Ronan's Detwiler lands with Argos
Girma Detwiler of Ronan poses with his parents, Kevin and Debbie Detwiler, during a signing ceremony Monday at the high school. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
Girma Detwiler of Ronan signed a letter of intent to compete in track and basketball for the University of Providence in Great Falls. At right is Providence track and field coach Tony Arntson. (Scot Heisel/Lake County Leader)
RONAN — Fresh off his runner-up finish in the triple jump at the Class A state track meet, Ronan’s Grima Detwiler took the leap to college athletics this week.
During a ceremony at Ronan High School on Monday, the lanky senior signed a letter of intent to compete in track and basketball for the University of Providence Argos in Great Falls with a partial athletic scholarship in hand.
Detwiler’s mark of 44-02 in the triple jump at the Western A-B-C Top 10 meet was the fourth-best in the state this season across all classifications.
After last winter’s basketball season, which saw the Chiefs finish third at the state tournament, Detwiler was named to the all state second team. He led the Chiefs in rebounding, two-point field goals and assists for the season. He finished second in the league in rebounding, just behind Allec Knapton of Columbia Falls.
Argos track coach Tony Arnston made the trip from Great Falls to celebrate the signing.
“I loved the campus,” Detwiler said Monday. “I loved the coaches there. It just felt like the right fit for me at this time in my life”
He said he plans to earn a business degree at Providence, with an emphasis in marketing. He said a career in real estate is his current goal, and the school is known for its business program.
Detwiler visited the Providence campus a few months ago. He said boys basketball assistant coach Mitch Wassam encouraged him to strongly consider the Great Falls campus.
Detwiler expects to compete in both sports his first year on campus.
“I’m gonna put that jersey on and start going,” he said.
Girma is the fifth of five Detwiler children to graduate from Ronan High School, including brother Matt, who coaches football for the Chiefs.
Asked how she feels about her last child graduating, Girma's mother, Debbie Detwiler, said, “Now, don’t get me started,” with a look of sadness. She said she intends to still spend plenty of time involved with school activities — when she’s not driving to Great Falls for Girma’s events.
Detwiler will have some familiar company at Providence. In December, fellow Ronan senior Madeline McCrea signed on to play volleyball for the Argos.
