During four impressive years at FHS - both in the classroom and on the field - senior Chad Wassink has earned more than good grades and athletic accomplishments: he has earned respect.
"He's a great kid in every respect," said Wassink's 11th grade history teacher, Mark Armstrong. "He works hard and has a lot of character. I'm not surprised to see his success."
In four years on Flathead's sports teams, Wassink has earned a total of nine letters in cross-country, basketball and track.
A 1996 state championship in the javelin and the basketball team's 1997 entrance in the state playoffs are among Wassink's proudest accomplishments. His tenth letter will probably be earned this spring for the track team.
"He's an outstanding guy," said boys' head track coach Dan Hodge. "He does what you ask. When he says he'll be there, he'll be there."
The Wassink family has no shortage of athletes. Chad's brother, 1994 graduate Kip Wassink, earned nine letters at FHS and had a cumulative 4.0 GPA.
The best athlete in the Wassink family, however, may be waiting in the wings.
Troy, Chad's younger brother is a seventh grader who currently plays basketball and baseball, and looks to improve on the Wassink tradition.
"Troy has probably got the most athletic ability in the family," said Chad.
Wassink has excelled in athletics, yet his list of accomplishments doesn't end on the field.
A cumulative 3.87 GPA, including a 4.0 for the first semester of this year, add to the multitudes of his achievements.
Wassink's last four years have been as busy as they have been successful.
"The most challenging thing is keeping motivated when I miss school," said Wassink. "I've missed one or two days (a week) for about the last four weeks. Sometimes it's tough getting all the work done."
Wassink attributes a part of his success to the support he's received from his friends. Senior Eric Rich has been close to Wassink since seventh grade, on and off the field.
"Eric's definitely been there with me," said Wassink. "When we're on the (basketball) court he's always pushing me to work harder. He also encouraged me to get in the weight room."
Rich is equally impressed with Wassink's dedication.
"Chad works really hard to do well," said Rich of his long-time friend. "He basically does everything to achieve his goals."
In a sports-oriented household, the Wassink family has stood behind Chad's success.
"They're always there," said Wassink. "They never made me do anything. My parents are as supportive as they can get - that's a big part in my success."
After graduation, Chad plans to enter college to study the sciences.
Currently, Wassink has applied to Seattle Pacific (where Kip attends school), Stanford and Montana State.
"I've been accepted at Seattle and MSU," said Wassink. "I won't find out about Stanford until April."
Despite looking to his future in college, Wassink reflects back on his high school years fondly, and encourages students who are starting out to make the most of their high school years.
"Find as many things that you enjoy and go do it," said Wassink. "You only go to high school once. If you don't make the most of it, you'll regret it."