Bigfork orators face major competition from Loyola

Bringing home a state title — or even making the semifinal round — won’t be easy for Bigfork High School’s speakers and performers at this weekend’s state tournament.

With competition in speech from a team that hasn’t lost a state title in almost three decades, and tough drama teams from the other side of the Rocky Mountains, head coach Charlie Appleby said he knows his students have their work cut out for them. The Class B-C State Speech, Debate and Drama Tournament starts today in Townsend.

“My goal is to see some of my juniors and seniors make it all the way to finals, and for my younger kids to have a great state experience,” Appleby said. “I really hope that they all have a chance to at least compete in semifinals, but it will be no easy feat.”

In speech, Bigfork’s biggest competition comes from Loyola Sacred Heart High School in Missoula. Loyola has won the last 27 straight Class B state titles and is expected to bring home the trophy again this year, Appleby said.

Loyola will give two of Bigfork’s top competitors a tough fight, he said.

“Zoe Gaiser and Maddie Lorang both won at divisionals and are tremendous competitors. They are going to be fun to watch,” he said. “However, they are in two very difficult events: [Humorous Oral Interpretation, which is] usually the event with the most competitors, and [Memorized Public Address].”

Loyola usually dominates both events, Appleby added.

Bigfork is bringing 15 students to the state tournament, twice the size of last year’s team, he said. But two drama competitors, James Vale and Gwendolyn Fratt, who were expected to make it to state won’t be there after a disappointing finish at last weekend’s divisional tournament.

“While [Humorous] Solo was a hotly contested event, it was only in finals that they struggled,” Appleby said. “It was very unfortunate, because they are both seniors, and James is last year’s [Humorous Duo] champion, and Gwen was a divisional champion and three-time state semifinalist.”

Vale competed for most of the season in Humorous Duo with his partner, Jacob Sefcak. But Sefcak had college auditions scheduled during the state tournament, so Vale had to attempt to compete alone in a different event if he wanted a shot at state.

Despite disappointments, Appleby seemed satisfied with the season.

“It has been a long season, but definitely one of our best — not just because we accomplished so many of our goals and won some hardware, but with the upcoming freshmen (six on the team this year) and sophomores (eight on the team this year), I feel like we have built for the future.”

The team had lost several seniors from the year before, leaving Appleby uncertain what the 2010-11 season would hold. He credits the recruiting efforts of his wife and fellow coach, Shannon Appleby, and teacher support for Bigfork’s ability to “reload and even build the team.”

“Things are looking up for Bigfork speech and drama,” he said.

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com.