I have had the opportunity to speak at the Circle High School graduation a few times and when I do I point to the banner above the basket and tell the graduates about that great state championship basketball team of 1965.  I even tell them who the starters were by memory: Larry Vatta, Don Schillinger, Doc Sargent, Ron Beason and John Brown.  Don Schillinger would become one of the greatest football coaches in Montana prep history!  During his 37 years, 29 at Baker, his teams never had a losing season, won 27 conference titles, 6 state championships and his 318 victories second on the state’s all-time list.  Don took that winning attitude he learned at Circle High School to become a very successful coach.

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Not only did the Circle Wildcats win that 1965 basketball title but they were also unbeaten in football during the fall of 1964.  Not only unbeaten but they only gave up 24 points all season.  Sadly, during that time there was no post season playoffs.  Let’s just say that the Cats also had the best football team that school year to go with their basketball championship.

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Thank you Larry Bruce and Larry Van Atta for recording these awesome memories in this book.  Young people today will find it hard to believe how much success the Wildcats had from this amazing group of young men.  

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Rocky Erickson
Owner of; Rocky Erickson Sports
• Ten-time Montana Sportscaster of the year.
• Announced more than 4,000 games.
• His daily radio programs are heard on over 50 radio stations each day!