Whitefish speech and debate third at divisionals

Whitefish Bulldog speech and debate had an excellent showing at the Western A Divisional Tournament over the weekend in Frenchtown.

The Bulldogs earned 18 qualifying slots heading into the state tournament beginning on Friday. At divisionals Whitefish as a team took third in sweepstakes points, finishing behind Frenchtown in first and Columbia Falls in second place. Both Frenchtown and Columbia Falls have been vying with Whitefish for top Class A team in several tournaments this season and Bulldog coach Sara Mueller expects to see that again at the state tournament.

“Although we have intense competition from Frenchtown and Columbia Falls, we have students in good positions to make runs for an individual state championship,” Mueller said.

Whitefish senior Adrienne Healy was a top finisher again, taking second place in informative speaking at divisionals. Another senior Emma Trieweiler took second in extemporaneous speaking while teammate Sydney Garcia took third in that same category. Trieweiler also took fourth in humorous interpretation.

In the public forum debate, the Whitefish team of May rowles and Jayce McDonals placed fourth and in policy debate Whitefish’s top finishing team was Niko Hunter and Evan Barberis. In dramatic interpretation, Gabby Pickert placed fourth as well.

“We are excited to head into state in Corvallis with 18 qualifying slots,” Mueller said. “I was proud of the persistence of the students across the long day of Divisionals."

Mueller added that the team is looking forward to a solid career ending at state for a core group of seniors, including Niko Hunter, Evan Barberis, Gavin Carmichael, Emma Trieweiler, Sydney Garcia, Adrienne Healy, Gabby Pickery, and Paetra Cooke.

Whitefish is slated to compete at the State A tournament on Friday and Saturday in Corvallis.

Western A Divisionals results

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

Public Forum Debate: 4. May Rowles and Jayce McDonald, 8. Addie Blackaby and Zoe Tremper

Policy Debate: 5. Niko Hunter and Evan Barberis, 6. Gavin Carmichael and Alex Losee, 7. Maggie Mercer and Myli Ridgeway

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: 6. Ella Walker, 8. Charlotte Perkins

Extemp: 2. Emma Trieweiler, 3. Sydney Garcia

Impromptu: 6. Zoey Marzo, Also qualifying: Zena Bonds

Original Oratory: 7. Zoey Marzo

Informative: 2. Adrienne Healy, Also qualifying: Gabby Pickert, Paetra Cooke

Humorous Interp: 4. Emma Trieweiler, Also qualifying: Cole Pickert

Dramatic Interp: 4. Gabby Pickert