SSHS graduate named BSSG Female Athlete of the Year

BILLINGS, MONTANA - The Big Sky State Games named Seeley-Swan High School graduate Klaire Kovatch the 2022 Female Athlete of the Year. Klaire has competed in Big Sky State Games Track & Field for three years and has since broken two records and earned a total of 10 medals.

The Athlete of the Year award is designed to recognize individuals who best personify the ideals of the State Games movement: participation, sportsmanship, effort and positive attitude.

"I was really surprised I received the award because, at the time, I had no idea the Big Sky State Games recognized an Athlete of the Year," Klaire said. "It is truly an honor to be selected because they pick from more than just a list of track and field athletes. There are a whole lot of athletes they could have chosen. It is pretty special that they picked me."

She debuted at the State Games in 2020 when her junior year track season was canceled due to the COVID pandemic.

"Junior year in high school is generally the year you have the best opportunity to get offers from colleges," wrote Kal Kovatch, her throwing coach and father. "Even though Klaire had collegiate offers we felt it was important to find a way to compete and BSSG provided that opportunity." 

Klaire's first year she won a gold medal in Discus, a bronze medal in Javelin and broke the Discus record for the 16-18 age group.

Klaire returned to compete in 2021.

"It is a fun little summer meet," Klaire said. "It is a light atmosphere and it is a good way for me to get some more throwing practice with other people."

In 2021, she earned additional gold medals in the Discus and Javelin, along with a silver in Shot Put.

After a year of competing with Colorado State University in Track & Field, Kal said Klaire trained to compete for fun rather than necessity. She broke the 19-29 age group Discus record with a throw of 170 feet 7 inches. She also won gold in the Hammer Throw, silver in Javelin and bronze in Shot Put.

"It's funny how watching her throw 123+ feet in eighth grade and 170+ feet at age 19 will bring the same goose bumps to my skin," wrote Kal. "It was never the distances thrown that made those goosebumps (tears) rise, it was more about witnessing her achieving her goals and being able to be a part of that journey! Klaire's accomplishments will continue to impress me, however, none will come as a surprise because I know how hard she works and how much she loves her family, coaches, teammates and the sport!"

In addition to her success at the Big Sky State Games, Klaire was named the Montana Gatorade Girls Track & Field Player of the Year in 2021. She is a three-time Class C discus champion, having won the event in 2018, 2019 and 2021. In addition to track & field, Klaire played volleyball and basketball throughout her high school career.

"What I love about BSSG is that it provides a positive and fun competitive atmosphere for any and all ages," Kal wrote. "Klaire is very deserving of this award. I'd like to thank BSSG for selecting Klaire. It's so great to know that her home state and fans are so supportive!"

In addition to Klaire, Dallas Redekopp of Lolo was named the Big Sky State Games 2022 Male Athlete of the Year and Tucker Rice of Billings received the Big Sky State Games Youth Athlete of the Year. For more information about these and past recipients visit https://bigskygames.org/programs/athlete_of_the_year.php