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Whitefish speech and debate has challenging week as season end approaches

by Whitefish Pilot
| January 22, 2025 12:00 AM

Whitefish High School’s speech and debate team placed just behind Columbia Falls in the team sweeps at its home competition last week with 223 to 220 points. Hamilton came in third with 36 points.  

Despite the added challenge in hosting, resulting in less availability for coaches, “in some ways, it is our favorite week,” said Sara Mueller, Whitefish head coach.  

“Our team comes together in a unique way. They help each other practice, provide feedback and support each other throughout the tournament,” Mueller added. 

“This is exactly where we need to be going into what will be an exciting race to the finish for the state championship.” 

The Western A Divisionals tournament is Saturday, Jan. 25 in Polson. The team will vie for a Class A state title the week after in Laurel.  

“We cannot predict the final result in this back-and-forth season, but I am so proud of what we have become,” Mueller said.  

Public Forum: 3. Shailey Green and Avery McPherson, 7. Marcus Mercer and Gracie Sliman, 8. Brynn McDonald and Solvei Gunderson 

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: 1. Charlotte Perkins, 5. Ana Alevizos 

Policy Debate: 1. Jake Dunker and Bjorn Bungener, 2. Vana Fortune and Ethan Hunsaker, 6. Cohen Gates and Andrew Gibbs 

Extemporaneous: 1. David Losee, 3. Avery Sorenson, 4. Mason Loeffler 

Impromptu: 3. Iona Sarraille, 4. Astir Pulsifer, 8. Samantha Keim 

Informative: 2. Scarlet Burke 

Memorized Public Address: 1. Unity Loveless, 5. Logan Covey, 6. Mason Loeffler 

Original Oratory: 2. Astir Pulsifer, 7. David Losee 

Dramatic Interp: 6. Coy Moss 

Humorous Interp: 2. Lillian Nelson 

Duo Interp: 1. Scarlet Burke and Unity Loveless, 4. Avery Sorensen and Lizzy Holien 

Program Oral Interp: 2. Iona Sarraille, 3. Maren Cromie 

Sweeps: 1. Columbia Falls (223), 2. Whitefish (220), 3. Hamilton (36)