Thompson finishes in top five at Missoula Top-10 invite

Plains athlete Jess Thompson is the type of athlete that never settles for her performances and always strives to do better.

Thompson, the only Plains track athlete invited to compete in the Top-10 invitation-only meet in Missoula, captured second in shot put and fourth in the discus. Thompson threw 38 feet, 5 inches in the shot put and recorded 125 feet, 1 inch in the discus, a personal record.

Montgomery said she still strives to do better.

“She isn’t completely satisfied with her performance and ended up second in the shot and fourth at discus,” Montgomery said. “She was sitting second in the discus until the last throw. She is one of those athletes that expects a lot out of herself, knows she can do better, and isn’t satisfied until she meets her goal. She ended up better than she predicted in those events.”

Montgomery said she has an intangible quality and desire to compete.

“She just pushes herself and pushes others, and that is what sets her apart from the other athletes,” Montgomery said. “She is very personable. She is just a really good kid, respectful and fun to be around. She doesn’t take herself too seriously all of the time but when she steps in the ring, it’s all business.”

Reporter Jason Blasco can be reached at (406) 883-4343 or jblasco@leaderadvertiser.com.