The Bigfork High School Speech and Debate team opened their season on Saturday in Polson.

This year’s team is largely untested, coach Charlie Appleby said. Five of the nine members who competed on Saturday are new to speech and debate. New members to the team include junior Damon Maitland and freshmen Adam Jensen, Riley Hoveland, Grace Olechowski and Reuben Hubbard.

Despite being a fairly young team, Bigfork still performed well in Polson. 

“We were especially impressed with the work of Grace and Reuben, they are freshmen, new to debate and both finished 3-1 losing only to eventual champion Colter Norick,” Appleby said.

Overall there are 27 students participating in speech and debate, but because of fall sports competitions, only nine were able to compete in Polson.

Bigfork Speech and Debate, Polson Invitational

Elizabeth Kalenak 4th place HOI

Stacey Poulson 5th Place SOI and 7th Place HOI

Melody McHaley 3rd Place Serious Solo

Damon and Brett 2nd Place Hum Duo

Adam Jensen 7th Place Impromptu

Riley Hoveland 5th Place Serious Solo

Grace Olechowski 3rd Place LD Debate

Reuben Hubbard 2nd Place LD Debate