Class A state tournament kicks off today in Billings

Bigfork, Whitefish and defending state champ Columbia Falls are competing in Billings at the State Class A Speech, Drama and Debate tournament this weekend.

Columbia Falls, which has won eight state titles overall, is coming off a win at last weekend's divisional tournament in Polson. Whitefish took second place with 99 points, its highest score this season.

Most of Bigfork's team was performing in a play and couldn't attend divisionals. All five who did , however, made it to state.

The tournament takes place at Billings Central Catholic High School. Round One begins at noon today, and finals will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.