FORT SHAW -- The Montana Coaches Association announced its winter sport coach of the year selections, where three mentors from Hardin were honored -- Andy Roundface, Cindy Farmer and Eric Hartl.
Roundface led the Bulldog boys basketball team to an undefeated season, one that was cut short prior to the state championship. Hardin was named co-champion with fellow semifinalist winner Butte Central at the State A tournament in Billings last month. Farmer also led Hardin to the Class A state title game, where the team was set to face rival Billings Central in the championship. The Hardin girls have appeared in four consecutive State A title games and were seeking their first win during that span.
Hartl led the Hardin boys swim team to a runner-up finish at the state meet in Great Falls in February. The Bulldogs tallied 61 points, while champion Whitefish had 96.5.
To win the MCA coach of the year honors, coaches must be members of the MCA and are selected by a vote of other member coaches.
Other boys basketball honorees included Missoula Hellgate's Jeff Hays, who guided the Knights to a perfect season and berth in the Class AA state championship game, Lodge Grass mentor Josh Stewart and Scobey's Jason Wolfe. Stewart and Wolfe earned co-championship honors at the Class B and Class C tournaments, respectively.
Helena Capital's Katie Garcin-Forba (Class AA), Missoula Loyola's Travis Walker (Class B) and Roy-Winifred co-coaches Marietta Boyce and Mauri Elness were also honored.
Bozeman swimming coach Siobhan Gillmartin was recognized as the boys and girls swim coach of the year after the Hawks ran away with both Class AA championships. Billings Central's Robyn O'Nan was named the Class A girls swim coach of the year.
Three of the four wrestling programs that won state championships saw their coaches honored -- Great Falls High's Luis Carranza, Sidney's Guy Melby and Glasgow's Jory Casterline. The Bison, Eagles and Scotties each added individual and team titles to their storied legacies. Alberton-Superior wrestling coach Charlie Crabb collected the Class C wrestling honor.
All winners will be honored during the 2020 MCA coaches clinic awards ceremony, which is scheduled for July 30 at 11:30 a.m. at Great Falls CMR High School.
2020 Montana Coaches Association winter coaches of the year
Wrestling
Class AA: Luis Carranza, Great Falls High
Class A: Guy Melby, Sidney
Class B: Jory Casterline, Glasgow
Class C: Charlie Crabb, Alberton-Superior
Boys swimming
Class AA: Siobhan Gillmartin, Bozeman
Class A: Eric Hartl, Hardin
Girls swimming
Class AA: Siobhan Gillmartin, Bozeman
Class A: Robyn O'Nan, Billings Central
Boys basketball
Class AA: Jeff Hays, Missoula Hellgate
Class A: Andy Roundface, Hardin
Class B: Josh Stewart, Lodge Grass
Class C: Jason Wolfe, Scobey
Girls basketball
Class AA: Katie Garcin-Forba, Helena CApital
Class A: Cindy Farmer, Hardin
Class B: Travis Walker, Missoula Loyola
Class C: Marietta Boyce and Mauri Elness, Roy-Winifred
