Chinook's Klingaman earns Montana High School Heisman award

A highly-successful student-athlete from Chinook has earned a prestigious Montana award for his achievements in sports, in the class room and in the community.

Chinook senior Robbie Klingaman has earned the Wendy's High School Heisman Boys Award for 2012. Klingaman just wrapped up his senior season of football for the Sugarbeeters, where he played both offense and defense, and helped Chinook to a second-place finish in the Northern C and a berth in the Class C quarterfinals.

Klingaman is also a standout wrestler for Chinook, finishing second in Class B-C at 189 pounds as a junior. He'll likely begin his senior season, later this month, as the No. 1-ranked wrestler in his weight class in Class B-C.

Klingaman and Frenchtown's Abby Ireland will now be Wendy's High School Heisman national finalists. They were selected as Montana winners from a group of more than 45,000 national applicants, as well as 20 Montana finalists. Chester/J-I senior Kate Graff was also a female finalist for this year's award.

"Colleges want well-rounded students and with admissions growing more selective, a national award like the Wendy's High School Heisman can really help students stand out," said Archie Griffin, a two-time collegiate Heisman Trophy winner in a press release. "Abby and Robert are inspirations to others in their school and community, and we're honored to welcome them into the Heisman family."

Rob Klingaman