Whitefish speech and debate finishes fourth at state tournament

The Bulldog speech and debate team had a good showing at the Class A State Tournament in Corvallis over the weekend.

Whitefish came away with a fourth-place finish with 89 total points. Frenchtown won the state title, with Columbia Falls in second place and Laurel in third.

“I’m so very proud of this team,” Whitefish head coach Sara Mueller said. “Not only did they compete well and experience some personal highs, but they also dealt with adversity and challenging situations with grace and sportsmanship.”

Whitefish senior Emma Trieweiler won the state championship in humorous interpretation to lead the Bulldogs. She also took fourth in extemporaneous speaking.

“Emma Trieweiler won the state championship in humorous interp, highlighting state achievements that include a 2022 finalist in extemp and a fifth-place policy debate placing last year,” Mueller said.

The team of Gavin Carmichael and Alex Losee were runner-up state champions in policy debate, another highlight for the Whitefish team.

“I’m excited for Gavin’s career ending personal best and really looking forward to what his partner, Alex will bring to the team next year,” she added.

Another Bulldog senior Gabby Pickert placed third in dramatic interpretation and senior Adrienne Healy was fourth in informative.

State A Tournament results:

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: 8. Ella Walker

Policy Debate: 2. Gavin Carmichael and Alex Losee

Extemp: 4. Emma Trieweiler

Informative: 4. Adrienne Healy

Dramatic Interp: 3. Gabby Pickert

Humorous Interp: 1. Emma Trieweiler

Sweepstakes: 1. Frenchtown, 2. Columbia Falls, 3. Laurel. 4. Whitefish