FARMINGTON, Utah (Aug. 9, 2022) - The 2022-23 season marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX, the law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally-funded education programs or activities and has helped create gender equality in sports. To celebrate this landmark, the Big Sky Conference is highlighting several inspiring female student-athletes from its member institutions, next up we take a look back at the career of Montana women's track star Kris Schmitt.
Schmitt, who ran track at Montana from 1986-89, was part of the "Golden Girls" foursome which scored more than half of the 173 second-day points to help the Griz win the Big Sky Conference (then Mountain West for women's sports) title at the track championships in 1987. Schmitt also won seven individual conference titles across indoor and outdoor track and was a four-time All-Conference selection with the Griz.
The Great Falls, Montana native was named Athlete of the Meet three times, coming in 1988 (indoor) and 1989 (indoor and outdoor). Schmitt also held conference records in the 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles and 400-meter relay while also qualifying for the 1989 NCAA Track Championships in the 400-meter hurdles.
Schmitt was honored for her efforts at Montana in 1995 as she was inducted into the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame, capping an outstanding track career.
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Big Sky Title IX Series
Lindsey Anderson (Weber State)
Katie Bussey (Montana State)
Adrienne Jordan (Northern Colorado)
Britney Yada (Portland State)
Kris Schmitt (Montana)