Whitefish High School Speech and Debate is off to a strong start with a first-place finish at a Stevensville tournament.

“The students have dedicated themselves fully to being prepared and well-practiced since the first of October and the payoff was obvious on Saturday,” said Whitefish Head Coach Sara Mueller, noting that the team went up against last year’s second- and third-place Class A state finishers Belgrade and Hamilton.

Whitefish won the tournament with 121 sweepstakes points followed by Hamilton with 85 and Belgrade with 48.

“Teams are not yet at full strength due to fall sports participation, so we are well aware the work is just beginning and look forward to the exciting season ahead,” Mueller said.

Following are individual results for Whitefish:

•  Impromptu Speaking — 1. Abbie Belcher, 3. Teigen Tremper, 5. Sam Benkelman
•  Extemporaneous Speaking — 1. Abbie Belcher, 3. Zach Ade, 4. Makkie Haller
•  Memorized Public Address — 2. Zach Ade, 7. Austin Reese
•  Original Oratory — 1. Sam Benkelman, 3. Hunter Cripe
•  Humorous Oral Interpretation — 5. Saige Perchy, 6. Makkie Haller, 7. Jasmine Reese.
•  Dramatic Oral Interpretation — 2. Hunter Cripe, 6. Naya Brigette.
•  Lincoln-Douglas Debate — 5. Dakota Henson
•  Policy Debate — 3. Zach Kasselder and Ian Caltabiano, 6. Jade Greenberg and Ella Greenberg