Columbia Falls speech and debate second at state

The Columbia Falls Speech and Debate team wrapped up another strong season this weekend at the state tournament in Corvallis, taking second to Whitefish.

The season-long competition among Flathead Valley schools once again took center stage, with the three valley programs claiming the top spots in the sweepstakes standings. Columbia Falls had 247 points, behind Whitefish, which earned the state title with 281 points. Bigfork placed third with 105 points, completing a Flathead Valley sweep. 

“The addition of Bigfork as a Class A program two years ago has shifted the competitive landscape, particularly in interpretation events.  This change reflects the continued growth and strength of speech and debate in the Flathead Valley and gives us a direction of focus as we look towards next year.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for the dedication and effort they showed throughout the season. They represented Columbia Falls with skill and professionalism, and they take great pride in earning a state runner-up finish alongside two outstanding valley programs,” coach Dawn Wheeler said.

Congratulations to Eleanor Smiley - state champ in Informative; Malakai Shaw and Chloe Kinsella, state champions in Public Forum; and Kory Moran - state champ in Dramatic Interpretation. 

The following Wildcats also placed in their events:

Tia Marie Poor, 2nd in Dramatic Interp

Eleanor Smiley, 2nd in Impromptu

Megan Day & Lily Aveson, 2nd in Policy Debate

Merell Cooley, 3rd in Memorized Public Address

Kajsa Mohr & Kory Moran, 3rd in Duo Interp

Merrick Fairchild, 3rd in Extemporaneous

Merell Cooley, 4th in Original Oratory

Greyson Pfeifle, 4th in Informative

Tia Marie Poor, 4th in Humorous Interp

Merrick Fairchild, 5th in Program Oral Interp

Kendal Moultray & Cheyanne Dear-Ruel, 5th in Policy Debate

Phebe Smiley & Bailey Combs, 7th in Policy Debate

Logan Emerson & Sage Petioni, 7th in Public Forum Debate

Kira Shanks, 7th in Program Oral Interp

Abby Lawhead, 7th in Impromptu

Emma Wilcox, 7th in Original Oratory

Lizzie Burton, 8th in Informative

Greyson Pfeifle, 8th in Extemporaneous

Keian Moran & Kaya Carlburg, 8th in PUblic Forum Debate

Abby Lawhead, 8th in Original Oratory