Flathead was able to get in one meet and Glacier is hoping to get started Friday, and all of the local Class AA track and field teams are looking to improve on 2025.

Except possibly the Flathead Braves, because it’s hard to take a step up from a state championship. 

Dan Hodge’s boys won it all last year, led by some talented seniors like Ben Bliven, Kasen Kastner and Lane Chivers, and of course then-junior William Hollensteiner. 

“He earned seven medals last year at State,” Hodge said. “He’s the holder or part-holder of three state records: The 400 and both relays. He’ll be ready to run on Tuesday.” 

That’s Flathead’s next meet: The Braves and Bravettes host the Kalispell Mini-Meet at Legends Stadium at 11 a.m. on April 7. 

Glacier plans to host Helena Capital for dual Friday on its home track beginning at 2 p.m. 

Here’s a season preview of the local AA squads. 

Flathead boys 

If the Nike Indoor Nationals held in New York March 12-15 are any indication, Hollensteiner is primed for a banner senior season. He finished second in the open 400, running it in 47.87 seconds.  His state-record time from last May 23 was 47.22. 

Hodge, who has 85 boys out, noted he took just seven of his 15 seniors to the opening meet at Missoula Big Sky on March 31 because spring break has left athletes short of the required practices. 

Senior Myles Zimmerman had a nice first meet, running both relays, the 100 and some jumps. “He could be in five events most of the meets this season,” Hodge said. 

Sirreal Rice is another senior who could contribute in the sprints; Hodge added that Nate Moy could earn points in the high jump.  

Junior Chris Holland leads a talented distance crew that includes senior Ryker Zuffalato, junior Brodyn DeShaw and sophomore Carson Thorne. All four competed at state a year ago. 

Another promising junior is Brett Chivers, who was eighth at state in the 300 hurdles a year ago. He ran 40.91 at Big Sky last week, well under the AA state qualifying standard. “He ran extremely well in his first meet,” Hodge said. 

The team is fortified by 27 sophomores and 24 freshmen; those are good numbers and Hodge sees some talent there. 

“I can’t see us right now being in the top 1 or 2 unless some of these kids come a long ways,” he said. “But I have a really nice group of freshmen and sophomores out. The young kids are going to get opportunities.” 

Glacier boys 

The Wolfpack scored 56.5 points at State last season, good for third, and have some stalwarts back to help make up for the graduation of Ethan Anderson, Ben Winters and more.  

One is senior Owen Thiel, who won the state 3,200 title and was second in the 1,600 at state as a junior.  

“He’s just a special young man,” Glacier coach Connor Fuller said of the Wyoming signee. “He puts a lot of time into it, a lot of heart into it and is one of the best in Montana at what he’s doing.”  

Thiel, senior Jude Sparkman and juniors Gabe Ackerly and Charles Zlogar give the Pack a formidable distance crew. 

Another senior, Will Astle, is back to provide points in the throws; Jack Robinson made state as a junior in the triple jump. 

“Astle is back and looking great,” Fuller, who has 130 boys out, said. “That surprising end at state (he finished second in the shot put) was awesome and he should be able to build on that. Jack should have an awesome year, just like he did in football.” 

The juniors include speedy Cooper Pelc, who could eventually be a seven-event performer at state; he’ll sprint, hurdle and jump.  

Gage Gladden had a promising indoor season with the Stumptown Club; he’s a big threat in the sprints. Spencer Hodge was the top sophomore vaulter at state last year, clearing 13 feet. 

Fuller is also excited for junior Vaughn Ronakov (javelin), sophomore Beau Carroll (javelin) and sophomore Liam Palmer, who made state as a freshman in the 300 hurdles. 

Glacier girls 

Hollis May has 100 athletes that are fortified by 40 freshmen and some standout seniors like Rachel Brannan (fourth at state in the triple jump last year), sprinter Zeila Wagner (made state in the long jump) and Dacia Benkelman (fifth in the 800 at state; she also triple jumps and runs the 400). 

The junior class is deep with defending 3,200 champion Lauren Bissen leading the way.  

“She had a great cross country season,” May said. “I also have her in class (AP US History) and she is just a gem of a human being.” 

Add in freshman Ada Thiel, the surprise winner of the State AA cross country title – Bissen was second – and the Pack are scary in the distances. 

More juniors: Rylee Bigelow was fifth in the discus last season; Allie Krueger was fifth in the shot.  

“I think there’s going to be some sophomores that push them as well,” May, whose club tied for fourth at state last year with 51 points, said. “I think they will raise the bar for that whole group.” 

Speaking of which, sophomore Addison Brisendine ran the 200 at state and will add hurdles and jumps to her repertoire. Miel Newton (800, triple) and Hailey Fiala (3,200) have promise, as do sophomore Remi Osler and junior Madi Stevens in the javelin. 

Flathead girls 

The Bravettes scored 35 points at State last May, good for sixth, but 30 of those points came from Alivia Rinehart, now on the University of Montana roster. 

“We don’t return a ton of points but we have a lot of kids who have experience in there,” Flathead coach Kaylee Fox said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to make a step forward this season.” 

Bristol Lenz is ready for a banner season; she is joined in the sprints and hurdles by fellow senior Naomi Miller. Alice Dolezal was eighth in the triple and high jumps at state a year ago as a junior. 

Julia Kay, a standout in flag football and wrestling, is out and should contribute. “She’s going to try a bunch of different events,” Fox said. “She’s athletic and competitive.” 

The junior class includes Aubrie Lindsey (sprints), Anna Bain (made state in the triple jump); Fox noted that illness limited Grace Gall to one race last spring but she performed well, winning the high jump and running a great relay leg, at the opening meet. Another junior, Lily Parris, looks good in the shot put and discus. 

There are some talented sophomores like Emery Eash and Everett Holland in the distances, Violet Close and Reagan Castillo in the sprints and Nova Miller in the pole vault. 

Sports Editor Fritz Neighbor can be reached at 406-758-4463 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.