Top Local Sports Stories for 2023

What year isn't memorable when it comes to sports on the Hi-Line? And 2023 was as memorable as ever. Local teams brought home state championships and individual accolades. Havre played host to some huge events, and all-in-all, it was another incredible year for sports.

Here's a look back at some of the top sports moments from the last 12 months.

Havre girls 3-peat, again

Favored, not favored, it just doesn't seem to matter when it comes to Blue Pony girls basketball. Back in March, the Ponies capped off its second three-peat Class A State championship in the last seven seasons, after beating Hardin by 17 points in Bozeman. In the championship game, head coach Dustin Kraske's team saw Amaya Jarvis, Yelena Miller, Sierra Parker and Avery Carlson all score in double figures as the Blue Ponies continued their Class A dominance.

A pair of Ponies win state wrestling titles

Havre didn't get as close to the state title as it's used to, but the Blue Ponies were still a huge factor on finals night last February in Billings. At 182 pounds, Kale Van Campen took home the state championship in Class A, his first as a longtime Blue Pony grappler. Joining VanCampen was HHS junior Trystan Stygles, who fought his way to the 138-pound state championship. It was also Stygles' first state tittle, while the Ponies placed six overall on their way to a sixth-place finish.

Tyler Schoen repeats for the Beeters

It was another big season for Chinook wrestler Tyler Schoen. He repeated as a Class B-C state champion by dominating the 182-pound division back in February in Billings, Schoen won by fall in three of his four matches as he helped the Beeters to a strong finish yet again.

Northstars win districts, Havre hosts regionals

It was a big, and fun summer on the diamond for the Havre Northstars American Legion baseball club. Head coach Patch Wirtzberger's team won the Northern District championship in July, then finished in the Top 5 at the Class A state tournament a week later. However, the best was saved for last as Havre and Legion Field played host to the 2023 Northwest A Regional Tournament. The Northstars received an automatic bid to the tournament as the hosts, and won two games in front of jam-packed crowds. Havre and HYBA put on a show for all to see, and the regional tournament was a huge, huge success.

Havre's Detrick impacting Griz run to the chipper

He's had to be patient but, as a red-shirt sophomore, former Blue Pony Kellen Detrick is making a big impression on the Montana Grizzly football team. Detrick has spent the magical 2023 Griz season, which saw a win over Montana State, and a Big Sky championship, as a defensive tackle who has been playing extremely well. He's also been a special teams leader for the Grizzlies, who play South Dakota State in the FCS national championship game next week.

Local gridders make deep playoff runs

It was certainly another great fall for area high school football. The Havre Blue Ponies made a run to the Class A quarterfinals, and nearly knocked off Dillon, who went on to win the state championship in the process. Also, Fort Benton once again was stout, reaching the Class C 8-Man semifinals, while Chester-Joplin-Inverness had a huge season and reached the Class C 6-Man semifinals.

Two Lights reach NAIA podium

As always, the Montana State University-Northern wrestling team was a factor at the NAIA national tournament. Northern had a pair of NAIA All-Americans for longtime head coach Tyson Thivierge as NaKoda Siegel finished fourth at 174 pounds, while freshman Austin Vanek placed seventh at 184 pounds.

Chinook girls win 9C, Beeters move up

It was their last District 9C tournament and the Chinook girls made sure it was a big one. The Beeters rolled to the 9C title and ultimately went on a 25-3 run in their final year of Class C sports. This school year, Chinook has moved back to Class B, and this winter, the Chinook girls are looking as dominant as ever as they're undefeated at the new year.

Marc Mariani inducted into Griz HOF

Over the years, Havre's Marc Mariani has received plenty of awards. Last October, he received another one as he was enshrined in the Montana Grizzly Hall of Fame. Mariani is the second local product and just the 23rd Grizzly football player to be inducted into the Grizzly HOF. 

Lights win season opener

There wasn't many bright spots for the Montana State University-Northern football team this past fall. But the Lights sure did start with a bang. At Tilleman Field back in August, Northern, under second-year head coach Jerome Souers, beat Mayville State 14-0 to begin the 2023 campaign. The Lights defense was stellar in the win, which was MSU-N's third over Mayville in the last five years.