January 30 2015 game day

Clockwise from top left: Brianna Huggans (photo provided

by Janice Muller); Michael Bumgarner (Sarah Krout - for the Ravalli Republic); Taylor Goligoski (Michael Gallacher/ Missoulian); Joe Caicedo - #11 (photo provided)

Friday, January 30, 2015

2 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, January 30, 2015

Hamilton wrestler aiming for state championship SARAH KROUT

the experience Bumgarner has had, what makes him a great wrestler is “his refusal As a wrestler at Hamilton High School, to give up,” and that “he’s incredibly physsenior Michael Bumgarner has a perfect ically strong.” season so far. He has been wrestling as a When asked what inspires him to Hamilton Bronc for his whole high school wrestle, Bumgarner described the amazcareer, and can boast of competing at the ing feeling of pride and accomplishment state tournament every year. This year, he after being on the mat with his family there is confident of adding a fourth appearcheering him on. He takes a lot of pride in ance, and possibly a state championship, - and loves - wrestling. to that record.

Bumgarner said what he likes most Bumgarner is aiming for the state chamabout wrestling is “being one-on-one with pionship in his weight division of 205 my competitor, and knowing that whether pounds. Last year, as a junior, he received I win or lose the match depends on me. second place at the state level. Already I don’t have to rely or count on anybody this season, Bumgarner has pinned the else for my success.” competitor who he lost the championship Despite this, he said he values having to last year, so he feels confident as his the support and camaraderie of his team chance of 1st place this year. over almost everything else.

“That was probably my greatest accom“I couldn’t wrestle without them,” he plishment in wrestling, I would say, next to said. going to state every year,” he explained.

Coach DePee said Bumgarner stands Bumgarner has been wrestling for 14 out as a teammate because of his skills as years – since he was only 4 years old. He a leader. said his father is the reason he started in “He knows a lot about wrestling from so the sport so soon. many years of experience, and he is eager Sarah Krout - For the Ravalli Republic “My dad made me the wrestler I am to use that to help coach and support his Hamilton High School senior Michael Bumgarner stands under today,” he said, affectionately. his ranking on the wall in the wrestling room at HHS. He has a teammates,” said coach DePee. near perfect wrestling season so far with a 34-3 winning streak.

Hamilton assistant wrestling coach It is clear that Bumgarner is a driven perJayMe DePee said he has thoroughly son who possesses great leadership skills enjoyed coaching Bumgarner and watching him grow as a wrestler that benefit and earn him respect on and off the mat. and person for the last seven years. DePee said that in addition to all Ravalli Republic

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4 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, January 30, 2015

Taylor Goligoski to play 2 sports for the Grizzlies AJ MAZZOLINI

she was just down the road,” Selvig said of Goligoski’s prep proximity. “I don’t Taylor Goligoski piled into the family mind that. We said there’s no problem. car with her father and headed for the We’d love to see her do that. fields. The junior Goligoski, about 10 at “She’s a really good athlete. She’s got the time, had her tiny cleats and overreally good quickness and good jumpsized bat ready for her first try at softball. ing ability. She can probably play a 1 or 2 But as they reached the field and her (guard position).” new Little League coach sent her to first An all-state point guard on the hardbase -- she was one of the only ones who wood and all-state shortstop on the could catch the incoming ball, you see -diamond, Goligoski feared she’d have to Taylor wasn’t so sold on the new game. choose between her two loves to have After practice she looked up at her any opportunity for either in college. father, Jason, and gave him a talking-to.

She set her sights on basketball “Dad, I’m not doing this,” she said because she felt the sport provided the with the stern, unwavering obstinance best chances. More programs seemed that youngsters sometimes have. to have interest and more of those had It wasn’t that she hated sports or that scholarship money to burn. this game was too difficult -- quite the “Most colleges that wanted me didn’t opposite, in fact. Young Taylor grew have both programs,” Goligoski said, up hurling baseballs instead of twirling “but when the Griz offered me I knew I softballs. She liked it better on the boys’ could play both there.” team.

