It’s graduation time in the Bitterroot with the seniors moving on to ‘adulthood’. This is a grand time for most but there are a few tears shed along the way. These students have made an amazing journey these last 13 years. When they began, they didn’t know even how to navigate from the classroom to the restroom. Now, many are traveling throughout the country and beyond. This group of seniors doesn’t know of a time without a computer or a cell phone. They use these just like my generation used a pen and pencil.
The Class of 2015 is one that I’m going to miss. In some cases it’s one player or athlete but in other cases, it’s a group of kids that I have gotten to know. One thing I do know, though, these athletes and students are a group of go-getters. They work hard and have seen the result of that hard work.
Sam Burdette has been a part of my world since, well, since before he was born. His family and mine have been friends for over 25 years. Sure, there were times when we didn’t see each other for long periods of time but when we did, we just picked up right where we left off. Since Sam has been in high school, I have enjoyed getting to know him, as a person, and not just as Carmen’s brother, or Kevin and Jennifer’s son. He’s a competitor and doesn’t like to lose. He expects more of himself than anyone else. He tried baseball and basketball, loves football and was good at it. But the sport that he lives and breathes is rugby. This is a tough sport and he has found his niche there. He played throughout high school, and now will play at Montana State on their team. He persevered and found what he truly loves.
There’s one other thing about Sam and it goes back to the history between our families. When we first got acquainted with his mom and dad, my husband treated Kevin as a younger brother and was a mentor for him. Last fall, after my husband died, Sam stepped in and has been a big influence on my grandson. It’s that circle of life – what goes around, comes around. Remember this Sam, you have the heart and soul of a warrior, follow your heart and you will be just fine.
There are a couple of groups of girls that have embodied the word ‘team’. Darby and Hamilton fans have had the pleasure of watching their respective teams grow from gangly freshmen to driven athletes that work together. Lauren and Lacy Dolcater, Keely Ehmann, Tori Johnston, and Seanna Abrahamsen have been together for almost their entire school experience. They learned early on to work together and achieve success on the volleyball court and the basketball court. Last winter, when they were realizing their time together as teammates was coming to an end, they didn’t let it hamper their experience; they just started planning on new ways to continue their friendship. Lauren and Lacey went on to play on Hamilton’s softball team this spring. Keely, Seanna and Tori all competed in track. But they were there cheering each other on when they could.
Keely also just won three events at the state Class C track meet. Her dedication to her team and her sports will serve her well. And by the way, she’s a top scholar too.
Hamilton’s basketball team of Taylor Goligoski, Jaylee Albert, Ellie Hurlbert, Bri Huggins, McKayl Rothie, Shaylan Mohn, Kali Hayes, and Carly Jessop began their quest for a championship when they were freshmen. They didn’t give up; they fought and got better each year. They thought their year would be their junior year, but it wasn’t. They came back focused with their eyes on the prize. Even a few setbacks couldn’t stop them. And when it came to the state tournament that was held on their own court, it was like it was meant to be. But these kids know the work, sweat and time they’ve each put into making the team better. Quiet Kali never let her focus change and by the time she was a senior, she was, well amazing. Bri’s competitiveness gave Coach Mark Albert fits but it drove the entire team. McKayl showed that great competitors come in tiny packages. Carly and Shaylan knew their roles and played them to perfection. For Jaylee, following in the footsteps of an outstanding older sister could have been hard, but she didn’t let it bother her. She worked on her strengths and developed into one of the top players in the state. And then there was Taylor, the cornerstone of the team. She helped the rest of the team be better by being one of the best. Each of these kids will take much from this run to state: teamwork and practice, goal setting, and forging on after a setback; these will all serve you well in the future.
