(Editor’s note: Carroll College media release)
HELENA — The Carroll College track and field team bolstered its roster with the addition of Montana’s best hurdler in 2018.
Chad Hemsley, a State AA 300-hurdle champion from Flathead High, signed with the Fighting Saints track team and is enrolled at Carroll this semester. Hemsley transferred from Flathead Valley Community College after one semester.
“(Assistant coach Matt Larson) was one of my high school coaches for track,” Hemsley said. “He was a big part of the decision. He piqued the interest in Carroll. He had me come for a visit. I loved it. I loved how they talked about the team and how they talked about how Carroll was such a good school.”
Hemsley won the 300-meter hurdles at last year’s Class AA State Championship in a time of 38.09, a personal best for the Carroll freshman and the best mark in all classifications in Montana. He also placed second in the 110-hurdles and helped the Braves to a second place finish in the 4×400.
“He was the fastest intermediate hurdler in the state of Montana in 2018,” Saints coach Harry Clark said. “He’s going to make an immediate impact on our team. I’m looking forward to working with him in the 400 hurdles. We think he can be a national champion in his freshman year.”
Hemsley will be a factor in the 400-meter hurdles early on and hopes to compete in the 110-hurdles and 4×400 relay, too.
“I’m just trying to get in shape during indoor and hit it hard outdoor,” Hemsley said. “Outdoor I would love to make nationals as a freshman. That would be big. That’s my biggest goal right now.”
Hemsley is currently pursuing a health sciences degree.