She signed last November as a bas“She probably should have been a ketball recruit. That came with a full-ride boy,” Jason Goligoski jokes, his daughscholarship and a chance to go out for ter now drawing near graduation at softball as well; playing basketball would MICHAEL GALLACHER/Missoulian Hamilton High School. not have been possible had it been the Hamilton’s Taylor Goligoski splits the Hellgate defense on She gave in all those years ago and other way around. her way to the basket earlier this month during a game in eventually switched sports, but that Hamilton.

Her arrangement places the priorities strong will survived. Her determination on the fall and winter for hoops, but it’s and competitive nature have earned her a spot playing basketball the only way she could have carried both sports along -- which at the next level as a Lady Griz for the University of Montana. was important. Picking a sport to drop might as well have been Actually, Goligoski has two spots saved with the Grizzlies. She picking a leg to lose. will compete in hoops and then with Montana’s emergent softball “It kinda depends on what season it is,” she laughed when program in the spring. asked if she’d ever be able to pick a favorite.

Ravalli Republic

It’s not completely unheard of, longtime Lady Griz basketball coach Robin Selvig said. He’s had a handful of girls suit up for his team and then another at the school during his 37-year tenure in Missoula.

Of course those young women all shared their time with the outdoor track team before Montana added softball as its 13th sport this past year. Softball plays a few weekend’s worth of games in the fall before springtime houses the full season; Goligoski will miss that first section preparing for basketball.

“We knew she was good in more than just basketball because

Goligoski’s success is born from her intense focus, teammate Mckayl Rothie said.

“Taylor definitely is driven, more than anybody I’ve ever known,” said Rothie, a softball- and basketball-playing senior as well for the Broncs. “She has the passion and drive, not only to be the best that she can be, but also to keep getting better.

“She always wants to exceed her goals, whether that’s in basketball getting more high scoring or in softball getting three triples in a game -- which I’ve seen her do, and it’s very impressive.”

Goligoski hit .500 as a junior last season with eight home runs

Ravalli Republic, Friday, January 30, 2015 - 5

and 35 RBIs for Hamilton’s softball team, which Jason Goligoski coaches. She added 26 steals and scored 41 runs.

That year in basketball, she scored 20 points per game with 9.2 rebounds while leading the Broncs to a State A runner-up finish behind the Havre Blue Ponies. She also scored 21.5 ppg as a sophomore on the way to a Gatorade girls’ basketball player of the year award for Montana.

The 5-foot-9 guard is off to an even better start to the 2014-15 campaign. Goligoski is the state’s leading scorer with 24.4 ppg and hasn’t netted fewer than 20 in any of Hamilton’s nine contests.

“She’s got one of the best pull-up jump shots, probably the best pull-up jump shot in the state for girls,” said Mark Albert, her coach on the court. “She’s also blessed with a lot of athleticism. I mean that girl can jump!”

But can the Broncs rekindle the magic they found in last year’s postseason?

Hamilton entered the season with weighted expectations and a near-identical roster to last year. Only 6-1 post Sami Kratofil is gone among players who saw major varsity minutes.

Her absence glared obvious in each of the Broncs’ two losses so far against Corvallis and Missoula Hellgate, both programs with height and a strong inside presence.

But the girls have regrouped, especially following the Corvallis

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loss from Dec. 19, Goligoski said.

“We kind of overlooked them and thought it would be an easy win for us and I think that was our main problem,” she said.

“Since then we’ve been more focused and we’re not going to allow that to happen again.”

Behind Goligoski, the Broncs have Seattle Pacific-bound guard Jaylee Albert and guard Kali Hayes, each of whom is scoring better than nine points a game. Bri Huggans, another guard at 5-5, is the team’s top rebounder and Carlie Jessop is the top newcomer after leading Hamilton’s JV team in scoring last year.

Even with the four losses, 7-4 Hamilton is still ranked fifth in the state. The Broncs have their sights trained on surviving the battleworn Southwestern A league -- only two teams advance -- to reach another state tournament. This year’s is even more important because Hamilton High School will host the State A girls’ event March 5-7.

“That’s a lot of pressure, but it also means we’d have a lot of fans,” said Rothie, whose hometown gym can seat 4,000. “... Last year in Great Falls we looked around and all we saw was (Havre) blue, so this year it would be kinda cool to see all red around us.”

