We do our best

We always try to do our best. Our best in writing stories that are important to the community. And our best to make sure those stories are accurate.

After running a story in last week’s Pilot profiling Whitefish soccer standout Haley Nicholson, it came to our attention that she might not actually be the record holder for the most goals scored in a career for girls soccer.

Back in October we were standing on the field when Nicholson reportedly scored the goal that put her over the top. The announcement was made over the loud speaker that she had broken the record.

Then we checked with the Montana High School Association to confirm the information. In writing a story about Haley’s career that ran in last week’s paper we used the same information.

We always try to do our best, but it appears we may have had the wrong information.

According to MHSA, Heather Olson of Helena Capital previously held the record with 91 goals scored during her career from 1993 to 1996. Thus, with 99 goals Nicholson would have been the new record holder.

However, a few community members contacted us after the story ran lat week saying that another Whitefish player should actually be credited with the record. It seems as though Elizabeth Pitman, a 2002 Whitefish High School graduate, should have her name at the top of the record list. According to a 2001 Pilot article, Pitman scored 101 goals during her career with the Bulldogs.

It appears that our information was not accurate.

We reached out to MHSA last week, but didn’t get a response. However, the organization does note on their website that only records that have been approved through the proper process are included in their record book. Also, they note that the records have not been extensively updated or researched since they were compiled in 1995 and again in 2000.

Our apologies, to both Haley and Elizabeth.

The Pilot counts both of you as soccer stars that Whitefish can be proud of — no matter who holds the record for most goals scored.

Heidi Desch is the editor of the Whitefish Pilot.