Bigfork takes first in home tournament
Bigfork High School Speech and Debate cleaned up the sweepstakes points on home turf over the weekend for a first-place finish in Class B-C.
The Bigfork team amassed 101 overall points. In second place was Eureka with seven points.
Eleven teams competed at the Bigfork Invitational including Class AA and Class A.
“I think each competitor had their best meet of the year, and that is all you can ask for, growth. As for our actual placings, I am ecstatic,” said Bigfork Head Coach Charlie Appleby.
Columbia Falls brought their “A” game to the competition, amassing 178 overall points to defeat second-place finisher Polson, with 100 points. Libby placed third with 9 points.
“We continue to build our team and focus on every tournament, every speech, every round,” Columbia Falls Head Coach Tara Norick said. “These incredibly talented kids put their heart and soul into what they do. They are passionate and hard working. The success they earn is a simple reflection of that.”
In Class AA, junior varsity teams from Glacier and Flathead took first and second place with 81 and 22 points, respectively.
Following are individual results for local teams.
Policy Debate
1. Anton Young and Elyse Pendlay, Bigfork
2. Ian McKenzie and Maggie McKeon, Columbia Falls
3. Shyane Williams and Ava Foley, Columbia Falls
4. Calie Jo Johnson and Tre Finley, Columbia Falls
5. Maddie Johnson and Libby Schneider, Glacier
7. Mariah Dickey and Nicole Mitchell, Glacier
Public Forum Debate
1. Cassidy Norick and Kelsey Wright, Columbia Falls
2. Lara Erickson and Laney Conger, Columbia Falls
3. Cole Hider and Ben Johnson, Bigfork
5. Mickaela Rebich and Garrett Hinzman, Glacier
6. Emma Stephens and Griffin Conger, Columbia Falls
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
2. Raphe Salmon, Columbia Falls
5. Kate Reese, Bigfork
7. Tyler Cockerill, Glacier
8. Isabelle Johnson, Glacier
9. Jayden Webb, Columbia Falls
Original Oratory
1. Emma Thompson, Flathead
2. Paige Moriarty, Columbia Falls
3. Haileigh Bayee, Columbia Falls
6. Suzanna Rosalez, Columbia Falls
8. Hailey Boisvert, Bigfork
Impromptu Speaking
1. Ben Kelle, Bigfork
2. Paige Moriarty, Columbia Falls
3. Ethan Eagleton, Glacier
5. Jane Trina, Glacier
4. Adam Bigley, Flathead
6. Rylee Burkhart, Flathead
7. Caleb Lamb, Glacier
Extemporaneous Speaking
1. Kristen Hutz, Bigfork
2. Sam Lovering, Columbia Falls
4. Johan Buzzard, Glacier
7. Mayaana Sattler, Flathead
8. Emily Hove, Flathead
Informative Speaking
1. Anya Young, Bigfork
2. Hailee Williams, Glacier
3. Alexis Reiner, Glacier
4. Scout Jessop, Bigfork
5. Katherine MacPherson, Columbia Falls
6. Anna Pickard, Columbia Falls
Memorized Public Address
1. Maya Hartig, Bigfork
2. Emmalee Hellen, Columbia Falls
4. Madigan Kinslow, Bigfork
5. Ty Espeseth, Glacier
6. Natalie Knuffke, Glacier
7. Emily DeWitt, Glacier
Dramatic Interpretation
2. Jane Trina, Glacier
3. Janaysa Amaker, Glacier
4. Isaac Adams, Columbia Falls
5. Ellie Haag, Glacier
8. Abigail Garza, Glacier
Humorous Interpretation
2. Ave’ McDonald, Columbia Falls
3. Isaac Adams, Columbia Falls
6. Andrew Brooks, Flathead
7. Johan Buzzard, Glacier
8. Teagan Powell, Glacier