Hollensteiner, Flathead shine at MCPS Invite

MISSOULA — Helena swept the team titles at MCPS Stadium, but some of the best track and field marks were recorded from athletes in the Northwest Valley on Friday at the MCPS Invite. 

Flathead led the way among Valley teams, placing sixth in boys (57.33) and third in girls (64.5). Whitefish took 10th in boys and 11th in girls, while Columbia Falls finished 12th and 14th. Helena scored 113.83 points in the boys competition and 99 on the girls side.  Helena Capital, Sentinel, Big Sky and Hellgate were all part of a tightly packed group behind the leaders. 

Flathead’s biggest spark came in the sprints. William Hollensteiner won the 100 meters in 10.81, a mark that ranks third in Class AA this season and puts him firmly among the state’s top contenders.  

The Braves also showed their depth in the distance races, with Carson Thorne winning the 3,200 (9:47.89) and Christopher Holland adding another strong mark (9:49.96) — the two now sitting fifth and sixth in Class AA this year. 

Brett Chivers turned in one of the standout performances of the meet, winning the 300-meter hurdles in 39.71 — the second-fastest time in Class AA this season.  

Flathead kept stacking points in other areas too, including relays and field events, with Naomi Miller contributing in the jumps and a girls sprint and hurdles group led by Bristol Lenz. 

Whitefish got a big win from Colby Minton in the 400, where he ran 51.31 — the second-best time in Class A this season. On the girls side, Ginger Bergland had a strong day as well, winning the 300 hurdles in 46.01 and taking third in the 100 hurdles.  

Columbia Falls found its success in the field and distance events. Joe West uncorked a javelin throw of 166-0, which ranks second in Class A this season and marks the senior’s personal best.  

The Wildcats also picked up key finishes from Soli Bullemer, who took third in the pole vault, and Mila Johns, who reached the podium in the 1,600.