Local high schoolers excel at Big Sky State Games

BILLINGS, MONTANA - Though the 2020 track season never left the starting line due to COVID-19, Seeley-Swan High School senior Klaire Kovatch and her sophomore brother Klayton did not miss a beat during a statewide race July 19. Not only did they place in multiple events, Klaire now holds the farthest discus throw in the history of the Big Sky State Games.

"Breaking the Big Sky State Games record made my first and last track meet of my junior year even more meaningful," now senior Klaire said. "It tells me that even with the challenges of COVID I'm still a consistent high 140-foot thrower."

The Kovatch siblings recently traveled to Billings for the Big Sky Games, an olympic-styled race series for all ages. Klaire finished first in the discus for the 16-18 age group, which smashed the previous record held by Jennifer Allen of 138 feet in 1999 with a distance of 148 feet, 9 inches. She also finished third in the javelin throw with a distance of 119 feet, 4 inches setting a new personal record. 

For Klaire, it was difficult continuing her track and field training during the pandemic. The closure of SSHS meant she trained with just Klayton and her father Kal Kovatch. 

The trio made sure to train every week, though the siblings did not have anything to work towards. That is until the Big Sky Games announced they would still host their track and field competitions. 

Runners kept six feet apart. Competitors with handheld items, like discus and javelin, received their own equipment. 

"Even though we made the most of our circumstances this year I don't want to have to do that again," Klaire said. "I learned that track is individual enough you can do it yourself, but working by yourself is never as good as having teammates."

Klayton, who competed in the 14-15-year-old competition, also took home first place in the discus with a throw of 123 feet, 11 inches. He also managed third place in the long jump, with a distance of 16 feet, 6.25 inches. Both set his new personal record.

The Games was also Klayton's first high school track meet. He would have competed as a freshman this spring. 

"It was very nice to have a track meet with everything that has been going on. It was good to finally get a mark for my freshman year so I have something to work off of next year," Klayton said

He hoped his sophomore year of high school track will be more normal. Coming into the 2021 track season, it will be the last year both siblings will compete together for the Blackhawks. 

"It's not fun knowing it's my last year but I'm ready for it to start," Klaire said. "This last year should be super fun and I'm willing to work hard and get the most out of each sport."