Page 59 - Flathead Beacon // 5.18.16

A ROUNDUP OF LOCAL SPORTS NEWS
BY DILLON TABISH
MONTANA SIDELINES
Gene Boyle. BEACON FILE PHOTO
Iconic Educator Gene Boyle Dies
Gene Boyle, an exuberant and passion- ate educator who inspired generations of students and sta in Kalispell, died Mon- day morning. He was six days shy of his 74th birthday.
His wife, Barb, said the family plans to hold a memorial service in the near future and details will be announced in the coming days.
Boyle had been battling dementia since being diagnosed in 2011. Commu- nity members organized a 5K and half- mile stroll for kids at Legends Stadium to raise awareness of the disease. The event, called “A Race to Remember,” is June 4.
Last spring Flathead High School ded- icated the Bravettes’ home softball eld to Boyle, saying the former coach epito- mized the Flathead spirit.
Flathead High School Principal Peter Fusaro described Boyle as a “father g- ure” who was wholeheartedly devoted to students, sta and families in Kalispell’s educational community.
“A lot of people looked up to him for guidance in good times and bad times,” Fusaro said.
“We’re all a little bit better because of Gene Boyle.”
Flathead Activities Director Bryce Wilson remembers being a student at the high school and recognizing Boyle’s “Flathead spirit.”
“When you were in his presence, you always felt like you were No. 1,” Wilson said.
“He’s always been somebody I admired, and he really, truly stands for what Flathead is all about.”
Boyle leaves behind a legacy as large and impactful as his personality.
Gene landed in Kalispell with his wife andtwochildren,BrendaandDeedee,in 1976. Boyle served as a math teacher at Flathead and also took over as the head coach of the football team for four sea- sons, leading the Braves to the 1980 championship game. Flathead nished the season second after losing to Great Falls C.M. Russell.
Gene took over as Flathead’s assistant principal and activities director in 1980 and held the administrative role for nearly two decades. In 1988 he was named the Montana Activities Director of the Year by the Montana Interscholastic Athletic
Administrators Association. In 1998, he took over as principal at St. Matthew’s, where he would open each school day by singing his trademark “Zip-A-Dee-Doo- Dah, Zip-A-Dee-A” over the intercom.
That same year he also became Flat- head’s softball coach, building the pro- gram into a state contender. Besides winning the title in 2003, the Bravettes placed third in 2001 and 2002 and second in 2004.
He retired from coaching in 2004 and in the spring of 2009 Boyle retired as principal at the age of 66.
Glacier Boys, Girls Take Divisional Tennis Titles
Spencer Johnson claimed the singles championship and guided Glacier to its sixth consecutive team title last week- end at the Northern AA Divisional tour- nament in Kalispell.
Johnson defeated teammate Hunter Blalack 6-0, 6-0 in the singles nale. The Wolfpack edged Great Falls for the team title, 45-44. In doubles action, Glacier’s Ben Wright and Hunter Danz won the consolation nal over Great Falls’ Seth Dabler and Chase Perry, 6-3, 6-4.
The Glacier girls, led by doubles cham- pions Maya Buckingham and Anna Cecil, captured the team trophy with 34 points, edging Great Falls’ 27. In doubles, Gla- cier’s Cayli Mower and McKenna John- son won the consolation nal, defeating Flathead’s Bailey Bladholm and Noel Senner, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.
Flathead’s Ellie Berreth placed sec- ond in singles. Mackenzie George of CMR defeated Bereth, 6-4, 6-0. Flathead’s Rayna Darrow won the consolation nal, defeating Great Falls’ Anna Johnson, 6-1, 6-2. Flathead placed third as a team with 26 points.
The teams advanced to the Class AA state tournament in Great Falls, May 19-20.
In Class A, Northwestern A is hosting its divisional tournament in Kalispell this week. Columbia Falls senior Emily Getts boasts a perfect single record. The top nishers advance to the state tourna- ment in Livingston and Bozeman, May 26-27.
In Class B/C, Libby’s Jason Brant won the single divisional champion- ship at the Western B-C tournament. He defeated teammate Colin Maloney, 6-3, 6-3. In doubles action, George Gibson and Ben Russell of Bigfork claimed the title, defeating Erik Lauer an Braydan Thom of Lobby, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5).
For girls, Libby’s Kaylene Hudson won the single title over Troy’s Allie Brown, 7-5, 6-2. Kalia Wicklund and Alauna Wei- lacher of Bigfork claimed the doubles trophy over Dani Hawthorne and Mehki Sykes of Libby, 6-1, 6-2.
Each year nurses from across our organization put forth names of colleagues for consideration of Kalispell Regional Healthcare’s Nurse of the Year award. Through it, we recognize the exceptional level of care, the passion for service to others, and a commitment to excellence for themselves and for others. We also take this time to honor all nurses.
Being a nurse is a formidable, challenging, and honored calling. Our nurses do it with pride and they do it well.
We are proud of our nurses.
Thank you for putting patients rst. Your teamwork and your passion for the nursing profession make a di erence each and every day.
www.kalispellregional.org
Congratulations to Kalispell Regional Healthcare’s
Nurse of the Year
Christina Armstrong, RN, ICU
MAY 18, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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