SANDPOINT — Sandpoint senior Mike Hubbard became the latest Bulldog football player heading off to play at the next level, signing a nearly full-ride scholarship to at the University of Montana Western next season.

Hubbard, at 6-foot-3 and 170 pounds, will play wide receiver and return kicks for the NAIA college from the Frontier Conference. Hubbard was the Bulldogs’ top receiver last season, hauling in 46 catches for 768 yards and seven touchdowns, and also a dangerous and shifty return man.

The University of Idaho was among a handful of schools interested in Hubbard, who said he liked the feel of the Dillon campus during his recruiting visit.

“The environment was homey, everyone was nice and it felt like I was still at home,” described Hubbard, who wished to thank his parents Troy and Tammy Holt, teammates, coaches and everyone in the community for their support. “Since I was a little kid, that’s (football) what I wanted to do.”

Head coach Mike Mitchell said Hubbard raw athletic skills to be a Division 1 player, and believes he will step in and contribute right away, joining Sandpoint teammate A.J. Smith as a Montana Western Bulldog next season. Along with Daniel Charvoz (Whitworth) and Cody Hecker (Easter Washington), the SHS senior class is well represented at the next level.

Right now Hubbard is focused on the state track meet, which takes place today and tomorrow in Boise. He recently jumped 20 feet in the long jump, and 6-2 in the high jump, and is hoping to possibly place in state at both.

“I’ll have to jump 6-4 to win state,” he said. “I’ve been able to do it twice in practice.”