The Columbia Falls High School speech and debate team had a repeat win at a Saturday tournament hosted by Whitefish High School. 

“While the Wildcats once again took top honors with 138 points, the events were competitive, with the Whitefish team once again placing second with 115 points and Bigfork placing third with 90 points — a much tighter point spread,” Columbia Falls head coach Dawn Wheeler said. 

The second tournament of the season featured 17 high schools representing Class A, B and AA schools. 

“We’re really proud of how our students performed. The competition gets tougher each week, and it’s still early in the season. These close results push everyone to keep improving and stay sharp,” she added. 

Whitefish recognized the efforts of its upperclassmen at the home tournament. 

“Our seniors continue to lead the way both competitively and culturally for our team," Whitefish head coach Sara Mueller said. “Host week requires great amounts of upperclassman leadership, as coaches are busy with planning.” 

For Bigfork High School, the tournament marks the third of its season.  

“The Bigfork speech, drama and debate team is off to an absolutely fantastic start this season, showing incredible momentum and promise," she said. “With a robust roster of 10 varsity members and seven junior varsity members, this talented group is moving forward with the drive and determination of a force that simply won't be stopped. 

Class AA teams, such as Glacier and Flathead high schools, took the opportunity to have their junior varsity teams compete. Flathead amassed 121 overall points to finish first among Class AA schools and Glacier, third, with 63 points.  

As the tournament host, Whitefish head coach Sara Mueller thanked the 140 community volunteers who turned out to judge events. 

“Our judges left encouraged by what they saw in the next generation, thanks in large part to some great coaching,” she said. 

Team members Unity Loveless and David Losee were honored as tournament captains. 

“This honor recognizes those who have represented a spirit of leadership, sportsmanship and dedication during the lead up to each tournament usually selected by the coaches. However, this award is particularly meaningful during home meet, as the students nominate and vote on these award winners,” she said. 

Following are local results.  

Policy Debate 

1. Bjorn Bungener and Cohen Gates, Whitefish  

2. Mikayla King and Cayden Porter, Flathead 

3. Megan Day and Lily Aveson, Columbia Falls 

5. Bailey Combs and Phebe Smiley, Columbia Falls 

6. Cheyenne Dear-Ruel and Kendal Moultray, Columbia Falls 

8. Payton McCoy and Jayis Holm, Glacier 

Public Forum Debate 

1. Sarah Loran and Keegan West, Flathead 

2. Abigail O'Oconnell and Fin Reed, Flathead 

3, Shaw and Kinsella, Flathead 

4. Chloe Kinsells and Malakai Shaw, Columbia Falls 

5. Morrison and Vatti, Flathead 

6.  Madhav Gautam and Griffin Ingersoll, Glacier 

7.  Anna Stanfield and Asher Stanfield, Glacier 

8. Olivier Casey and Huzhau Miele, Glacier 

Lincoln-Douglas Debate 

2. Vikram Vatti, Flathead 

3. Josie Ekholt, Columbia Falls  

4. Kaya Naumovich, Whitefish 

8. Sage Delaloye, Whitefish 

Extemporaneous Speaking  

1. Mason Loeffler, Whitefish 

2. David Losee, Whitefish 

3. Merrick Fairchild, Columbia Falls  

5. Logan Covey, Whitefish 

8. Lauren Pittman, Glacier 

Informative Speaking 

1. Eleanor Smiley, Columbia Falls 

7. Gaia Givenelli, Glacier 

8. Parker Scherer, Glacier 

Impromptu Speaking 

1. Astir Pulsifer, Whitefish 

3. Naemi Creighton, Glacier 

4. Eleanor Smiley, Columbia Falls 

5. David Losee, Whitefish 

6. Kira Shanks, Columbia Falls  

7. Sam Keim, Whitefish 

8. Merrick Fairchild, Columbia Falls 

Duo Interpretation 

1. Micah Butler and Brody Henion, Bigfork 

2. Brandon Widhalm and Von Blanchard, Columbia Falls 

3. Oliva Close and Jake Baldi, Bigfork 

5. Madeline Pomeroy and Cy Devlin, Bigfork 

6. Jaydon Pesola and Jasper Wilde, Flathead 

Dramatic Interpretation 

1. Kory Moran, Columbia Falls 

2. Rylee Wood, Bigfork 

3. Rozlynn Ray, Glacier 

4. Tia-Marie Poor, Columbia Falls 

5. Emma Presley, Glacier 

6. Jaydon Pesola, Flathead 

7. Von Blanchard, Columbia Falls 

8. Christina Eddins, Glacier 

Humorous Interpretation 

1. Jake Baldi, Bigfork 

2. Tia-Marie Poor, Columbia Falls 

3. Brody Henion, Bigfork 

4. Jasper Wilde, Flathead 

6. Unity Loveless, Whitefish 

7. Danika Sudan, Glacier 

8. Jayden Astley, Flathead 

Program Oral Interpretation 

1. Layna Astley, Flathead 

2. Kira Shanks, Columbia Falls 

3. Faith Fernandez, Glacier 

4. Lindy Porter, Flathead 

5. Kyla Turley, Glacier 

7. Payton Holtz, Glacier 

8. Nahla Love, Glacier 

Memorized Public Address 

1. Unity Loveless, Whitefish 

2. Mason Loeffler, Whitefish 

3. Logan Covey, Whitefish 

5. Tregan Blades, Glacier 

6. Merell Cooley, Columbia Falls 

7. Emery Lindemann, Glacier 

8. Olivia Lawson, Columbia Falls 

Original Oratory 

1. Madeline Pomeroy, Bigfork 

2. Astir Pulsifer, Whitefish 

3. Meghan Amick, Whitefish 

8. Abby Lawhead, Columbia Falls 

Humorous Solo 

2. Riggins Jessop, Bigfork 

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected].