Speech takes first in Polson

The Whitefish Speech and Debate team grabbed another first place finish at the Polson Invitational on Saturday.

A handful of individual champions led the way for the win.

Dani Mayeaux and Ali Hirsch took first in policy debate — beating out Ian Caltabiano and Abby Lowry for the championship, Seth Carmichael and Zoe Dugan took first in public forum debate and Lucy Schindler took first in dramatic interpretation.

Grace Benkelman also took second in memorized public address.

Head coach Sara Mueller said the weekend’s competition was a good warm up for divisionals, which is this Saturday at Ronan.

“The kids put in a hard week of practice which paid off,” Mueller said. “We feel some momentum going into the last two weeks of competition. These are challenging weeks as students with students preparing for finals. I was proud of their ability to demonstrate commitment to their team while also managing their many priorities.”

Individual results:

Policy debate: 1. Dani Mayeaux and Ali Hirsch, 2. Abby Lowry and Ian Caltabiano, 6. Douglas Mercer and Ian Lacey

Public forum debate: 1. Seth Carmichael and Zoe Dugan, 3. Mary Hooks and Hayden Brandt

Lincoln-Douglas debate: 6. Lilly Butts

Extemporaneous: 4. Abigail Bowden

Original oratory: 8. Libby Goldhirsch

Informative: 5. Regan Tintzman

Memorized public address: 2. Grace Benkelman, 7. Aidan Reid

Humorous interpretation: 5. Logan Mercer, 7. Danika Tintzman, 8. Jasmine Reese

Dramatic interpretation: 1. Lucy Schindler, 4. Ella Shaw, 5. Naya Brigette