Tradition doesn’t just lace Flathead’s history in girls’ basketball, but saturates it. On October 24-25, the 25th anniversary of Bravettes basketball was celebrated. With a standing ovation honoring former coach Joe McKay, the players of the past and present along with advocates of Bravettes basketball, gathered to reminisce and enlighten. “They told us stories of what they did,” said junior Sarah Ondov. “They had to share a locker room with the guys and one time they hung all the guys’ jock straps from the ceiling.” “It was good to see the coaches again and what we went through,” said former Bravette Cindy Bitney. “I had a twin sister on the team and we used to switch places for free shots all the time.” Just as FHS pride is apparent today in many students, that pride has stayed with players from 25 years ago. “It’s neat to be part of the Bravettes tradition,” said former original Bravette Sandy Bitney. “It (the ceremony) brought back how quickly time goes by.” “Anytime we can keep traditions alive, that’s what makes Flathead High special,” said FHS Activities Director Gene Boyle. “Bringing people back makes us more (of a) community.” It was not always fun and games to get acceptance for the program. The Montana High School Association turned down the girls’ basketball proposition three times before it was finally passed in 1972. “In the early days girls had no opportunities,” said the first coach of girls’ basketball, Joe McKay. “In the late 70’s and early 80’s we didn’t have younger programs. The further we go up the ladder, the more chance we have at better athletes.” The pep band of 1972 didn’t play at girls basketball games. It wasn’t until 1983, 11 years after the program began, that seven individuals took it upon themselves to have a pep band at the games. “They went along with them (the bravettes) to tournaments,” said Sue Sande, mother of two of the independent pep band participants. “It really added some spark to the games.” The seven pep band members were David Higgs, saxophone; Guy Sande, tuba; Bryan Kulm, baritone; Eric Sande, trumpet; Tom Carr, drums; and two other members. “If you asked everyone in the school, I bet 90% never went to a (Bravette) game,” said Sandy Bitney. “But we were just glad to be able to play. It’s neat to be part of Bravette tradition.” Despite the mountain the program had to conquer to reach its ideal level of equity, the girls basketball at FHS has prospered. “When you look at day one to now,” said Brad Walterskirchen. “No one can compare to our record.” The Bravettes upheld the success tradition last Friday night with a 63-43 victory over Helena Capital. “All the players from ’72 and the coaches enjoyed the get together,” said McKay. “Brad Walterskirchen and Louie Bean did a good job (organizing it).” |
