Sports news

It’s official — summer is over for most Columbia Falls athletes. Football practice begins Friday, and golf starts practice Thursday. All other sports begin practice Monday morning, Aug. 13.

Many teams will see their first games or matches before the first day of school on Aug. 30. Golf starts the earliest, with the Whitefish tournament on Aug. 15. Volleyball opens the season Aug. 24 with the Northwest-Southwest Tip-off tourney.

Soccer opens its season Aug. 31 on the road against Park High School in Livingston. Cross-country has its first meet Aug. 31 in Cut Bank.

Football is on the road against Corvallis on Aug. 21. The Wildcat football team doesn’t have a home game until Browning on Sept. 14.

The Columbia Falls High School boys and girls golf teams will start the 2012 season on Thursday, Aug. 9, at 3:30 p.m.

Try-outs and practice will be held on the driving range at Meadow Lake Resort. Students wishing to participate must have proof of a recent physical examination and all other appropriate paper work in order to practice. The opening tournament is Aug. 15, in Whitefish. For more information, contact coach Gene Marcille at 892-3164.

The Columbia Falls High School cross-country team will begin practices on Monday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 a.m. Students must have their sports physical completed to participate. Meet on the high school track and bring appropriate clothing, running shoes and a water bottle. Questions should be directed to head coach Richard Menicke at 871-3375.