MISSOULA- The Hellgate Knights had an amazing 2023 spring season last year, picking up a whopping seven state trophies, including two in tennis and five in track and field. From freshman to seniors, Hellgate found success in all aspects of spring competition last year and they do not look to stop their progress. Here is a dive into each team and the success they’ll continue to strive for this season.
Tennis: The Knight’s tennis team is coming off a strong 2023 campaign featuring two AA State trophies. The girls team scored 32 points at state, led by Sophomore Elliotte Banziger, who was also the individual state champion. Her sister Laine Banziger teamed with senior Brooke Best to win the doubles bracket.
“Our whole team found success last year,” said Best. “Even though tennis is a one or two person sport, we’re still able to bring the same energy as any other team sport does. I didn’t know that could be done until I started playing for Hellgate.
“This year I’m aiming for another state title and also to make the most fun out of my last season with one of the best teams I have ever been a part of,” added Best.
Hellgate broke a 10-year streak held by the Bozeman Hawks team who were held to a mere 10 points at the state tournament last year. The boys team also thrived taking 3 singles and two doubles to state last year, looking for even more this season.
Track and Field: The Hellgate track and field team struck gold last season carrying a near full bus to the state track meet and bringing home five state trophies, including a girls perfect team score in the 1,600. With five of the top six placers wearing red and gold, Hellgate dominated the mile which included senior Kaitlyn Skinner who took home gold with a time of 5:08.38. Junior Jamison Molloy won the 3,200 last year with a time of 11:11.05, and University of Montana pole vaulter Hannah Moses concluded a blemishing career for the Knights by winning state with a jump of 11 feet, 9 inches. On the boys side, senior Kort Lehman led the Knights last year in the 100 and 200 meters with a time of 11.60 and 23.27.
“It was a great season last year,” said Lehman. “Everyone found their role early on, and we all had a great connection going into the first meet. Track is an individual sport, but in training you’re working with a team and last year we did a great job of pushing each other everyday.”
Along with Lehman, junior Corbin Weltzien dominated the 110 and 300 meter hurdles, with times of 14.98 and 42.50.
“This year we are hoping to do the same and chase a state title as we have a lot of promise with everyone getting faster and stronger,” added Lehman.
Hellgate carries a team heavy of veterans and eager new faces to continue dominating the 2024 spring season.
Softball: The Hellgate softball team fielded a full team last year and they were led by Boise State women’s basketball manager, Maddy Petrino who graduated last summer. Petrino led the nights with a batting average of .378 and an on base percentage of .465. Sophomore Ella Lambert also had two stolen bases, three runs, seven hits, and four RBIs for the Knights in her opening season last spring. Of those seven hits, three accounted for extra bases. Junior Kaija Nagle looks to lead Hellgate this year as their 2024 season opens on Mar. 29 at Billings Skyview. Nagle finished her sophomore year with a .241 average, .755 fielding percentage, and seven hits including two doubles last spring.
“Starting a new year we all just have to wipe away our past experiences and start fresh,” said Nagle. “Becoming a team and creating that bond is definitely important to creating our outline for the season. I think with new faces and new coaches we can get more into a rhythm and hopefully achieve more as a team and have fun this season.”
In all aspects of spring sports, Hellgate looks to take on the 2024 season in stride. The first tennis meet is slated for Apr. 4 at Great Falls CMR, and the opening track meet is set for Mar. 26 at MCPS stadium against Sentinel, Butte, and Belgrade.
