The Call of the Wild: Montana athletes answer with service

At Saturday's "Brawl of the Wild" between the Montana State University Bobcats and the University of Montana Grizzlies face off in the annual football game before a crowd of 23,000, a select group of student-athletes will be celebrated for their achievements beyond athletics. 

One of them is standout Libby Logger Jay Beagle. Beagle has been a All Big Sky performer and champion at the University of Montana while getting the job done in the class room with multiple Academic All-Big Sky Conference honors.

As a Logger, Beagle was an All-State performer on the football team, All-Conference in basketball and in track and field, a state champion and multiple medal winner.

Gov. Greg Gianforte, Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian and leaders from the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE), including college presidents and chancellors, will take the field at Bobcat Stadium to present the prestigious Montana Athletes in Service awards, honoring exceptional community contributions by student-athletes.

A Tradition of Service

Since 2001, this award has celebrated the civic engagement of student-athletes, highlighting their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Presenting it annually at one of Montana's most anticipated sporting events emphasizes the significance of service alongside athletic excellence.

The 2024 Recipients

This year's Montana Athletes in Service award recipients exemplify extraordinary community commitment:

Jay Beagle, University of Montana, Track and Field, has been a pivotal leader in the Grizzly Athletics Student Athlete Advisory Committee, organizing United Way Food Friday and the Griz-O-Ween Halloween Celebration.

Walker Bennett (Miles City Community College, Baseball) serves as president of associated students, volunteering with the ROCKS after-school program and Special Olympics.

Zack Blaszak (Montana State University Billings, Baseball) has organized an annual Holiday Dinner Food Drive for eight years, feeding 500-750 families in need.

Gracey Carter (Montana State University, Track and Field) volunteers with the Bozeman Track Club and the MMIP Club, demonstrating commitment to sports and social causes.

Abraham Chentnik (Flathead Valley Community College, Logger Sports) has dedicated time to conservation projects with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation.

Abby Clark (Montana Technological University, Volleyball and Track and Field) leads the Student Athlete Advisory Council, organizing blood drives and canned goods collections.

Jaiden Dulin (Dawson Community College, Volleyball) supports the athletic and performing arts center, assisting custodial staff and teachers.

Emily Feller (Montana State University-Northern, Volleyball) participates in the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and Halloween Trunk or Treat events.

Kaylee Fritz (University of Montana Western, Volleyball) serves as president of the student-athlete association and coaches younger volleyball players.

Tamika Guardipee (Salish Kootenai College, Basketball) volunteers 15 hours weekly in local schools and 10 hours at kids' camps.

Geordy Medicine Cloud (Fort Peck Community College, Basketball and Cross Country) coaches youth basketball and supports Native American celebrations and drug abuse prevention programs.

Hunter Peck (Carroll College, Football) volunteers with Inheritance of Hope, Shodair Children's Hospital, NAMI, Special Olympics, and numerous community initiatives.

Looking to the Future

For additional information about the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement, visit mtengage.org.

John E. Cech, Ph.D. is the President of Carroll College and the 2024-25 Chair of the 18 college and university coalition of the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement. Cech also served as Deputy Commissioner of the Montana University System from 2011-2018.