Walker McDonald signed to throw with the Griz Track & Field team next year. He will specialize in discus and shot put while also getting to try the hammer.
SEELEY LAKE – Seeley-Swan High School senior Walker McDonald has seen a lot of success throwing for the Blackhawks during his high school career including setting a new State record in Discus a few weeks ago. Now he looks forward to continuing his throwing career at the University of Montana next fall after signing with the Griz Track & Field team.
"I've always wanted to throw in college since I realized I had some sort of talent," McDonald said. "Plus it is in Missoula which is where I wanted to go anyway."
The UM Track & Field team started recruiting McDonald last summer. He was among 10 other student-athletes that signed to join the program last December during the early-signing period. Eight of the incoming freshmen hail from the Treasure State.
"One of our goals as a program is to thoroughly share our program, the university and our vision for the future with the best high school track & field athletes that Montana has," said Head Coach Clint May in a press release. "We want to gain the trust of every track & field fan, fanatic and family in this state. Simply, Montana – as small as it may be in population – produces good track & field. Our current freshman class shows that we did well last year in Montana and looking at these new Montana names, you can see that we are doing well again this year."
During his junior year, McDonald won all 13 competitions in the Discus with a personal record of 164 feet 10 inches. This included the Montana Class C state titles in both the discus and shot put with a throw of 52 feet 8.25 inches.
McDonald continued to excel in his senior year. He again won the Montana Class C state titles for Discus and Shot Put. His Discus throw also extended the SSHS record and set a new state record of 174 feet 3 inches.
SSHS Throwing Coach Kal Kovatch has often described McDonald as very coachable.
"I define coachable as being 100% willing to accept a challenge. To set achievable goals, trusting coach and the process without doubt to achieve those goals," wrote Kovatch in an email. "Obviously he exceeds my definition of coachable. Witnessing his natural ability to bond with people and his gentle calm disposition takes the cake though! I love seeing him help others with less skill without judgment. It is a blessing to see such a fierce competitor with so much humility!"
Kovatch added, "Good parenting, maturity and years of competing in multiple sports taught him to deal with challenges."
"[Kal] has stuck with me and helped me as much as any coach could ever help someone," McDonald said. "It's just been great working with him."
McDonald is the third Blackhawk thrower coached by Kovatch to sign at a D1 school. Kovatch is excited for him to have the opportunity.
"First, Walker is a great student and athlete! As a bonus they are getting an amazing person that brings a great vibe to the team," Kovatch wrote. "The UM will get out of Walker what they put in. He has the skill and desire, all he needs is the opportunity!"
He looks forward to specializing in Discus and Shot Put well as trying the hammer. Kovatch is excited to see McDonald start throwing hammer.
"I feel he is going to take to hammer very well with his incredible balance and speed," Kovatch said.
McDonald added competing with the Griz Track & Field team will help keep him focused through college while he pursues a degree in fire science.
McDonald said, "I'm just really excited to become a Griz."
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