Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Cody Welsh, Turner Basketball

Playing Class C sports in Montana is a different kind of experience, but playing sports in Turner is on an entirely different level. And then, when you are one of the few state champions Turner has ever had, well, being a local athlete is the same as being a local celebrity.

And when it comes to the Turner Tornadoes, there is probably no bigger local celebrity right now than senior Cody Welsh, who is not only a standout basketball player for the Tornadoes but a reigning state champion in the hurdles as well.

Welsh and former Turner runner Eddie Harmon are the only Turner athletes to win state championships, and for Welsh, his title came last May in Great Falls when he completed a magical run to the championship of the 300-meter hurdles. Following that victory, Welsh was treated to a parade and a celebration you would not see in most places.

"It was incredible," Welsh said. "Basically the whole town was out and we had a parade and they escorted us through the town. It was great to hear everyone say how proud they were of me and the entire team for making to state. To finally get to that state spot and pull it out with a win, that was amazing. But the support here is absolutely incredible. Everyone here is right behind you every step of the way."

While the Turner fans lend their support on the track and really in any sport, the big passion for the Tornadoes and their fans has always been basketball and that's where Welsh is hoping to make his mark in the coming months.

Success has been hard to come by for the Turner boys, who haven't made it to the Northern C Divisonal tournament in decades. However, under the direction of head coach Zach Holland and with the development of players like Welsh, and Harmon prior to that, the Tornadoes keep getting closer and closer to reaching that divisional level of basketball once again.

Last season, the Tornadoes notched a victory in the 9C tournament and had a chance to play their way into the third-place game before coming up short and getting eliminated.

Welsh was a big part of the Tornadoes taking that step forward last season and for his efforts, he earned First-Team All-Conference honors. Now, he is hoping to build on that and help his team get to the second week of the postseason for the first time in a long time. He also hopes to attract the attention of some college coaches along the way. Welsh said that he has already had offers for basketball and track at the collegiate level, but if he had his choice, he would like to play basketball.

However, that decision is still a ways off for Welsh who is focused solely on getting this team past the district tournament. With that in mind, the Havre Daily News caught up with Welsh recently following a conference showdown with North Star.

HDN: As a senior have you tried taking on more of a leadership role this season?

Welsh: "Yeah, we had one senior last year and he graduated and so we needed someone to step up and take that spot. We have a couple seniors this year but I try every day in practice and every game to do what I can to be a leader for this team."

HDN: What is your goal for this season?

Welsh: "We defintely want to get past districts and make it to divisionals. We want to get one of those top three spots for sure."

HDN: How do you feel about your chances of doing that - getting to the Northern C?

Welsh: "I think if we just stick together and work hard we can do it. It helped boost our confidence that we won a game last year. Now we have that extra motivation to know that we can do it."

HDN: What are you doing after you graduate?

Welsh: "After this year, I would like to play college basketball. I have had offers in basketball and track but my heart is in basketball. That is what I would like to do."

HDN: What are you going to miss the most about playing in Turner?

Welsh: "Definitely the crowd support and the support from everyone. All the friends and family that show up and having a gym full of people is what I will remember."