And once that final game is through, Goligoski will grab her cleats -- a few sizes larger than they once were -- and make for the softball field.

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6 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, January 30, 2015

Bitterroot Valley athletes selected for Shrine Game AJ MAZZOLINI Ravalli Republic

Five Bitterroot Valley athletes have been selected for the premier all-star football Shrine Game in July. The 69th annual East-West Shrine Game selects the top athletes from across Montana to field two teams – creating an East Roster and a West Roster to face off in an elite event.

The Shriners have done this since 1947 in an effort to educate the public about the excellent orthopedic and burn care available at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Spokane, and to raise money for the hospital. In the past two years, the Shrine Game has raised the raise over $200,000.

The game is comprised of excellent athletes who have just graduated from high school and will be held July 18, 7 p.m., Memorial Stadium, in Great Falls.

Selected Bitterroot All-Star athletes: • Center Zach Brown, Hamilton High School, 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds.

Travis Blome is the Hamilton High School head football coach.

“Zach Brown was the captain and team leader of the Hamilton Broncs,” said Blome. “He was 1st Team All-Conference Center, 2nd Team All-Conference DT and 1st Team All-State Center. He helped

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lead his team to a playoff win and quarterfinal appearance. He was the anchor of the offensive line that had a potent rushing and passing attack. Zach was one of the dominant players in Class A at center. Zach will continue his football career at University of Montana Western.”

Brown said he was excited to be selected.

“I got All-State, and the Shriners select who they think is best, and I got selected - it’s really an honor,” said Brown. “I think having the opportunity to play in it is the most exciting part. If you get selected, they think you’re one of the best in the state and you get to go play with the best in the state.

“I’ve been playing center for two years, and I really thrived in the center position.

“I actually got offered a scholarship to play at Western. I’ll mostly likely play for them. I went to Western and watched their games and their coach is a nice guy. I’ve considered a bunch of different options.”

Brown said his success is fueled by consistent hard work.

“It’s a lot of work in the off-season,” he said. “It means lifting weights, open gyms, sports camps, anything your coach offers - take the opportunity to participate and work hard.”

• Outside linebacker Joe Caicedo, Darby High School, 6-foot1, 200 pounds.

Darby High School athletic director Scott Marsh said Caicedo is an

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Ravalli Republic, Friday, January 30, 2015 - 7

Montana and Montana excellent athlete.

State after looking at a “He’s good at everything number of West Coast unihe does,” said Marsh. versities.

“Last year, he was All• The West team alterConference and All-State nate is Phillip Whitney, in basketball, football and Hamilton High School, track – all three sports. It 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. shows his athleticism. He Philip Whitney was an was state champion in javoutstanding defensive elin last year for Class C.” lineman for the Hamilton Marsh said that Darby Broncs,” said Blome – HHS hasn’t had an athlete Head Football Coach. selected for the honor “He led the league with in eight years and that 12 sacks and was a conCaicedo deserves the presstant force at defensive tigious honor. line. Philip was 1st Team “I was pretty excited All-Conference DL and when I found out about 1st Team All-State at DL. it,” said Caicedo. “It is a Photo Provided Philip helped lead the great opportunity and it will Outside Line Backer - Joe Caicedo (#11) from Darby High School is an excellent athlete. “He’s good be fun to play with the best at everything he does,” said DHS AD Scott Marsh. “Last year he was All-Conference and All-State in defense and the Broncs to a Quarterfinal appearance.” players in the state.” basketball, football and track – all three sports – it shows his athleticism. He was State Champion in Caicedo said that he lifts Javelin last year for Class C.” Jeff Hartwick, Shrine member and West Coordinator for the weights and works on his skills during the off-season.

Montana East-West Shrine Game, said the athletes’ selection is an “I do other sports but football is my favorite,” he said. honor.

Caicedo plans to continue playing football in college.

“It’s the oldest All-State game in Montana and the country,” said “There is still some deciding as to where,” said March. “Carroll Hartwick. “We feel that it’s a premier game.

College and Western have been taking to him and offered him “We have selection committees – with guys spread out all over scholarships. He’s waiting to see if the Griz show some interest – Montana who are football fans and like to go out and watch football. especially with the new coaching staff in Missoula – he’d like to get For probably 90 percent of the kids we have eyes on them all year his foot in the door. Or he may be a walk on - he hasn’t decided long. yet.”

