Aberdeen’s former discus state-champion Tyler Bates picks University of Montana

Bobcats senior to compete for Grizzlies as a thrower; plans to study bio-medicine

By Ryan Sparks • March 7, 2024 6:00 am
SUBMITTED PHOTO Aberdeen High School track and field star Tyler Bates, sitting, is surrounded by (from left) Bobcats head coach Desiree Glanz, father Todd Bates, and Aberdeen throwing coach Todd Bridge after signing a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Montana in the fall on Wednesday in Aberdeen.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Aberdeen High School track and field star Tyler Bates, sitting, is surrounded by (from left) Bobcats head coach Desiree Glanz, father Todd Bates, and Aberdeen throwing coach Todd Bridge after signing a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Montana in the fall on Wednesday in Aberdeen.

Aberdeen senior track and field star Tyler Bates has made his decision.

A senior thrower and former state-discus champion, Bates has selected to attend the University of Montana and will compete for the Grizzlies track and field program next season.

“I’ve been dreaming of going to a DI program for track and field since I started throwing back in fifth grade,” said Bates, who won the 2A State Championship in the discus in 2022 and placed seventh in the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships in July. “Through all the hard work, to be able to do that, it’s pretty surreal. I’ve worked really hard for this and it feels really nice.”

The Bobcats senior plans to study biomedical science at Montana with the hopes of working in the medical field in the future.

Bates was joined by school officials, coaches, family and friends at a letter-signing ceremony on Wednesday at Aberdeen High School.

“I’ve had a very strong community around me to help me and I’m really proud to be from Aberdeen and have the coaches and family I have around me,” Bates said.