Local Athletes Secure Collegiate Opportunities in Multi-Sport Disciplines

Julia Kay, a standout at Flathead High School, has officially signed a letter of intent to pursue her athletic career at Life University in Marietta, Georgia, where she will compete in both flag football and wrestling. The announcement was made on Instagram this past Monday. Kay led the Bravettes to a commendable third-place finish in the State Flag Football Tournament held in Hamilton last fall. In February, she clinched the championship title in the 130-pound category at the State Wrestling meet in Billings, marking her third state title in wrestling, adding to the two she previously earned in Utah. This spring, she also showcased her talent in track and field, qualifying for the state competition in three separate events.

Life University's women's wrestling program has garnered a reputation as a powerhouse within the NAIA, having secured back-to-back national titles, while their flag football team finished the previous season with an 11-6 record.

In another significant development, Tamret Savik from Bigfork has announced his commitment to join the University of Idaho's track and field team. This news also surfaced via Instagram on Monday. Savik recently made headlines by setting a new Class A record in the triple jump during the state championships on May 30, achieving a remarkable distance of 48 feet, 4.75 inches and surpassing the previous record of 47-0.5 established in 1978. Over his career with the Vikings, Savik has earned two individual state championships, finished third in the triple jump in 2024, and second in the previous season. His high jump performances also included a fourth-place finish as both a sophomore and junior.

The Idaho men's track team recently placed eighth at the Big Sky Conference championships, with javelin thrower Blake Sturgis qualifying for the National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. In addition to his track achievements, Savik has also excelled in football and basketball, earning second-team all-Northwest A honors as a football safety and averaging 7.8 points and 4.2 rebounds during the last basketball season.

Lastly, Noah Hamilton-Dixon from Bigfork has committed to run cross country at Valley City State University in North Dakota, part of the Frontier Conference. Hamilton-Dixon finished 23rd at the 2025 State A cross country meet and will now continue his athletic journey at Valley City State.

Additionally, Gary Stephens made headlines for his impressive hole-in-one on June 6 at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club, acing the third hole with a 5-iron from 125 yards, a feat witnessed by fellow golfers Mike Conway, Ed Hawks, and Pete Skarstedt.