Statewide Blewett Wrestling Scholarships Awarded to Flathead’s Thompson, Fergus County’s Elam, and Huntley Project’s Donally

For the eighteenth year in a row Alexander (Zander) Blewett, III, a trial lawyer from the personal injury law firm of Hoyt & Blewett PLLC in Great Falls, Montana, has offered three $1,000 scholarships to the top student/wrestlers around the state of Montana for Classes “AA”, “A”, and “B/C”.

The scholarships are awarded to the top wrestler from each school classification who has displayed the best combined qualities of wrestling and academic achievement. This year’s winners exemplify the precise purpose of the scholarships.

This year’s recipients won a combined five state championships and maintained impressive academic credentials including two students with perfect 4.0 grade point averages.

“It is inspiring to see these student-athletes excel both on the mat and in the classroom," said Zander Blewett.

The winners are as follows:

Anders Thompson of Flathead High School is the winner of the Class “AA” scholarship. Thompson is the 2024 State Champion with a 48-0 record, in addition to being an All-American at the Super 32 National Tournament, placing 5th. He also placed at State the other three years of his high school career with two runner-up finishes. Thompson accomplished all of this while earning a 4.0 GPA. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and continue his wrestling career while studying management.

Wyatt Elam of Fergus High School is the Class “A” winner. Elam, who earned a 3.85 GPA, placed at state all four years of his high school wrestling career and was an undefeated State Champion his senior year, with two runner-up finishes his sophomore and junior years. He plans to continue wrestling at the University of Mary, where he plans to study political science and business.

Gretchen Donally of Huntley Project High School is the Class “B/C” winner. Donally, who earned a 4.0 GPA with a 34 ACT, is a three-time state champion, and placed at state her freshman year. She has also earned All-American status nine times at various national tournaments. She will continue her wrestling career at Colorado Mesa University and study electrical and computer engineering. Gretchen is the first female recipient of the Statewide Blewett Wrestling Scholarship.

“We love wrestling for the life lessons it teaches and these kids embody what this great sport is all about,” said Blewett.

Blewett also offers $500 scholarships to the top student/wrestlers at 4 high schools in North-Central Montana.