From Maroons to Collegiate Stars: Butte Central Graduates Excel Across the Northwest

Butte Central was not the only group of Maroons stepping into postseason football this year. Several alumni are carrying the maroon spirit into college athletics and helping shape strong seasons across the region.

Montana Tech closed the regular season at 11-0 and earned a first round bye in the NAIA playoffs. Two Butte Central graduates are part of that remarkable run. Jack Keeley and Zane Moodry, both from the Class of 2023, are full roster players who saw meaningful action throughout the season. Their team now heads into Thanksgiving weekend with home field advantage and a real chance at a deep playoff push.

In Helena, Michael Peck is completing his freshman year with the Carroll Fighting Saints. He has been working on the scout squad as the Saints prepare to host St. Thomas of Florida in a national play in game with a spot in the final sixteen on the line.

Beyond Tech and Carroll, Justus McGee continues his football career at Rocky Mountain College. He completed his redshirt season and now moves toward his first year of competition with the Battlin’ Bears.

On the hardwood, Brooke Badovinac is suiting up for the Montana Tech Lady Orediggers as they open their 2024–25 season, while Dougie Peoples returns to the College of Idaho after last year’s national championship run. The Yotes begin a new campaign with high expectations and a proven scorer back in the lineup. Owen McPartland is also stepping into his freshman season at Miles City Community College as he begins his collegiate path.

Some athletes to watch this spring include several Maroons competing in track, field, and baseball. Ella Moodry continues her career at the University of Montana alongside fellow Griz athlete Rileigh McGree. Keefer McGree is competing at Montana Tech and building his own reputation in jumps and sprints. On the baseball side, Egan Lester, Class of 2021, is preparing for another season at Valley City University.

These young men and women continue to carry the Maroon spirit into arenas across the Northwest, showing pride, discipline, and the strong foundation built at Butte Central.