Professional Athletes that got their start in Great Falls
Montana is rarely thought of as a mega source for professional athletes. With that being said, Montana and Great Falls in particular, have produced some great athletes that have gone on to make a mark in their respective sport. Here is the list I have compiled:
- Dave Dickenson (NFL & CFL)
- Ryan Leaf (NFL)
- Kris Heppner (NFL)
- Dallas Neil (NFL)
- Jim Kalafat (NFL & American Gladiator)
- Ron Warzeka (NFL)
- Mal Bross (NFL)
- Brian Salonen (NFL)
- Jon Knutson (NFL)
- Josh Huestis (NBA)
- Jack Gillespie (NBA)
- John Leister (Baseball- NFL)
- Tyler Graham (Baseball)
- Lones Wigger (Shooting)
- Scott Davis (Figure Skating)
- Terry Casey (Hockey)
- Todd Foster (Boxing)
Rodeo cowboy and cowgirl athletes that have made an impact professionally could be a stand-alone story all its own. I didn't include them on this list, but if I were to write that story, the top of the list would probably be Rod Lyman, 16-time NFR qualifier in steer wrestling. Although Rod is in a class all by himself there are several other Great Falls ties to professional rodeo.
Who did I miss of Great Falls athletic stars?
Websites that contributed to this story are: