Cut Bank High School is a public high school located in Cut Bank, Montana, with students in grades 9 through 12. The school is part of the Cut Bank Public Schools system. As of the 2022–2023 school year, the school has an enrollment of 227 students.[2] The school is attached to Willie DeGroot Gymnasium, one of the largest high school gymnasiums in Montana.[3] Cut Bank High School is partnered with Logan Health, offering students physical and mental health services.[4] The superintendent of the school is Wade Sundby and the principal is Jared Berkram.[5][6]
Founding
The date of Cut Bank High School's founding is unclear. The first high school located in Cut Bank, although not the same as the current Cut Bank High School, was built in 1904.[7] The modern and current Cut Bank High School, although located two blocks away from where it currently is, was established in 1910.[8] The building where Cut Bank High School is currently located began construction in 1936.
Gym fire
On May 20, 1970, the gymnasium of Cut Bank High School burnt down.[9][10] The fire completely destroyed the gymnasium and some of the surrounding area. After the fire, the school constructed the new Willie DeGroot Gymnasium, as well as new classrooms, an auditorium, and a library. In the time between the construction of the new gym and the fire, trailers were used as replacement classrooms.
Athletics
Cut Bank High School's colors are purple and gold and school mascot is the Wolf, but was formerly the Owl.[6][11]
Basketball
Boys
Cut Bank Wolves basketball has won eight state championships in twelve state championship appearances since the first Montana High School Association (MHSA) boys' basketball championship in 1911.[12] The team plays in Willie DeGroot Gymnasium, named after William "Willie" DeGroot, who led the basketball team to five divisional championships, three state championship appearances, and two state championship victories.[13] All appearances took place when Cut Bank played in Class B basketball.
Cut Bank Lady Wolves basketball has won no state championships. The team, since the first MHSA girls' basketball championship in 1972, has had one state championship appearance.[12] All appearances took place when Cut Bank played in Class B basketball.
Championship appearances
Year
Opponent
Score
1980
Sweet Grass County
38–54
Football
Since the first MHSA football championship in 1900, Cut Bank has made the state championship eight times with a total of four wins and four losses.[14] The team plays at Ron Kowalski Field; Kowalski was the coach of the Wolves during three of their four state championships.[15]