BHS speech and debate team finishes well in Polson tourney

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

Jerry Gaiser and Jacob Sefcak finished first in Humorous Duo and helped Bigfork to take fifth place in drama, despite only having six competitors in the category, at last weekend's speech, debate and drama meet in Polson.

"This sets up a great competition between the team from Corvallis that beat Jerry and Jacob last week in Hamilton and beat them out for the state championship last year by the narrowest of margins," said Bigfork head speech, debate and drama coach Charlie Appleby.

Senior Becca Denning took second place in Humorous Solo, in what was her first meet of the season.

"Becca has a natural ability and perfect comedic timing," Appleby said. "With a little work she could go very far this year."

Angie Gross took fourth place despite difficult competition and erratic judges.

"You never know what you are going to get when it comes to serious solo," Appleby said. "Many judges reward over acting, while others stick strictly to the guidelines in the handbook."

Newcomer Tanner Eshom and veteran Brandon Western teamed up for a Humorous Duo entry in which they performed a rendition of Aladdin and took fourth place. In their version the genie popped out of a dog house.

In the sppech competion, Kayla Carlson placed second in the Memorized Public Address event against 23 other students. Gavyn Duthie finished seventh in the Lincoln-Douglas debate event, and became the first student from Bigfork to place in the event in over four years.

"This weekend was a great measuring stick for the Bigfork team thus far," Appleby said.

The team travels to Flathead High School for a two-day meet Nov. 21 and 22.