Whitefish Grad Walburn Competes in NCAA Championships

Decathlete Lee Walburn, a Whitefish High School graduate, finished the first day of competition at the NCAA Track and Field Championships in 11th place.

Walburn, who attended Carroll College for two years winning back-to-back NAIA national championships in the 10-discipline event, transferred to Washington State University for his final two years of college eligibility. He qualified for the NCAA Championships, which kicked off on Wednesday with the first half of the decathlon.

Decathlete Lee Walburn, formerly of Carroll College, practices at Whitefish High School on June 8, 2022. Hunter D’Antuono | Flathead Beacon

After five events Walburn was in 11th place with a first-day score of 3976 points. In the first event of the day, the 100m, Walburn ran a lifetime best 10.85 seconds. He ended the day similarly, winning the second heat of the 400m with another lifetime best of 48.40. He also heaved a personal best in the shot put, throwing15.00m, 49 feet 1½ inches.

Live results from the decathlon can be found here.

Lee Walburn with a lifetime best 10.85 in the 100m sprint to begin his decathlon at the #NCAATF Champs! Walburn won his heat and finished 10th overall.

Catch the rest of Lee’s events live on ESPN+#GoCougs pic.twitter.com/XOnHisDb0W
— Washington State XC/TF (@WSUCougarXCTF) June 5, 2024

Without you, we wouldn't be here.

The continued support from our readers keeps our lights on and helps sustain local independent journalism in northwest Montana. Please consider a one-time gift or sign up for a recurring contribution and join more than 500 readers in the Editor’s Club.

Click here to read about the impact the Beacon has on the community.

I’ll Support Your Work