Speech opens season with second place finish

The Whitefish speech and debate team had a strong opening performance Saturday in Stevensville.

Whitefish finished second in sweepstakes points behind Columbia Falls.

Ian Caltabiano and Zach Ade led the way with first place in policy debate.

Lily Butts took third in Lincoln-Douglas debate and Naya Brigette also took third in dramatic oral interpretation.

The team is led by coach Sara Mueller this year. Mueller said the team was short-handed while fall sports come to a close, but she’s excited to see what the team can do at full strength.

“I am looking forward to a very competitive season with a team with plenty of depth,” Mueller said.

Whitefish will compete on Saturday in Kalispell. That will start at 8 a.m.

Individual results:

Policy debate: 1. Ian Caltabiano and Zach Ade; 6. Josie Johnson and Dani Mayeaux

Lincoln-Douglas debate: 3. Lily Butts

Public forum debate: 4. Mary Hooks and Hayden Brandt

Extemporaneous speaking: 6. Abigail Bowden

Original oratory: 4. Grace Benkelman

Humorous oral interpretations: 6. Jasmine Reese

Dramatic oral interpretations: 3. Naya Brigette