremper, also qualified: Regan Tintzman

Original oratory: 1. Sam Benkelman, 2. Hunter Cripe, also qualified: Lindsey Matulionis

Memorized public address: 1. Zach Ade, 2. Sam Benkelman, 6. Austin Reese.