Whitefish speech and debate win Divisionals

The Whitefish speech and debate team narrowly defeated Columbia Falls to claim the 2026 Divisional title in Ronan last weekend.  

“We were really pushed to our limits at the divisional tournament this weekend by a very talented Columbia Falls team,” said Whitefish Coach Sara Mueller.   

The Bulldogs brought home five event titles, including a 1-2 finish in Original Oratory and a top three sweep in Public Forum Debate. 

“The two-point difference after scoring over 220 points a piece for the Divisional championship shows just how tightly matched our two teams are heading into the state tournament,” Mueller said. “We expect to need every minute of practice and focus throughout the week and to need to show our best every round in Corvallis this weekend.” 

The Bulldogs compete in the Class A State Tournament in Corvallis Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30-31.  

Whitefish Divisionals results: 

Policy Debate: 3. Bjorn Bungener and Cohen Gates, 6. Annika Alevizos and Zooey Alevizos, 7. Andrew Gibbs and Ozel Peters 

Public Forum Debate: 1. David Losee and Avery Sorensen, 2. Shailey Green and Avery McPherson, 3. Marcus Mercer and Gracie Sliman 

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: 3. Kaya Naumovich, 4. Sage Delaloye, 6. Ana Alevizos 

Extemporaneous: 1. Mason Loeffler, 4. Logan Covey, 8. Fawkes Flaherty 

Impromptu: 1. Astir Pulsifer, 5. Sierra Gibb, Qualifier: Sam Keim 

Informative: 7. Ella Siddall-Kim, Qualifiers: E Ratchye, Kaylynn Gates 

Memorized Public Address: 1. Unity Loveless, 5. Mason Loeffler, 6. Logan Covey 

Original Oratory: 1. Astir Pulsifer, 2. Meghan Amick, Qualifier: Margaret Leipzig 

Dramatic Interpretation: 3. Aiden Cubbage, Qualifiers: Jasper Chisholm, Cassidy Krack 

Humorous Interpretation: 7. Lillian Nelson, 8. Sierra Gibb 

Duo Interpretation: 4. Scarlet Burke and Unity Loveless, 5. Cassidy Krack and Lillian Nelson, 8. Meghan Amick and Kaylynn Gates 

Program Oral Interpretation: 2. Scarlet Burke, 4. Aiden Cubbage, 8. Charlie Helgeson 

SWEEPS: 1. Whitefish (224), 2. Columbia Falls, 3. Hamilton