Wildcat speech, debate takes first in Belgrade

Jerelyn Jones took first in humorous oral interpretation and Chloe Foster nabbed a first in memorized public address as the Columbia Falls speech and debate team won the Class A sweeps at the Belgrade Invitational Saturday.

Laurel placed second with 58 points, and Whitefish, third with 56 total points.

“We were excited to have the chance to compete with teams from the central and eastern divisions,” coach Tara Norick said. “The state tournament will be held in Laurel at the end of January, so being able to see teams from across the state felt good.”

The Columbia Falls team has a strong senior contingent this year, but the younger members of the team are definitely flexing their muscles this season, Norick noted.

In policy team debate, junior Danielle Schwalk and sophomore Ian McKenzie fought their way to an undefeated record for the preliminary rounds, earning them one of two spots in the finals round, and finishing a strong second against AA powerhouse Bozeman.

“We have a strong team this year, but it is still barely mid-way through the season. We face a lot of tough competitors leading up to our hosting of the divisionals tournament in Columbia Falls on Jan. 21. We are excited to keep our streak going, but we’re not complacent about the amount of work we have ahead of us,” Norick said.

Columbia Falls results:

Policy Debate

2nd - Ian McKenzie and Danielle Schwalk

4th - Annabel Conger and Colin Norick

Lincoln Douglas Debate

6th - Mikel Knutson

8th - Tyler Brown

Public Forum Debate

5th - Ava Chisholm and Anna Nicosia

6th - Delaney Conger and Maggie McKeon

8th - Cassidy Norick and Kelsey Wright

Memorized Public Address

1st - Chloe Foster

2nd - Joey Chester

4th - Emma Erickson

Humorous Oral Interpretation

1st - Jerelyn Jones

5th - Brandon Karberg

6th - Jordyn King

Extemporaneous

4th - Alex Garate

Impromptu

3rd - Willie Baltz

7th - Madeline Jarvis

Oratory

4th - Willie Baltz

5th - Miranda Lauria

Dramatic Interpretation

2nd - Estevon Torres

SPOI

2nd - Lizzy Olsen

Informative

5th - Kennedy Payne