The Whitefish speech and debate team turned on the heat in the second half of the season and finished its run with a second-place finish in Class A at the State Tournament in Sidney last weekend.

The Bulldogs had 125 sweepstakes points to take second to State A champs Columbia Falls; Laurel came in third.

“We are thrilled to bring a second-place trophy home with us from state. We knew we had our work cut out for us with Columbia Falls, Laurel and Frenchtown, as well as some strong performances from East Helena, Corvallis and Billings Central to contend with,” Whitefish coach Sara Mueller said. “Heading in, third was the goal, and second was the dream. We are excited to be living the dream today.

“Congratulations to Columbia Falls, who pushes us every season,” she added. “Speech and debate is alive and well in the North Valley!”

Whitefish had several second-place finishes on the way to the team placing. In policy debate, the team of Alex Losee and Vana Fortune placed second as did May Rowles and Jayce McDonald in the public forum debate.

Bulldog Charlotte Perkins placed second in the Lincoln-Douglas debate and in duo interpretation, Cole Pickert and Jackson Schindler also took second place.

The team of seniors Addie Blackaby and Zoe Tremper placed fourth in public forum debate.

Overall Whitefish had 12 students place in the Class A State Tournament.

“Whitefish will graduate three seniors whose legacy of talent and moral leadership will far outlast them. Addie Blackaby, Zoe Tremper and May Rowles will still leave big shoes to fill on the team,” Mueller said.

Whitefish results for Class A State:

Policy Debate: 2. Alex Losee and Vana Fortune

Public Forum Debate: 2. May Rowles and Jayce McDonald, 4. Addie Blackaby and Zoe Tremper

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: 2. Charlotte Perkins

Impromptu: 6. Iona Sarraille

Memorized Public Address: 7. Lauren Rossi, 8. Iona Sarraille

Informative: 8. Scarlet Burke

Duo Interp: 2. Cole Pickert and Jackson Schindler

Sweeps: 1. Columbia Falls, 2. Whitefish (125), 3. Laurel