(Editor's note: Montana Western media release)
DILLON – University of Montana Western head football coach Ryan Nourse announced the signing of 22 student-athletes on early signing day for the 2021 season.
"We were able to reach our initial goals with this class, really strengthening our offensive line depth and our overall athleticism at defensive back," Nourse said. "We secured talented run-and-hit guys who fit into multiple positions, whether it's linebacker, rush end or tight end. Overall, this is a high-achieving group in the classroom as well as on the field. We are excited to see what the future holds for this crew."
The Bulldogs recruited Montana very well in the early signing period, with 20 players hailing from the Treasure State.
"This was a great year in Montana despite all the challenging circumstances faced. I'm happy for all of the kids in Montana who got to play high school football and for all the guys who found opportunities to play and further their education at Frontier Conference schools," Nourse said. "Montana is the home base of our program and our staff did an outstanding job of creating great relationships and building the Bulldogs an excellent class."
Thomas Beccari OL/DL 6-3 255 Kalispell, Mont. / Glacier HS
Thomas is lineman from Kalispell, Mont. He is a two-time all-conference selection on the offensive and defensive line. In 2020 he was first-team all-state offensive lineman and second-team all-state defensive lineman. He also plays basketball, wrestling, track and lacrosse.
The academic all-state student is the son of Chris and Shana Beccari and plans on majoring in environmental science.
Chucky Braverock OL 6-3 270 Browning, Mont. / Browning HS
Chucky is an all-state offensive lineman from Browning, Mont. He was an all-conference selection on both sides of the ball. Chucky was the 2020 Western A Heavyweight Divisional Champion in wrestling.
The 4.0 student is the son of Rick and Vivian Braverock and plans on majoring in mathematics and secondary education.
John Brown OL/DL 6-2 250 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS
John Brown is an offensive and defensive lineman from Bozeman, Mont. He is a two-time all-state and all-conference selection.
He is the son of Kate Locke and plans of majoring in health and human performance.
Gabriel Delgatty TE/DL 6-3 200 Manhattan, Mont. / Manhattan HS
Gabriel is a force on both sides of the ball, leading the team in sacks and receptions. He helped lead the Tigers to two straight state championship games claiming the title in 2020. He is and all-sport athlete that also plays baseball.
The academic all-state selection is the son of Jason and Amy Delgatty and plans on majoring in business.
Tucker Foster DL 6-0 230 Camas Prairie, Mont. / Plains HS
Tucker led the Horseman in tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles for two straight seasons. In 2019 he was named all-conference on the line and as a defensive end. In 2020 he was all-conference defensive end and tight end and received all-state honors. He has played basketball and track where he qualified for state in both sports.
He is the son of Buzz and MaryAnn Foster and plans on majoring in elementary education.
Tanner Huff DB 6-0 185 Butte, Mont. / Butte HS
Tanner is a defensive back from Butte, Mont. HE is sixth all-time in total tackles in Butte High history. For his career, he as amassed 90 solo tackles, 141 total tackles for 6.7 tackles per game. He also has four interceptions, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. He was a member of the 2019 state runner-up team and in 2020 was named all-state and all-conference as a safety. He also played basketball, wrestling and track. In track, he placed second in the division and 12th in state in the javelin.
The academic all-state selection is the son of Pat Huff and Traci McArthur and plans on majoring in business.
DJ Jackson OL 6-4 290 Butte, Mont. / Butte HS
DJ is an offensive lineman from Butte, Mont. He is a two-time all-conference selection and was a member of the 2019 state runner-up team. He also qualified for divisional's in track and state in wrestling.
DJ is the son of Douglas and Jenifer Jackson and plans on majoring in mathematics and secondary education.
Aidan Jenkins DB 6-1 165 Clyde Park, Mont. / Shields Valley HS
Aidan is a wide receiver and defensive back from Clyde Park, Mont. In his career, he totaled 1489 yards rushing, 2114 yards receiving, 70 touchdowns, 254 tackles and 13 interceptions. He is a three-time all-conference and two-time all-state selection. He helped led the Rebels to three-straight playoff appearances including a trip the semifinals in 2020.
The three-time academic all-state selection is the son of Aaron and Tara Jenkins and plans on majoring in business.
Trevor Lake OL 6-5 220 Polson, Mont. / Polson HS
Trevor is a multi-sport athlete from Polson, Mont. He anchored the offensive line for the Pirates and also plays basketball and baseball.
He is the son to Tim and Chanel Lake and plans on majoring in mathematics and secondary education.
Ryker McElmurry LB 6-0 185 Libby, Mont. / Libby HS
Ryker is linebacker from Libby, Mont. In 2020 he led the state in total tackles in all classes and received all-state honors. He is a three-time all-conference selection and was named team MVP. The multi-sport athlete also lettered in basketball and tennis.
