The Montana State track and field team began its 2026 outdoor season on March 27 with strong performances in four field events, including hammer throw wins by Matt Furdyk and Jenavieve Lynch at Dornblaser Track at the University of Montana.
These early results are significant as they set the tone for the rest of the season, giving athletes momentum and confidence. The opening day saw five personal records achieved by Bobcat throwers, reflecting a promising start to their campaign.
Furdyk advanced from ninth to fourth on Montana State’s all-time top-10 list in the men’s hammer throw with a winning mark of 64.37 meters (211 feet, 2 inches). Easton Hatleberg finished third and Ben Parks took sixth place, both achieving new personal bests. On the women’s side, Lynch secured her win with a throw of 54.88 meters (180 feet), leading three Bobcats who placed in the top five. Sydney Brewster was runner-up while Sydney Mattfeldt recorded a personal-best for third place.
Dale Kennedy Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Lyle Weese said, “It worked out well for our team to have the hammer be the first event of the outdoor season. They put up some big marks and personal bests right out of the gate. The remainder of the team is excited to get to Missoula tomorrow morning and put up big marks and compete well in their first outdoor meet of the year.” In other events, Hatleberg placed fifth in men’s javelin while Timbur Nilson finished eleventh; Hailey Ells achieved ninth place in women’s javelin with a personal best.
Competition will continue Saturday morning with discus events featuring Emma Brensdal, Brewster, and Lynch followed by running events beginning at 11:15 a.m., including Hannah Perrin, Annie Kaul, and Niamh Motley competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
The broader impact for Montana State’s program is an optimistic outlook as athletes achieve early milestones that could contribute to future successes throughout this outdoor track season.
