Columbia Falls takes crown No. 9

by The Daily Inter Lake
| February 1, 2014 9:00 PM

The dynasty that is Columbia Falls High School Speech and Debate brought home a ninth consecutive Class A state championship Saturday in Hamilton.

It was a close tournament, according to Columbia Falls head coach Tara Norick.

“Competition at this level has increased in Class A,” Norick said. “This is not just another win for our team. They worked hard for every single point.”

Columbia Falls finished with 170 points. Second place went to Hamilton with 127 and Stevensville came in third with 82 points. Whitefish High School speech and debate finished sixth with 48 points.

“We worked well as a team and I couldn’t be any more proud of them,” Norick said.

Meredith Stolte and Colter Norick took first place in Policy Debate and Mason Gedlaman won an individual title in Impromptu for Columbia Falls.

“I was so impressed with the team effort,” Stolte said. “Every member contributed both in points and support.”

Columbia Falls state speech and debate results:

Serious Oral Interpretation

2. Mark Hader

4. Bailey Duke

Humorous Oral Interpretation

1. Mark Hader

3. Lexi Corbett

4. Mason Gedlaman

Expository

4. Baylee Brinton

6. Samantha Gilk

Memorized Public Address

3. Alex Damon

7. Bailey Duke

Impromptu

1. Mason Gedlaman

4. Casey Shea

6. Henry Chisholm

Extemporaneous

5. Cody Phillips

Policy Debate

1. Meredith Stolte and Colter Norick

4. Monique Schoech and Mara Barnes

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

2. Allison Foust

6. Maddie Mantell

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.