Loggers speech, debate shines at season opener

Kicking off the season with a bang, the Libby Loggers debate students took first-, second- and third-place at the season opener in Browning on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Coach Heather Connelly, an art teacher at the elementary school, and assistant coach Kim Lee, a school counselor, said that they are looking forward to a great season.

“We had a very young team last year and they did well,” Lee said. “We all learned a lot last year. This year we have strong students returning as well of some very promising new students.”

Lincoln Douglas debaters sophomore Ethan Neff and juniors Nicholas Thom and Keely Holder faced off against each other in the final matches after defeating the competition from all other Class A, B, and C schools in the Northwest Regional.

Also in the final rounds informative public speaking’s second-place went to junior Kristel Donahue-Montoya and humorous oral interpretation of literature second-place went to junior Kevin Lee.

On the drama side of the competition, sophomore Sophie Lee took second in dramatic solo acting while sophomore Autumn Fajotina placed fourth.

Scores from all areas of competition are combined for overall team finish with Libby taking second in speech and third in drama in the Class B category.

Throughout the season, the team has five meets before divisionals. At divisionals they must qualify to go to state.

Last year, nine Libby students went to state, placing individually in drama and oral interpretation of literature.

The next meet is at Ronan on Saturday, Nov. 12, and the following weekend they’re going to Polson.