The Honor Roll student is the son of Joe and Jen McElmurry and plans on majoring in elementary education.
Brady Mounts WR/KR 5-9 165 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS
Brady is a wide receiver and return specialist from Bozeman, Mont. In 18 career games he has 620 yards on 31 returns, 113 receiving yards and averaged 3.4 yards per carry. He is a two-time all-conference kick returner and also runs track.
He is the son of Carey Mounts and Karena Askeland and plans on majoring in health and human performance.
Seth Norslien DB 6-0 210 Lewistown, Mont. / Fergus HS
Seth is a is defensive back and wide receiver from Lewistown, Mont. He is a two-time team captain and two-time all-conference selection as a safety. He helped led the Golden Eagles to three-straight playoff appearances.
Seth is the son of Erik and Andrea Norslien and plans on majoring in physical education & health K-12.
James Ochs LB 6-0 210 Laurel, Mont. / Laurel HS
James is an all-state linebacker and helped lead the Locomotives to two straight state championship games winning the title in 2020. He is also named second-team all-conference as a running back.
The academic all-state athlete is the son of Christopher and Wendy Ochs and plans on majoring in business at Montana Western.
David Patterson LB 6-2 205 Libby, Mont. / Libby HS
David is a four-year starter at linebacker and three-year starter at tight end for the Libby Loggers. He is a three-time all-state selection at linebacker. He also played tennis, track and basketball.
He is the son of Josh and Bobbie Patterson and plans on majoring in business.
Ryan Rieckmann WR/K 6-4 200 Cheney, Wash. / Cheney HS
Ryan is dual position athlete from Cheney, Wash. He is an all-league honorable mention his junior year. His senior season was canceled due to Covid. He is a two-time all-league MVP in track. He is a member of the Spokane speed academy and placed 6th at nationals in the javelin at age 16.
He is the son of Randy and Denise Rieckmann and plans on majoring in business.
Flint Smith DB 6-2 190 Whitehall, Mont. / Whitehall HS
Flint Smith is defensive back and wide receiver from Whitehall, Mont. He is an All-state selection at receiver and second-team all-conference selection at safety.
The three-sport athlete is the son of Trent and Joy Smith and plans on majoring in biology at Montana Western.
Camren Spencer DL 6-0 245 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS
Camren anchored the D-line on the Hawks 2019 state championship team. He was a part of three-straight state semi-final appearances. He is an all-state and all-conference selection lineman on both sides of the ball. He also placed at state in wrestling.
He is the son of Cody and Danica Spencer and plans on majoring in ecology.
Reese Stanish DB 5-11 200 Bozeman, Mont. / Bozeman HS
Resse is a defensive back from Bozeman High School. In 20 games played he recorded 90 tackles and five interceptions. He is a two-time all-conference selection and was named to the all-state team in 2020. He also plays basketball, baseball and wrestling.
He is the son of Josh and Moira Stanish and plans on majoring in physical education & Health K-12.
Toby Veltkamp LB 5-11 170 Manhattan, Mont. / Manhattan
Toby is a linebacker from Manhattan, Mont. He is a three-time all-conference selection and all-state in selection in 2020. He helped lead the Tigers to two straight state championship games claiming the title in 2020
The academic all-state student is the son of Amy and Phil Veltkamp and plans on majoring in business.
Cole Warnaca QB 6-3 210 Leavenworth, Wash. / Cascade HS
Cole is a quarterback from Leavenworth, Wash. He is third all-time for passing yards in school history without playing a senior season. He also holds the record for longest complete pass. He is a two-time team MVP in basketball and also played baseball.
The Honor Roll student is the son of Rob and Kelly Coulter and plans on majoring in business.
Nicholas Widhalm WR 6-0 150 Power, Mont. / Power HS
Nicholas threw for over 1500 yards and 40 touchdowns while running for seven more. The team captain is a two time all-state and all-conference selection. He was also named all-state and all conference in track and basketball.
The academic all-state selection and Honor Roll student is the son of Willie and Cristin Widhalm and plans on majoring in business administration.
Austin Wilson ATH 5-10 175 Wolf Point, Mont. / Wolf Point HS
Austin was selected as Wolf Point's MVP in 2020, rushing for 532 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns. Wilson caught seven passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Wilson led the Wolves with 86 tackles. He accounted for three forced fumble, one fumble recovery and four tackles for loss, He earned all-conference honors on both sides of the ball as well as being named to the all-state team. He was named academic all-state in three sports.
Austin is the son of Ryan and Jenny Wilson and plans on majoring in elementary education.
