Local Class AA speech and debate teams are hoping to talk their way to the top with the first competition of the season kicking off Nov. 2 in Missoula and Columbia Falls.

The Glacier High School Wolfpack will defend its title as AA state champions and seek a fourth consecutive title. The Flathead High School Braves and Bravettes, who placed second at last year’s state tournament, are keeping pace and striving to win back the state title.

Fans and competitors of Glacier should keep their eye on 36 returning veterans. Among them is state champion senior Teesa Palmatier, who will compete in Original Oratory this year, and returning national qualifiers Noah Hill, Public Forum Debate; Abby Van Allen, Duo Oral Interpretation; Ruben Castren, Public Forum Debate;  Ben Habel, Duo Interpretation and Memorized Public Address; and Grant Germann, Legislative Debate.

There are currently 150 students who make up the Wolfpack team, and head coach Greg Adkins is excited to watch newcomers Rachel Bjork, Impromptu Speaking and Duo Oral Interpretation; Hannah Healy, Original Oratory; Erick Franklund, Policy Debate; Alicia Frye, Memorized Public Address; Mitch Gilman, Extemporaneous Speaking; Riley Wilton, Serious Interpretation; Colin Hill, Policy Debate; and Brock Adkins, Memorized Public Address and Original Oratory, make their mark this season.

“The key to our success is balance and depth,” Adkins said. “We expect to be strong in Policy Debate, Public Forum Debate, Oratory, Expository and Memorized Public Address this season.”

Along with their cross-town rival, Bozeman will continue to be a top contender for Glacier.

“On paper, Flathead is the team to beat,” Adkins said. “They have a great returning crew, especially in Interp, and a magnificent coaching staff. As always, I expect Bozeman to be a contender as well. It will be interesting to see how they transition with a new head coach, but Bozeman has a solid program who has a strong tradition.”

Among Glacier’s many goals this season, Adkins said he wanted a season filled with pride, happiness and a sense of accomplishment with respect for growth, leadership and discipline on the team and in the community.

Flathead head coach Shannon O’Donnell said Glacier is the team to beat, without question. But with 21 state titles dating back to 1943, the Braves and Bravettes are optimistic.

“Our history is what makes Flathead High’s legacy the best in the state,” O’Donnell said.

O’Donnell continues to shape the team in her second season as head coach.

“[Some goals for the season are to] continue the process necessary for building a long-term competitive team, develop consistency in semis and finals, create a strong mentor program for our newcomers,” she said.

Sixty-five students are returning to the Flathead team, including state champions and national qualifiers Parker Kouns and Wyatt Dykhuizen in Duo Interpretation and last year’s Memorized Public Address state champion Brooke Wahlert.

Competitors should also keep their eye on returning veterans Glenn Strickler, Expository Speaking, and Sydney Boveng, Humorous Interpretation.

About 80 rookies also join the Braves and Bravettes. O’Donnell said it is too early to see which newcomers will rise to the top.

“One of the challenges of rebuilding a young team is that we are still trying to develop consistency,” O’Donnell said. “However, we have done well in Interp for the past few years, sending kids to back-to-back nationals — Jesse Francis in Humorous Interp and last year Parker and Wyatt in Duo.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.