Whitefish speakers win again

It was the second tournament of the season and second win Saturday in Hamilton for the Whitefish High School speech and debate team.

In a competitive tournament with 19 teams in attendance, 20 of the Bulldogs' 32 speakers scored team points to secure the win. Three more Whitefish competitors "tied out," meaning they barely missed making finals.

For the second tournament in a row, Allison Frieze and Porsche Erekson led the charge, placing first in Memorized Public Address and second in Original Oratory, respectively.

The Bulldogs dominated in Lincoln Douglas debate with Whitefish speakers Jake deNemi, Kenzie Erekson and Jack Quatman filling three of the four semifinalist spots in a large field of 18 debaters.

On the bus ride home, head speech coach Beth Beaulieu noted "a winning spirit" with this year's squad.

"They're a great bunch of kids," said Beaulieu, "and they give off the feeling that they're excited and want to do well."

Individual Whitefish results from the Hamilton Invitational follow:

Memorized Public Address - 1. Allison Frieze, 4. Katie Deister

Original Oratory - 2. Porsche Erekson, 6. LeAnn Books

Lincoln Douglas Debate - 2. Jake deNemi, 3. Kenzie Erekson, 4. Jack Quatman, 8. David Harrison

Serious Oral Interpretation - 6. Anne Rottenbiller, 7. Kelly Gemignani

Humorous Oral Interpretation - 6. Libbie Anderson

Policy Team Debate - 7. Jimmy Peterson and Chase Giacomb, 8. Chausea Jacobson and Erica Calys

Expository Speaking - 8. Carsyn Beach (tied out)

Impromptu Speaking - 8. Kearstin Jacobson (tied out)

Extemporaneous Speaking - 8. Mo Muri (tied out)

Also scoring points for the team were debaters Shane Hanson, Blake Bjornson and Chris McLoy.