Lexy Boschee (Jr., Glacier) – Class AA champion in high jump (5-8) and long jump (17-10)
Boschee is a rare and complete athlete, talented in multiple sports. But track is her calling card. In three years, she already has five state titles, along with five other top-six finishes. She is a three-time champion in the high jump. Next year, she will go for her fourth straight title, a feat accomplished by only one other high jumper – boy or girl – in state history. She also has her eye on the state record height of 5-9 1/2. Boschee’s personal best is 5-8.
Boschee on her goal of breaking the state high jump record: “It would be a huge accomplishment. It would be super exciting. I’d remember it forever.”
Derrick Williams (Jr., Columbia Falls) – Class A champion in 1,600 meters (4:19.50), 800 meters (1:55.17) and as a member of 1,600-meter relay (3:25.89)
Williams was an excellent performer in both the 1,600 and 800 meters all year, but something happened at the state meet in late May. He simply took it to another level. His time of 4:19.50 was 10 seconds better than his previous personal best and nearly broke the all-time Class A record of 4:19.43, set by Havre’s Scott Adams in 1995. His 800-meter time was also a personal best. Williams finished second in the 3,200 meters.
Williams on his team winning the first state track title in school history: “Just watching everyone step up knowing a state championship was on the line – I’m going to say watching them step up helped me step up and get excited.”
Marlow Schulz (Fr., Whitefish) – Class A champion in 100 meters (12.64) and 800 meters (2:16.21)
Schulz turned in a remarkable freshman year. In addition to her two state championships in the 100 and 800, she almost won the 400, finishing as runner-up in 56.98 seconds compared to the winning time of 56.91. At divisionals, she won first place in the 100, 200, 400 and 800. It’s scary to think how good she could become as she gets older. Schulz’s dad is Derek Schulz, the Bulldogs’ head track coach.
Schlulz on her father’s coaching influence in her rapid development: “I always went to practice and I’ve been watching track so long, it kind of comes naturally to me, I guess.”
Mallery Knoll (Sr., Bigfork) – Class B champion in 300 hurdles (45.70) and as a member of 1,600-meter relay (4:08.43)
Knoll edged rival Hope Reid of Thompson Falls in a thrilling race to claim the state crown in the 300 hurdles, winning by .17 of a second. She finished fifth in the 100 hurdles. Now she is bound for Carroll College where she will run track, participating in the 400 hurdles and other events. Knoll will be joined by her twin brother, Travis, who will play football at Carroll. The twins are very close.
Knoll on attending Carroll with her brother: “Everything worked out perfectly. It worked out just like I wanted it to. I wasn’t quite ready to say bye (to Travis) for that long.”
Zach Perrin (So., Flathead) – Class AA runner-up in 1,600 (4:23.05) and 3,200 (9:35.37)
Perrin was agonizingly close to winning both distance events at state. He lost the 1,600 by .09 of a second to Missoula Sentinel’s Jake Turner and the 3,200 by .90 of a second to Helena’s Matt Barker. His loss in the 3,200 was a surprise. Perrin was the defending champion and hadn’t lost in that race all season long. Expect him to be the favorite in both races next year, with his eye on breaking some records.
Perrin on losing at the state meet: “It was definitely disappointing, but it was also motivation. I’ve definitely got a lot of fuel in the tank for summer and I’ll be ready for next year.”
Kellen Bates (So., Glacier) – Class AA boys singles champion
Bates could be on his way to becoming one of Montana’s all-time greats. In his first two years of high school tennis, he has lost only one set – to Missoula Hellgate’s Alex Braun – and he hasn’t lost a match en route to two Class AA state titles. He avenged his one dropped set by defeating Braun handily 6-1, 6-2 in the state semifinals. Bates is highly ranked in the United States Tennis Association sectional standings and ranked in the national standings.
Bates on the possibility of winning four straight state titles: “I’m just focused on winning next year. I’m not looking too far ahead.”
Liana Bates (Sr., Glacier) – Class AA girls singles champion
After finishing as state runner-up three years in a row, Bates joined her younger brother as the Class AA singles champion, the final accomplishment on her high school checklist. She defeated teammate Hailey Blalack in the championship match 6-0, 6-3, helping the Wolfpack repeat as the Class AA team champion. Bates will play tennis at Montana State University next year.
Bates on finally winning the state title: “I was happy – I was really happy. But it was kind of more about the team title. That was the best part.”
Sidney Alberts (So., Flathead) – Class AA all-state utility player
Alberts was named all-state as a utility player, but she is known especially for her pitching, as well as her production at the plate. In her sophomore year for the Bravettes, she emerged as a star and a bright spot for the future. In one late April game, Alberts threw 17 shutout innings in a 1-0 victory and knocked in the game-winning run in the final inning.
Alberts on what she needs to improve the next two years to pitch in college: “I need to develop a drop ball and keep working on my rise ball.”
Brittany Franklin (Sr., Glacier) – Class AA all-state catcher
Franklin has accumulated an impressive resume in her four years of varsity softball for Glacier. She was named Class AA all-state her freshman, junior and senior years, thanks to her abilities on both offense and defense. As a senior, she hit .364 with five home runs, while anchoring the defense at catcher. Franklin will softball at the University of Great Falls next year.
Franklin on taking her game to the next level: “I’ve always wanted to play softball in college. It’s been a dream of mine since I was little.”