Speech and debate champions prove their mettle at state

By HILARY MATHESON

Daily Inter Lake

Flathead High School Speech and Debate triumphed at state over the weekend in Bozeman, bringing home the coveted Class AA trophy.

“It was a very emotional weekend. The semifinal round was a tough one, knocking out three of our returning state champions. We were behind both Glacier and Bozeman going into finals, but the kids who advanced had an incredible final round,” Flathead head coach Shannon O’Donnell said, noting that although the team was shaken following semifinal results, the competitors “rallied like champions” in the final rounds.

The Flathead Braves racked up 168 overall points for the championship title passing top rivals Bozeman in second place with 153.5 points and Glacier High School in third with 131 points.

“We knew we had the talent to win, and team competition has been tight throughout the season,” O’Donnell said giving a nod to coaching staff on all three teams. “GHS and Bozeman both have incredible coaching staffs and competing in Bozeman for a state title is always daunting. However, throughout the season, the FHS assistant coaches have been tirelessly focused on preparing our team.”

Flathead had six individual state champions including: Scott O’Donnell in Impromptu Speaking, Jonah Love in Humorous Interpretation, Anna Christensen in Memorized Public Address, Jillian Wynne in Lincoln Douglas debate, and Lucas Coulter and Braden Anderson in Policy Debate.

“For the team, it is the fulfillment of several years of dedication and determination. We want our team to enjoy this moment. As Bozeman splits into two schools, the ‘Big Three’ speech and debate programs will become the ‘big four.’ With incredible programs in both the Flathead and Gallatin Valleys, we know next year will be another exciting and challenging season,” O’Donnell said.

Glacier High School had four individual champions including: Dresden Allred and Sierra Riley in Duo Interpretation, Asher Robinson in Program of Oral Interpretation and Jane Trina in Dramatic Interpretation.

“We battled, and until the final hours we had a shot at back-to-back state titles, but it wasn’t meant to be in 2020. Flathead and Bozeman just had a better day.”

Finalists for coach of the year awards were also announced at the tournament. The Steve Reardon Coach of the Year finalists are Sara Menssen of Glacier, Shannon O’Donnell of Flathead and Myra Nurre of Billings West.

The Anne Sullivan Debate Coach of the Year finalists include: Josh Munro of Glacier, Meredith Brit of Sentinel and Ashley Johnson of Butte.

Following is a recap of local individual results.

Policy Debate

1. Lucas Coulter and Braden Anderson, Flathead

5. Mercedes Santa and Simon Roston, Glacier

8. Isaac Schroeder and Alexandra Houseworth, Glacier

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

1. Jillian Wynne, Flathead

2. Eva Bruce, Flathead

Public Forum

2. Hannah Nikunen and Liv Wilson, Glacier

Legislative Debate

2. Kianna Storm, Flathead

4. Suzanne Loviska, Glacier

6. Joe Schlegel, Glacier

Extemporaneous Speaking

3. Scott O’Donnell, Flathead

Impromptu Speaking

1. Scott O’Donnell, Flathead

3. Leah Spangler, Flathead

4. Samantha Wallace, Flathead

Program of Oral Interpretation

1. Asher Robinson, Glacier

4. Sierra Rile, Glacier

6. Sarabeth Rogge, Flathead

7. Alexa Wilton, Glacier

Duo Interpretation

1. Dresden Allred and Sierra Riley, Glacier

3. Aiden Christy and Hannah Green, Flathead

4. Jonah Love and Sophia Dykhuizen, Flathead

6. Simon Hill and John Paul Koch-Ford, Glacier

Humorous Interpretation

1. Jonah Love, Flathead

3. Simon Hill, Glacier

7. Davis Rennie, Glacier

Dramatic Interpretation

1. Jane Trina, Glacier

3. Hailey Anderson, Glacier

5. Dresden Allred, Glacier

6. Jarrod Wutke, Glacier

Memorized Public Address

1. Anna Christensen, Flathead

4. Aryana Allred, Glacier

7. Derrick Neater, Flathead

8. Mac Adkins, Glacier

Original Oratory

2. Sarabeth Rogge, Flathead

3. Mac Adkins, Glacier

4. Anna Christensen, Flathead

6. Carson Robison, Flathead

7. Sydney Fletcher, Glacier

Informative Speaking

2. Bohdi Hollman, Flathead

4. Kenna Vanorny, Glacier