Briefs: Flathead fliers help Griz set record; Pelc, LeDuc commit

MISSOULA — Records fell at last weekend’s Al Manuel Invitational track and field meet, and two Flathead runners were a big part of one.

Montana’s men’s short relay won the race in 40.23 seconds on March 28, the old record of 40.30 was set in 2024. The Grizzlies ran two true freshman, Romin Saleki of Spokane and Ben Bliven out of Flathead, along with Flathead alum Brody Thornsberry and Missoula Sentinel product Karsen Beltz. Beltz anchored the 2024 relay as well.

“That was a bit of a surprise,” UM coach Doug Fraley said. “I wasn’t sure how fast we’d run with that group being so young and having one alternate in there, but those guys really came out and ran a great race to break the school record from a couple years ago at the conference championships.”

The women’s short relay ran 44.78 to break a Dornblaser Field record that had stood since 2019 in the process.

The women have Tara Ohlwiler, the defending 100 and 200 Big Sky Champion, run the opening leg with freshman Callie Wilson, this season’s 60-metes and 200 indoor Big Sky champ, running anchor.

Another record came from Whitefish’s Erin Wilde, who became the first female athlete to clear 6 feet in the high jump at Dornblaser, raising her own school record. 

Wilde owns six indoor-outdoor Big Sky high jump titles.

Flathead’s LeDuc chooses NIC

Conor LeDuc, a Flathead High wrestling standout the past four seasons, has committed to North Idaho College.

LeDuc announced his commitment via social media in late March. He went 26-4 this past season, finishing third at the State AA tournament at 190 pounds.

Wortham shines at UM Pro Day

MISSOULA — Fifteen Montana Grizzlies and three NAIA players from around the state competed in the annual Griz Pro Day on Friday, and Michael Wortham, UM’s do-everything record breaker, showed out.

Wortham’s workout included a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a three-cone drill time of 6.75 seeoncs that would have been the second-fastest among the receivers at the NFL Combine. 

“I’m just blessed to be here. It’s a great opportunity to come out here with these guys,” Wortham said in a release from UM. “Each and every day we train is for this moment and to get it done at the highest level in front of scouts. It’s an amazing journey.” 

In addition to Wortham, Griz tight end Evan Shafer had 30 reps on the 225-pound bench press, a mark that would have been the best for his position at the Combine.  

Offensive lineman Liam Brown hit 26 reps on the bench and had a 33.5-inch vertical, a top five mark at the Combine.

Glacier’s Pelc commits to Griz

Cooper Pelc, a standout receiver and defensive back for the 2025 State AA champion Glacier Wolfpack, announced his commitment to the Montana Grizzlies on March 28.

Pelc is a Griz legacy: His dad Brian Pelc started at center for the 2001 FCS national champs; his mom Kelli ran track at UM.

Pelc was Glacier’s top receiver as a junior in 2025, catching 37 passes for 707 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense he had four interceptions and 14 deflections.

Another junior receiver, Helena Capital’s Drew Almquist, announced his commitment to the Griz Thursday. He had an injury-marred 2025 after accounting for 14 TDs for the 2024 State AA champion Bruins.