The Whitefish speech and debate team had a few competitors place last weekend at the Kalispell tournament.

“Whitefish hung tough alongside 600 other competitors during our largest tournament of the season,” said coach Sara Mueller. “With six finalists including champion Sam Benkelman, three semi-finalists, and four quarter-finalists, we had a whole team effort that led to fifth place in sweepstakes.”

Sam Benkelman earned a first place medal in expository.

Whitefish finished in fifth place sweepstakes points among Class A/B schools, including powerhouses Columbia Falls in first and Loyola Sacred Heart in second place. Hamilton rounded out the top three teams.

A narrow margin of 8.5 point separated Whitefish from third place Hamilton and fourth place Stevensville, noted Mueller.

The team had two tournament captains, Jordan Reese and Galen Jamison, who were honored for their efforts over the week.

Individual results:

Original oratory: 6. Hira Ramay

Serious oral interpretation: 7. Hunter Cripe

Expository: 1. Sam Benkelman

Novice policy debate: 5. Zach Kasselder and Galen Jamison