The Columbia Falls speech and debate team picked up another win last week as they stayed close to home for the Bigfork Invitational. The Wildcats scored 178 points to take the sweeps title over Polson, which finished second with 100.

Columbia Falls also outscored both AA teams at the meet, earning points in all 10 events.

“We have always worked hard to build a foundational team,” head coach Tara Norick said. “We play as a team, and every competitor contributes to our overall success.”

Senior debaters Cassidy Norick and Kelsey Wright were the top finishers for the Wildcats, taking first in Public Forum Debate after defeating teammates, Delaney Conger and Lara Erickson in the finals round of the fast-paced, crossfire style event.

The Wildcats also finished second in seven other events including Ian McKenzie and Maggie McKeon in policy debate, Raphe Salmon in Lincoln-Douglas debate, Sam Lovering in extemporaneous speaking, Paige Moriarty in impromptu speaking and original oratory, Ave´ McDonald in humorous interpretation and Emmalee Hellen in memorized public address.

Shyane Williams and Ava Foley were third in policy debate, Isaac Adams was third in humorous interpretation and Haileigh Bayee was third in original oratory.

The team will be back in action this weekend as they compete at the Frenchtown Invitational as they continue to chase their 21st state title and 14th in a row.

“We continue to build our team and focus on every tournament, every speech, every round,” Norick said. “These incredibly talented kids put their heart and soul into what they do. They are passionate and hard working. The success they earn is a simple reflection of that.”

Bigfork Invitational:

Policy Debate:

2nd Ian McKenzie and Maggie McKeon

3rd Shyane Williams and Ava Foley

4th Calie Jo Johnson and Tre Finley

Public Forum Debate:

1st Cassidy Norick and Kelsey Wright

2nd Lara Erickson & Laney Conger

6th Emma Stephens & Griffin Conger

Lincoln Douglas Debate:

2nd Raphe Salmon

9th Jayden Webb

Extemporaneous:

2nd Sam Lovering

Impromptu:

2nd Paige Moriarty

Humorous Interpretation:

2nd Ave’ McDonald

3rd Isaac Adams

Dramatic Interpretation:

4th Isaac Adams

Original Oratory:

2nd Paige Moriarty

3rd Haileigh Bayee

6th Suzanna Rosalez

Memorized Public Address:

2nd Emmalee Hellen

Informative:

5th Katherine MacPherson

6th Anna Pickard

Sweeps (team score)

1st Columbia Falls 178

2nd Polson 100

3rd Libby 9