New ADs take the helm at Plains, Thompson Falls

A pair of home-towners were recently named activities directors at the two biggest schools in Sanders County.

Madison Wheeler, a native of Thompson Falls and a 2017 graduate of Thompson Falls High School, takes over the Blue Hawks AD position held for several years by Jake Mickelson. 

Mickelson will continue his role as T Falls boys head basketball coach and has joined head coach Jared Koskela’s football staff for this coming season. 

“I felt I needed to spend more down time with my family,” Mickleson said. “Madison will do a great job; she is an awesome person." 

Meanwhile, down the road in Plains, Plains High graduate Russell Jujala, the school’s maintenance manager, took over for Marie Errecart, who remains at the school as a 7-8 grade social studies teacher. 

Wheeler, who has a teaching degree in business/marketing, will remain in the role, while also assuming the duties as Activities Director. 

“It’s a great opportunity,” she said. “I will teach business classes in the morning, the serve as AD in the afternoon”.  She is a graduate of Montana State University and previously worked in the Northern Arizona University athletic department. 

“I’m working with some top-notch people,” she said. “There is a lot to the job, but I’m excited about the opportunity.”

While a student at T Falls, Wheeler played volleyball and track. She is currently an assistant volleyball coach on long-time head coach Karen Kazmierczak’s staff. 

Kujala, a graduate of Western Montana University, graduated from Plains High in 2015, where he was a wrestler and long-distance runner.  He holds a degree in health and human performance administration.  He worked for a while at Glacier High in Kalispell where he was an assistant track coach for the AA school. 

“I’m excited about the job and the strong community support for Plains High,” he said. “I want the student athletes to enjoy the sports they are in. Basically, I’m glad to be back at Plains.”

    Russell Kujala, a Plains High 2015 graduate who was named new Activities Director earlier this summer.