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Feight Readies For Spring Season

It would not be a stretch of the imagination to say Max Feight was one of the most gifted athletes to ever play at Whitehall High School.

One might also argue he may have had a chance to prove he was the best to ever wear the Purple and Gold had it not been for a freak injury during the first quarter of the first game of his senior year that prevented him from helping him lead his to possible deep runs in the postseason in football and basketball, and a shot at an individual state title in the hurdles.

Despite the setback that put an unfortunate end to his high school playing career Feight went on to sign with the University of Montana. After redshirting his freshman year, it appeared he would finally be able to return to the field in 2020, but in August the Big Sky Conference made the decision to move the season to the spring of 2021.

While he may have to wait a little longer than he expected, Feight is looking forward to finally being able to step back onto the field for his first complete football game since the fall of 2017.

"It will be a great experience and something that I've looked forward to for a long time and have put a lot of work into. I just want to get back to playing competitive football," Feight said.

He was also not surprised about the decision to move to spring football.

"We all kind of knew with the seasons being cancelled around the country that it may happen, but we were still prepared. Things just didn't go the right way for the fall. Our opportunity is in the spring and I think that is best for us," Feight said.

The 2018 Whitehall graduate enjoyed his first year in Missoula under the direction of Head Coach Bobby Hauck, who in his second stint with the program led the team to the FCS Playoff Quarterfinals last season.

"Getting that first year under my belt, learning from some of the older kids, and a redshirt year in the weight room, it really helped me for when I'll finally be playing again," he said.

Feight has high praise for Hauck who in his first tenure took the Grizzlies to three national title games and in his return to Missoula has taken them to back-to-back playoff appearances.

"He's really turned the tide here. The culture around has changed and he has us heading in the right direction in his short period back," he said.

The Whitehall alum has also learned a lot from the upperclassmen.

"A lot of the older kids, especially in the safety room, they did a good job of showing my class how to do things," he said.

Feight has also enjoyed being able to play on the same team as players he competed with from across the state like Garret Graves of Eureka and Braxton Hill of Anaconda.

"I knew a little bit about them, and it is good to be here with them and going to work with them every day," he said.

Following the injury his senior where he tore his ACL and had partial tears of the meniscus and LCL of his right knee, Feight was able to assist the Trojans coaching staff and also was able to spend time in the announcing booth. After graduating Feight continued to help announce when he has time and it is something he really enjoys.

"It's a different view of the game, a different perspective from what you see on the field. And I definitely enjoy watching those younger kids because it is a position I was in not too long ago," he said.

During his tenure in Whitehall, Feight threw for 2,866 yards and 32 touchdowns as a quarterback during his junior year. The same season he also averaged 27 points a game for the basketball team and made it to the finals in two hurdles events.

Whitehall High School head football and track coach Dan Lacey said he was extremely proud of the effort and attitude Feight put forth to be able to play again.

"His attitude and mindset were always positive, and he never let the injury get the best of him. He did an awesome job staying invested and helping his teammates through the year not only in football but in basketball and track as well," he said.

The Grizzlies have not officially started fall practice, but Feight is hoping this is something they will do in the next week or so. In the meantime, he is spending time in the weight room and working on conditioning.

"It's really about staying in shape and getting stronger – working toward the goal of hopefully playing in the spring," he said.

Now able to root for Feight as a Grizzly, Lacey is super excited to see him on the field in 2021. He also is aware of just what kind of teammate he will be.

"His energy and positive mindset are contagious. The Griz are lucky to have him. He's more than just a football player. He's a team-first player that changes a locker rooms culture," he said.

Looking towards his return to the field, Feight reiterated that he just wants to keep working hard to get stronger and faster.

"And hopefully if I do that, it will help the team the best way I can," he said.

 

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