Butte athlete Rachael McGree was named the Montana Association of USATF Female Athlete of the Year in the 17-18 age group.
The award was presented to McGree, a senior at Butte Central High School, at the annual meeting Sunday night in Butte.
Charlie and Betty Merrifield of Butte and Doug Darko of Great Falls were honored with the 2016 Ambassador of the Year award. That award recognizes individuals selected by the Youth Committee who demonstrate a passion and dedication with enhancing the spirit of youth track and field and cross country in Montana.
Charlie Merrifield was the long-time head coach of the Butte High track team. He continues to assist the Bulldogs. Betty Merrifield has helped run track meets and promote the sport in Butte and around the state for decades.
Selection of the male and female athletes were based upon their performances at three different levels of competition this past summer during the months of June and July. Recipients of the Athlete of the Year award were considered during their participation in the Association championships for Montana, the Region 11 Junior Olympic championships for Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming, and/or the National championships in Sacramento, California.
More than 700 track and field athletes in Montana between the ages of 7 and 18 years old were eligible to be considered for the award. The Junior Olympic program offers competition in both track amd field and cross-country for student athletes in six age divisions.
For information about the Junior Olympic program visit usatf.org or contact Dave Skelton, Youth Chair, at bztkclub@gmail.com.
