C. Falls speech coach wins divisional honor

Tara Norick, a coach with Columbia Falls High School’s speech and debate program, has been named the 2010 Northwest Class A Coach of the Year.

Coaches in the Northwest Division, which includes Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Polson, Libby and Ronan, nominated Norick, who coaches students in Extemporaneous, Impromptu and Expository speaking.

“It’s a great job. It’s very challenging but also very rewarding as you see the kids improve and develop and grow in their self-confidence,” Norick said.

Head coach Michael Christensen said he was glad the other coaches in the division had recognized Norick.

“It’s a well-deserving honor. I have respect for the work Tara’s done,” he said. “Look at our divisional [tournament]: Our kids were one, two and three” in every event Norick coached.

Columbia Falls swept every speech event at the divisional meet in Whitefish, including the events Christensen coaches.

The team won its fifth straight state championship Saturday in Corvallis.

That victory included individual champions in each event Norick coaches. Keri Potter won a state title in Expository Speaking and Jon Riffey won in Extemporaneous and Impromptu speaking.

Coaches in the Class A Southwest, Central and East divisions also nominated coaches of the year. The overall Class A top coach will be named in March.

Whitefish head coach Pat McLaughlin was named Class A Coach of the Year in 2009. Christensen won the award in 2008.