Local athletes help Orediggers win

Montana Tech's men's and women's track and field teams brought home titles from the Frontier Conference Championship held in billings last week.

It was the second straight conference title for the Oredigger women and the first title for the men's program, according to a Montana Tech press release.

Head coach Zach Kughn was named the Frontier Conference Coach of the Year.

"Today (last Friday) was a really special day for our program," said head coach Zach Kughn. "All of our hard work, dedication, and focus on this championship paid off for us and we are bringing home two trophies. I couldn't be more proud of this group. They have come together and made bonds that will last a lifetime. It makes it that much more special to share these championships as a family."

Four Sanders County graduates helped Montana Tech achieve championship status in the Frontier Conference.

Cade VanVleet, a 2022 Noxon grad, had his first individual title in the hammer throw, took third in the discus and third in the shot put.

Thompson Falls graduate Justin Morgan finished second in the steeple chase nad qualified fo rthe NAIA National Meet, which will be held in Indiana later this month. Morgan also finished second in the 10,000-meter race and third in the 5,000 meters.

Fellow Hawk alum Cody Burk took sixth in the shot put at the conference championship, and also competed in the discus and hammer throw.

Karly Lawson, a Hot Springs High School graduate, took third in the hammer throw and competed in the javelin with the Oredigger women.