C-Falls speakers take first at Bigfork

Columbia Falls had four first-place finishers as they routed the competition at the Bigfork Invitational speech and debate tournament Jan. 10.

Annabel Conger and Colin Norick won in policy debate, Meredith Stolte took first in impromptu and original oratory, Ava Chisholm won humorous oral interpretation and Bailey Duke nabbed a gold in serious oral interpretation.

The Wildcats had 147 points, Hamilton had 70 for second.

“Our team worked hard over the break, and we placed well including a first or second in almost every event,” coach Tara Norick said. “There is only one remaining regular season tournament at Loyola in Missoula to refine our speeches and prepare for debates, so it will be a busy week.”

Columbia Falls will host the state Class A tournament Jan. 30-31 and is looking for judges. Anyone interested can contact Norick at 249-6177.

Policy debate

2nd Hailey Lemburg and Tya Bonawitz

Lincoln-Douglas debate

2nd Colter Norick

5th Mikel Knutson

Extemporaneous

speaking

8th Cody Phillips

Original oratory

4th Chloe Foster

6th Casey Shea

Memorized

public address

2nd Bre Friar

6th Chloe Foster

7th Bailey Duke

Humorous oral

interpretation

4th Jenna Smith

Serious oral interpretation

4th Estevon Torres

6th Jenna Smith

Expository speaking

4th Sam Gilk

6th Emily Getts

7th Miranda Lauria