Whitefish's speech and debate team took second at Western A Divisionals in Polson last weekend.  

Columbia Falls had the edge again with 236 points in the team sweepstakes to Whitefish’s 220, continuing a season of close finishes between the rivalry teams.  

The Bulldogs had four Divisional champions in Policy Debate, Informative, Memorized Public Address, and Extemporaneous Speaking.  

Every Whitefish competitor qualified for state in at least one of their events.  

“I am so proud of the powerhouse, collective force this team has become,” said Whitefish Coach Sara Mueller. “We head into the state tournament a bit down in numbers, but certainly not out, against a very talented and well-coached perennial favorite Columbia Falls team. 

“This has been a season of back-and-forth results and I expect no different in Laurel,” Mueller said.  

The Bulldogs will head to Laurel for the Class A State Tournament this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31 – Feb. 1.   

Whitefish’s Western A Divisional results: 

Policy Debate: 1. Jake Dunker and Bjorn Bungener, 4. Vana Fortune and Ethan Hunsaker, 5. Andrew Gibbs and Cohen Gates 

Public Forum Debate: 2. Marcus Mercer and Gracie Sliman, 3. Shailey Green and Avery McPherson, 4. Brynn McDonald and Solvei Gunderson 

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: 2. Charlotte Perkins, 7. Ana Alevizos, 8. E Ratchye 

Extemp: 1. Mason Loeffler, 2. David Losee, 4. Avery Sorensen 

Impromptu: 2. Astir Pulsifer, 7. Samantha Keim, Qualifier: Iona Sarraille 

Original Oratory: 2. Astir Pulsifer, 4. Lizzy Holien 

Memorized Public Address: 1. Unity Loveless, 7. Mason Loeffler, 8. Logan Covey 

Informative: 1. Scarlet Burke 

Humorous Interpretation: 4. Lillian Nelson, Qualifier: Charlie Helgeson 

Dramatic Interpretation: Qualifier: Aiden Cubbage 

Duo Interpretation: 3. Scarlet Burke and Unity Loveless, Qualifiers: Lizzy Holien and Avery Sorensen; Lillian Nelson and Coy Moss 

Program Oral Interpretation: 3. Iona Sarraille, 5. Maren Cromie, Qualifier: Isla Perkins