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Missoula Destination Imagination regional tournament advances teams to state; students tested on Triplicity challenge
Summary
Regional director Kathleen Dent told competitors the state tournament is March 31 in Belgrade and reminded coaches and parents of non‑interference rules as Missoula teams performed Triplicity, a three‑part weight‑bearing structure challenge. Judges awarded placements and some teams will advance to state.
Missoula — Regional director Kathleen Dent opened the Destination Imagination regional tournament by thanking coaches, participants and parents and reminding teams that the state tournament will be March 31 in Belgrade.
“By the way, the state tournament is March 31. I hope everyone knew that,” Dent said, adding that teams advancing to state should plan to be in Belgrade on March 30 for check‑in.
The competition in Missoula featured the Triplicity project, in which teams must build and integrate a three‑part weight‑bearing structure into a performance. According to coaches and event organizers, Triplicity requires one section made of balsa wood and glue, one section of balsa wood, paper and glue, and one section of paper and glue; during the performance teams must place weights on the finished structure to demonstrate load capacity. Teams also must declare three “side trips” — short talent or performance elements — to event appraisers before performing.
Event speakers emphasized the program’s rules and educational goals. Dent reminded the audience of the event’s “non interference” rule for coaches and parents, saying it includes, among other things, “doing hair in the bathroom” and directing that adults may carry props and assist only in limited ways. A student participant described the program as fun and educational: “DI is really fun, and it teaches me a lot of stuff.”
Judges cited teamwork and creative problem solving as the skills the program aims to develop. Organizers asked teams that plan to attend state to notify staff immediately so travel and registration details can be finalized.
In awards announced after performances, judges recognized the single intermediate‑category team that automatically advanced to state because it was the only entry in that category. Event organizers also named placements: St. Joseph’s School finished in third place, and coaches including Karen Niebel were recognized on stage. Organizers said they will forward placement paperwork to state teams as required.
The tournament program and organizers stressed that coaches must avoid offering solutions during team work; instead, coaches may lead research or discussion without suggesting specific answers. Dent framed the event as a chance for students to practice independent research, teamwork and public performance under the program’s constraints.
Organizers provided schedules, passports for souvenir stamps and maps of the school to teams and families. Additional logistical announcements included directions for check‑in and the instant challenge timing used to sequence performances.
Organizers, coaches and volunteers did not announce any changes to state rules or to the Triplicity problem during the Missoula event. Teams advancing to state should expect to follow the same non‑interference and secrecy rules outlined at the regional tournament.
