C-Falls speakers take first at divisional
Columbia Falls had seven first-place finishers as it won the Northwest Class A speech and debate divisional title on Jan. 24 in Libby.
Winners included Annabel Conger and Colin Norick in policy debate, Caitlyn Long in Lincoln-Douglas debate, Cody Phillips in extemporaneous speaking, Henry Chisholm in impromptu speaking, Bailey Duke in memorized public address and Ava Chisholm in humorous oral interpretation.
“Divisionals is always a tough tournament because if a speaker who has performed well all year has a bad day, they might not qualify for the state tournament,” coach Tara Norick said. “This year, it worked out for Columbia Falls, and all of our competitors on the divisional team will be competing at state meet next week. This can be an emotional time with seniors taking their last bus ride with the team and new team members excited for their first state tournament.”
Columbia Falls will host the state tournament on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30-31. Norick said 544 community members have volunteered to judge the event, and all the slots are filled.
“We have worked hard this season and are facing tough competition from the east, but we are ready for the challenge that the end of the season brings,” she said. “Laurel in the east, Belgrade in the west and Hamilton in the southwest are the teams to watch from each division, and the competition will be close.”
The Wildcats are vying for their 10th straight Class A title.
Policy debate
2nd - Anna Nicosia and Monique Schoech
5th - Gabby Merrell and Mary Ward
Lincoln-Douglas debate
1st - Caitlyn Long
2nd - Mikel Knutson
3rd - Colter Norick
Extemporaneous speaking
1st - Cody Phillips
3rd - Henry Chisholm
4th - Danny Morgan
Impromptu speaking
2nd - Meredith Stolte
3rd - Casey Shea
Original oratory
2nd - Meredith Stolte
4th - Chloe Foster
6th - Casey Shea
Memorized public address
3rd - Bre Friar
5th - Chloe Foster
Humorous oral interpretation
2nd - Jenna Smith
3rd - Jerelyn Jones
Serious oral interpretation
2nd - Bailey Duke
3rd - Jenna Smith
5th - Estevon Torres
Expository speaking
2nd- Emily Getts
3rd - Sam Gilk
4th - Miranda Lauria