Ferdas inducted into Bulldog Hall of Fame

She’s arguably the best female multi-sport athlete to walk the halls at Whitefish High School. Her dad has a lasting legacy of his own as a respected instructor and coach that taught countless children the value of living an active and healthy lifestyle.

On Friday, Ashley Ferda and her father Scot Ferda were inducted into the exclusive Whitefish High School Hall of Fame at halftime of the Bulldog football game.

Ashley, a 2008 graduate, earned an astounding 12 varsity letters during her years at Whitefish High School.

She earned All-State honors in volleyball four times and helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to three consecutive State A championships.

In basketball as a point guard, Ashley earned All-State three times, was twice named a Super State selection, and her senior year was an McDonald’s All American nominee. She holds a school record for steals (237), and is second all-time in points (1,237). Ashley earned a full scholarship to play with the University of Montana Lady Griz.

On the track, Ashley won state titles in the 100 hurdles twice and in javelin. She set a school record in the 100 hurdles (14.9) her senior year that still stands today.

“This is the most amazing young lady I have had the opportunity to work with,” said Jackie Fuller, who was Ashley’s volleyball coach.

“Just like her dad, she has passion, the drive and the hard work ethic. She brought that not only to herself but to her teams and to me as a coach. It made me better as a coach and as a person.”

Scot was a physical education teacher at Whitefish Middle School for 34 years before retiring this spring. He also taught driver’s education for 31 years.

He coached football at the varsity, freshman and junior high levels, and served as head track and field coach at both the middle school and high school. Scot also volunteered as a coach for Little Dribblers, volleyball and Little Guy wrestling.

His son Taylor Ferda presented Scot with the Hall of Fame award and spoke about his accomplishments, not just as a coach, but as a father.

“Growing up in Whitefish, dad wasn’t just my dad,” Taylor said. “He was my football coach, my PE teacher, my driver’s education teacher, my basketball coach, my track coach, my mentor, my trainer — he did everything for me. In a world that really needs good dads, one of the coolest things was having the opportunity to grow up with my dad.”

Most past students know Scot for his fun-loving personality, Taylor said.

“Dad exudes a positivity and passion that you don’t see very often,” he said. “His friend and colleague Lucy McFadden said he always found a way to make every student feel important and found a way to get the most out of every kid, even if they weren’t an athlete.”

Following his induction, Scot took a moment to reflect on his own daughter’s accomplishments.

“We’ve had some unbelievable athletes come through Whitefish,” Scot said. “But it’s special if you can be a three-sport athlete. I think there’s a really good chance you’re looking at the best three-sport athlete ever to come out of Whitefish High School.”

He said his daughter was the epitome of the competitive spirit.

“Even to this day when I look at her, I know deep down inside of her, there is a ton of passion there,” Scot said.