All-state awards announced in football

Columbia Falls saw several of its football players named to all-state and all-conference honors this year.

All state awards were granted to receiver Drew Perry, tight end Jace Ladenburg, defensive lineman Kevin Sheppard and tailback Kyle Rosenbaum.

First team all conference offense went to tackle Greg Macijunas, Ladenburg, Rosenbaum and Perry.

Second team went to Sheppard, who also played center, and quarterback Craig Olson.

Tackle Dewain Knoepfle and fullback Nik Caron got honorable mentions.

First team all conference defense were Rosenbaum, at safety, Perry as cornerback and Sheppard.

Second team defense was Macijunas as defensive end and Ladenburg as an inside linebacker.

Special Olympians win gold

The Columbia Falls High School Special Olympics basketball team won the gold medal in its division last weekend.

The Cats beat Bozeman High School Special Olympians for the crown twice in double elimination, 24-10 and 26-22.

"It was a close game," said assistant coach Karen Crowe. Crowe coaches the team along with head coach Phil Lewis. The squad practiced every Tuesday for months, Crowe said.

This is the team's second gold medal. Last year they won the gold as well.

Helping the team were students Mandy Opp, Chelsea Wilson, Tiff Ekern, Louis Kentros, Talon Burns, Brighton Hollis and Paul Johnson.

Front row, from left: Amber Damphier, Leesa Nerdig and Timmy Chopper. Back row: Danielle Dorman, Judy Rhodes, Kayla Ekern, Kenny McCully, Will Chopper and Ricky Davis.