Debate team mix of veterans, newcomers

Whitefish Speech and Debate has six returning letter winners and a group of 24 newcomers on the team this season.

Returning juniors Sloan Ellis and Sage Jackson were selected captains of the team.

According to Jackson, the large number of underclassman “has huge potential.”

“I’m very excited for this year,” she said.

Assistant coach Sara Mueller describes the returning veterans as “ready, prepared and demonstrating leadership.”

Ellis is positive about the season.

“We’re really looking forward to having an amazing season this year,” she said. “We’ve got several returning letter winners that will help lead the team and a lot of new people to fill our ranks.”

Whitefish will attend its first Class A tournament in Browning Nov. 3, but will not field its full team until Nov. 17 in Hamilton. Some team members will miss the opening tournament due to SAT testing and extracurricular conflicts.

“This time of the season is always very fun,” said Coach Gary Carmichael. “Team members are just finishing their soccer, cross country, football, volleyball and golf seasons and now we get to help them find their voice for a different kind of competition. Although the team is young; it is loaded with talent.”

The team will compete in six regular season tournaments preparing them for state and the National Forensic League Tournament.

Last season the team took third place in sweepstakes points at the divisional tourney and 10th place at the state tournament.