“They have to earn their way on - it’s not a charity game although “I want to be a personal trainer so can study at either Carroll or it does raise funds for a charity.”

Western,” said Caicedo.

The Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Spokane is the recipient of • Defensive end Jayce Gilder of Corvallis High School is all funds raised and the Montana athletes get a bonus.

6-foot-5 and 225 pounds.

“It’s a challenging game that’s lot of fun,” said Hartwick. “We try Clayton Curley is CHS head football coach. to let the kids meet some of the patients and see how blessed they “Jayce Gilder played quarterback and defensive end for the 5-3 are to have their athletic talent.

Corvallis Blue Devils,” said Curley. “He was a captain on the team “The theme is ‘Strong legs run so weak legs can walk’.” and led the conference in individual scoring per game at 13 points The Shriner’s Hospital treats children age zero to 18. per game. He was also the third-leading rusher in the conference “The kids at the hospital are treated at no expense for families and a unanimous All-State selection at quarterback. Jayce has been and we pay for transportation and lodging as much as we can – all offered by Montana Tech, Western Montana, Rocky Mountain and their medical expenses are taken care of,” said Hartwick. has priority walk-on offers to several Big Sky schools and also the Attendance at Shrine Games varies but the game July 18 they University of Idaho.” expect 3,000 to 5,000 spectators.

• Defensive end Jesse Sims CHS is 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds.

“It’s huge for some of these guys that have never played in front of “Jesse Sims was the ultimate all-purpose player for the Blue Devils playing half back, running back, TE, MLB, and DL,” said Curley. “He such a larch crowd,” said Hartwick. “We have a three city rotation: Laurel, Great Falls and Butte. Once we established this rotation our finished with three touchdowns and was also all-state at DE. Jesse’s game became one of the top revenue makers as far as donations to presence helped Corvallis turn a 1-7 team into a 5-3 team. He has the Spokane hospital. We had the top Shrine game in the country not declared where he will play football next year.” last time we played in Butte.”

Most recently, Sims has said he is going to decide between

8 - Ravalli Republic, Friday, January 30, 2015

Brianna Huggans leading rebounder for Hamilton AMY CONKEL

Her biggest challenge as a player is getting down on herself and to manage it she just keeps working to keep doing better the next time.

Senior Brianna Huggans is this year’s leading Coach Albert expects her to keep on doing what she’s rebounder for the Hamilton High School girls’ basketdoing and playing hard. ball team.

On and off the court, her character still stands strong.

Huggans is a dedicated athlete who plays her hard“She’s as good as it gets - and a very good student est and gives her all to the game and her teammates.

- Brianna is exactly what any coach would want,” said She’s been playing since first grade and since third Albert. grade with her coach.

Huggans also plays soccer and she brings those HHS head coach Mark Albert said, “She’s a pest on instincts onto the court when playing. She’s a good the floor to the other team, which is great for us.” shooter and a great defender. Some games she can shoot Last year, Huggans was able to help take the HHS 15 points for the team. team to state and take second place, which has been “Fun is what the game has to offer me. It is something I her biggest achievement in her basketball-playing enjoy doing,” said Huggans “I love being a part of somecareer. This year she’s hoping for first. thing greater than myself.”

“My goal for this season is to end the year as state She will be playing soccer for Bellevue College next year champions,” said Huggans. “Lots of people in the in Seattle. community have been talking about us winning it for Photo Provided by Janice Muller “She’s an Energizer Bunny for the team,” said Albert. years now.”

Brianna Huggans leading rebounder for Having Huggins on the team helps the other girls play Huggans is a team player, and has a great relation- the HHS team. their hearts out, and continue playing well together. She ship with all of the athletes she’s grown up with.

“My teammates are awesome and I love being around them!” she said. adds another level to the game, in helping bringing their wins in.

The team has been playing together for years and has a great sense Amy Conkel is a Hamilton High School student and intern at the Ravalli of each other. They have worked very hard to get where they are today.

Republic.

The girls drive each other to be the best that they can, and this is where Huggans draws her inspiration for the game. for the

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