In 2014, the Corvallis volleyball team won the state Class A championship. But last year, there were only two returning seniors – Kelsey Irwin and Jane Booth. Volleyball has Kelsey’s life. She loves the sport and her enthusiasm for the sport has rubbed off on many underclassmen. Jane came into the sport late but her dominance at the net this year helped propel the Blue Devils back to the state tournament. Jane also made her mark in the history books this spring when she won her third straight state high jump championship. These two athletes embody enthusiasm, hard work, and a willingness to take on something new and achieve success. It will serve them well.
Joe Caicedo of Darby has been in the papers a lot. He recently won the state Class C javelin championship with an effort that was 25 feet farther than second place. He also was named the top offensive player in the Bob Cleverly Football Classic last weekend. But he’s not always had it easy. He doesn’t let that bother him; he just puts his head down and bulls his way through. Strength of character and a determination to give it his all will serve him as he goes on to college and in life.
Jesse Sims of Corvallis will don the silver and maroon of the University of Montana Grizzlies this next fall. His name has been on everyone’s radar since he was a freshman at Stevensville. He started on the football team and the basketball team and was a key member of the state champion Yellowjacket team three years ago. So when he decided to transfer to Corvallis in the middle of his junior year, it took some chutzpah. Jesse handled it well and continued to be as gracious as he always was. He is an example of handling public scrutiny with class. His dedication to training and giving his best has been great during high school; it should only get better from here.
Jayce Gilder is another Blue Devil who had to make a tough decision this year. He had a great season as the team’s quarterback and got some notice from colleges around the area. He was offered a scholarship at a smaller school here in Montana, and he almost took it. But he wanted to play D1 ball. After being contacted by Eastern Washington and told they wouldn’t offer him a scholarship but that he could walk on, he took a gamble on himself. He decided to try for Eastern Washington. He didn’t give up his dream, and he is willing to bet on himself that he will be able to make the team. Knowing Jayce, he’ll try his best and won’t give up.
Stevensville’s two Carlys have been together on the basketball court four years. They have had their ups and downs but the two have hung together and pushed their teammates. On the softball field, Carly Vercruyssen has been the only pitcher for the Yellowjackets and it’s been a tough go often. But she hung in there and the team saw some success this year. Carly Sebastian played as tough and scrappy on the soccer pitch as she did on the court. She led by example. Was it the name Carly that made these two the leaders they are? Perhaps, but probably just good old-fashioned hard work.
Daniel Pendergast of Stevensville has been everywhere these last few years. He’s on the soccer pitch, and the football field, and running hurdles too. This year, after taking a couple off, he came back to play basketball. That’s not easy, working your way into a starting position after a hiatus. He was integral in teaching the younger players how to work together and work hard. These traits will get him where he’s going, and since he’s pretty good at the hurdles, he should be able to handle any obstacles too.
Megan Byrne has been the cornerstone of the success of most of the girls’ sports in Florence over the past four years. She’s a tough volleyball player who’s precision makes her tough to defend. Her pitching on the softball diamond is second to none. This year she decided not to play basketball but only because she was tired and needed a break before softball. She’s played year around for six years and her body was saying enough. She came back this spring in softball renewed and ready to play. Learning to take time to recuperate will come in handy for this over-achiever. It’s a good lesson for everyone.
Travern Smith of Florence is a prime example that hard work pays off. He spent hours shooting baskets, perfecting his game. This season, he showed the younger Falcons how it’s done. Continue to work hard, at whatever you do.
Kolton Benish of Victor came on to the hardwood and the football field on the heels of an older brother who left his mark. Kolton didn’t let that bother him, and built on the successes of the older brother. His willing attitude and hard work paid off for the Pirates.
Carlyjean Conley is another Pirate who worked hard at what she loved. After playing three sports for a while, this year she focused on one, throwing the discus and the shot put. Learning to walk away from something to concentrate on only one sport is a tough decision but it paid off. She finished in the top six in the state in both events.
There are many more athletes out there who have made tough decisions, learned life lessons and will move on knowing they will be able to handle what life throws at them. It’s always a privilege to watch these young people grown into adulthood. Good luck, Class of 2015.