Flathead Speech and Debate team captures first in Butte

The speech and debate season has been filled with close finishes, a matter of points between first and second place for Flathead and Glacier high schools. On Jan. 16, Flathead overtook the competition and won the Richest Hill on Earth Tournament in Butte.

Flathead took first with 193 overall points. Glacier finished in second with 184.5 points and Billings West placed third with 100.5 points. Bozeman did not attend this weekend due to Covid.

“Flathead finished strong thanks to remarkable performances by the short prep and Interp squads,” Flathead head coach Shannon O’Donnell said.

She also noted that Flathead coach Sean O’Donnell’s squad closed out all three of their events, finishing first through fourth place in Impromptu Speaking and first, second and third in both Extemporaneous Speaking and Legislative Debate. Flathead coach Aly Nordwall’s squad claimed the top four spots in Humorous Interpretation and two of the top four in Dramatic Interpretation. FHS also won Informative speaking.

“Our team has shown remarkable grit and resilience this season, continuing to improve from week to week. Hopefully, we can carry this momentum into the state tournament … as Glacier and Bozeman are both formidable competition.”

Glacier head coach Greg Adkins said he was very proud of the efforts the Glacier team put into the competition.

“We had a bunch of kids step up and have a great tournament this weekend," Adkins said.

Both teams head to Helena Friday and Saturday to compete at the Class AA state tournament.

Following are local individual results.

Policy Debate

1. Mason Fauth and Alexandra Houseworth, Glacier
2. Robert Corbett and Jack Thompson, Flathead
3. Evan Sevaly and Jillian Wynne, Flathead

Lincoln Douglas

1. Brody Turner, Flathead
2. Gabe Reddish, Flathead
3. Kait Giffin, Glacier
4. Aidan Walker, Glacier

Public Forum

1. Garrett Hinzman and Kyler Knutson, Glacier
2. Ryan Webster and Ethan Woods, Glacier
3. Thomas Konopka and Deliah Eslick, Flathead

Legislative Debate

1. Annelise Mason, Flathead
2. Rachel Ottman, Flathead
3. Emily Hove, Flathead
4. Calvin Schmidt, Glacier

Impromptu Speaking

1. Neila Lyngholm, Flathead
2. Scout McMahon, Flathead
3. Taylor Pooton, Flathead
4. Leah Spangler, Flathead
5. Olivia Baker, Glacier
6. Bella Teggeman, Glacier

Extemporaneous Speaking

1. Scout McMahon, Flathead
2. Rylin Wilde, Flathead
3. Leah Spangler, Flathead
4. Bella Teggeman, Glacier
5. Mac Adkins, Glacier

Program Oral Interpretation

1. Alexa Wilton, Glacier
2. Derek Smith, Glacier
3. Bethany Nairn, Flathead
4. Adina Lockwood, Flathead
5. Ada Milner, Flathead
6. Zephy Hanson, Glacier

Duo Interpretation

1. Isaac Lorenc and Davis Rennie, Glacier
2. Collin Olson and Graceyne Johnson, Flathead
3. Quindy Gronley and Claire Schwaller, Glacier
4. Avram Bingham and Kaelin Holt, Glacier

Humorous Interpretation

1. Bauer Hollman, Flathead
2. Jasmine Anderson, Flathead
3. Sophia Dykhuizen, Flathead
4. Davis Rennie, Glacier

Dramatic Interpretation

1. Annabeth O'Shea, Glacier
2. Bethany Nairn, Flathead
3. Ryan Tiet, Flathead
4. Kaelin Holt, Glacier
5. Brenna Ernst, Glacier
6. Kadence Johnson, Flathead

Memorized Public Address

1. Avram Bingham, Glacier
2. Alexa Wilton, Glacier
3. Hailey Hendrickson, Flathead
4. Aryana Allred, Glacier
5. Brooklyn Stewart, Flathead
6. Sayla McCulley, Flathead
7. Harrison Sanders, Glacier

Original Oratory

2.  Isabella AuClaire, Glacier

4.  Sayla McCulley, Flathead

1. Quindy Gronley, Glacier
2. Mac Adkins, Glacier
3. Katy Bitney, Glacier
4. Braelynn Anderson, Flathead

Informative Speaking

1. Hailey Hendrickson, Flathead
2. Elise Strobel, Glacier
3. Neila Lyngholm, Flathead

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 406-758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.