Fort Benton standout headed to Providence for two sports

It has been a busy year for many Hi-Line seniors, including Fort Benton standout McKenzie Clark.

Clark, a volleyball, girls basketball, and track and field athlete, recently announced she will be competing for the University of Providence Argos after high school.

Clark was a part of the strong Longhorn's team that wreaked havoc in the District 9C this season, with first team all-conference and all-state selections, as well. If the track and field season permits, Clark would compete in the 800 meters, 400 meter relay, triple jump, pole vault and javelin events for Fort Benton.

Now, the Argos have snagged a stellar standout from the Hi-Line to add to their program. When it comes to Providence track and field head coach Tony Arntson, he is excited have Clark on board.

"McKenzie is a fiercely competitive all-around athlete with a super personality," Arntson said. "She will be a great addition to the foundation of our program.  We are very excited to get a Fort Benton athlete in our program, as well."

Clark had a wild basketball season with the Longhorns. She helped the team go undefeated in the 9C, which is not an easy thing to do. On top of that, Clark has been part of the three-peat 9C championship record for Fort Benton, too. It had been a proud final year under head coach Cassie Pimperton for Clark.

The biggest aspect that makes Clark an excellent athlete is her character. Clark is passionate about her game, excited to be a part of any team she plays with and exudes high-Caliber sportsmanship in every game. At the end of the day, her drive keeps her in constant motion to do great things. Clark has been named to the Honor Roll every quarter at Fort Benton, too.

With all that talent and character at her disposal, Clark will be a player to watch in her collegiate career with the Argos, and Providence women's basketball head coach Bill Himmelberg is looking forward to that future, as well.

"McKenzie is a high-energy player," Himmelberg said. "She comes from a really great program. I'm really excited for her future here with us."

With spring sports currently at a standstill across Montana, the track and field season has not happened for Clark and the Longhorns. Like many coaches and players, there is hope that something good will come out of the spring season. If the season does go forward with the all clear, then Clark will surely end her high school sports career on a high note.

Clark and many others will find out about that decision sooner than first expected, as the Montana High School Association will now make its decision on the spring season Thursday instead of April 13.

As of now, though, Clark has a bright future with the Argos in two different sports, as well as planning to pursue studies in wildlife biology at Providence. It is clear that whether Clark is in the classroom or on the court, field or track, she will be putting in her best effort like she has with the Longhorns for many years. On top of that, her future coaches, Himmelberg and Arntson, will be looking forward to another exciting athlete for the Argos.