Montana Track and Field Heads to Pocatello for Bengal Invitational in Idaho
Grizzlies Arrive in Pocatello for High-Stakes Bengal Invitational
The University of Montana track and field program is set to compete in Pocatello, Idaho this weekend at the Bengal Invitational, hosted by Idaho State University. The two-day meet, scheduled for May 1–2 at Idaho State’s outdoor facility, represents one of the most important regular-season competitions of the year for the Grizzlies as the calendar turns to May and the postseason draws closer.
For the Montana program and head coach Doug Fraley, the Bengal Invitational serves as the final major opportunity for athletes to post qualifying marks for the NCAA First Round, set for May 27–30 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The top 48 athletes in the NCAA West Region in each event earn a berth to that meet. With the Big Sky Championships just two weeks away, the pressure on Montana’s roster is considerable.
“This is a big weekend for us for both improving in the Big Sky standings in individual events as well as for athletes that are close or have the possibility to secure an NCAA First Round berth,” Fraley said in remarks released by Montana Sports Information. “It’s a big weekend conference wide and nationwide for the sport of track and field.”
The meet will stream on ESPN+ and will also feature the host Idaho State Bengals and a full roster from Montana State. Field events on Friday begin at 1:00 p.m., with the first running event scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday’s action opens at 11:00 a.m.
NCAA Qualification and Big Sky Roster Spots on the Line
Montana currently holds top-10 Big Sky Conference marks from 27 women and 28 men. The Grizzlies were picked third on both sides in the preseason Coaches’ Poll, and the Bengal Invitational offers a critical chance to solidify or improve those standings ahead of the conference championship in Portland, Oregon.
On the women’s side, Erin Wilde enters the meet preparing to compete in her 50th career meet as a Grizzly. Wilde currently ranks 10th in the NCAA West Region in the women’s high jump, having set a school record of 6-0. Callie Wilson, who has run a 11.46 in the 100 meters, and Ashley Carroll, who has thrown the javelin 155-2, are both inside the top 48 in the West Region but will need to improve their marks to secure a guaranteed berth to Arkansas.
The men’s side features seven Grizzlies across eight events currently ranked in the top 48. Sprinter Karsen Beitz sits 18th in both the 100 meters (10.17) and 200 meters (20.55). Montana’s javelin group is well-positioned, with Hunter Loesch ranked 11th (230-7), Kyle Iorg 12th (230-6), and Cooper Henkle 33rd (213-10). In the shot put, Alex Shields holds a school record throw of 59-8.5, ranking 27th, and is joined by freshman Astin Brown, currently holding the final qualifying spot at 57-10.25. Titus Jeffrey is also in contention in the discus, ranked 33rd with a throw of 182-3.
Beyond those in the top 48, Montana has 22 additional athletes currently ranked between 49th and 100th in the West Region who could move into qualifying position with a strong performance in Pocatello.
“There will be kids that qualify at the conference meet, but you don’t want to have to put all your eggs in that basket,” Fraley said. “The task of going to the conference meet is trying to beat as many people as you can, so this is a fantastic weekend for those athletes to really be able to advance their marks if they hit it right in Pocatello.”
Beyond NCAA qualification, roster spots for the Big Sky Championships remain at stake. Athletes on the bubble have both the Bengal Invitational and a final regular-season meet — the Tom Gage Classic in Bozeman — to make their case to coaching staff.
“The competition with Montana State and Idaho State at this meet is always great,” Fraley said. “The strengths of those teams match well with the strengths of our team, so we know we will get high-level Big Sky competition just like we will in two weeks in Oregon. It’s a great dress rehearsal for us to find out where we’re at in a lot of areas.”
Idaho State, which finished fifth on the men’s side at the indoor Big Sky Championships, is expected to compete strongly on its home surface. The Bengal Invitational regularly draws top conference talent, and this weekend’s field will be no exception. Pocatello residents and ISU fans interested in following Idaho State athletics can also check recent coverage, including Idaho State softball’s Big Sky regular season title, as the Bengals enjoy a strong spring sports season.
What Comes Next
The Bengal Invitational runs Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at Idaho State University’s outdoor track facility in Pocatello. Live results and a stream on ESPN+ will be available throughout the meet. Following the Bengal Invitational, Montana travels to Bozeman for the Tom Gage Classic, the program’s final regular-season meet before the Big Sky Championships in Portland. For additional coverage of Idaho collegiate athletics and statewide sports news, visit Idaho News.