HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference, in partnership with the Montana Army National Guard, is proud to announce Nathan Mathern and Tsitsi Karanda as the recipients of the Grit Award for Men's and Women's Track & Field.

The Grit Award, given by the conference to one recipient in each sport, recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary mental toughness, perseverance, and integrity both on and off the field, embodying the National Guard's values of resilience, discipline, and selfless service.
 

Nathan Mathern (Bismarck, N.D., Legacy HS)

Mathern, a junior majoring in university studies/business, was nominated by head coach Julia Hammerschmidt. In her nomination, Coach Hammerschmidt highlighted Mathern's relentless resilience in the face of recurring hamstring injuries that have surfaced multiple times each year since his freshman season.

"Nathan has attacked every setback with discipline and purpose," Hammerschmidt noted, detailing how he prioritizes his rehab, nutrition, and sleep to ensure he is ready when his team needs him most.
Beyond his physical recovery, Hammerschmidt emphasized Mathern's elite mental toughness and leadership:

• Performance Under Pressure: As a freshman from Legacy High School, Mathern qualified for multiple national championships. At the JUCO Nationals, he delivered a personal best performance while competing against top international competition and Olympic finalists.
• Selfless Leadership: A team captain, Mathern often prioritizes team success over individual accolades. During his sophomore year, he opted to scratch his individual 200-meters event at nationals to remain fully prepared for the 4 x 400-meter relay, helping his team strive for All-American honors.
• Team Impact: Even when unable to compete due to injury, such as at this year's indoor conference championship, Mathern was the first to celebrate his teammates' success. He further fosters team culture by hosting bonding events, such as pasta nights, for the sprints and jumps groups.
• Academic Excellence: Off the track, Mathern maintains a GPA above 3.5, has earned Academic All-American honors, and balances the demands of a job alongside his training.

"Nathan's story is one of grit, discipline, and character," said Hammerschmidt. "He demonstrates resilience through continuous adversity, loyalty to his teammates, and a deep sense of duty in how he prepares and competes".
 
Mathern's dedication to Bismarck State and his ability to rise above personal and athletic challenges make him a quintessential recipient of this honor.
 

Tsitsi Karanda (Bindura, Zimbabwe, GCE O Level)

Karanda, a surgical tech major originally from Zimbabwe, was selected for her remarkable journey of resilience both on and off the track and her ability to overcome significant adversity.

"Tsitsi Karanda embodies resilience, courage, and commitment at the highest level," said Julia Hammerschmidt. "As an international student-athlete, she had to quickly adjust to a new country, climate, and academic system. Despite these challenges, she became an integral part of our program".

The narrative provided by Coach Hammerschmidt detailed several key areas where Karanda exemplified grit:

• Resilience Through Injury: During her freshman year, Karanda suffered an ACL injury that required surgery and sidelined her for her entire sophomore season. Despite being far from her home support system, she fully committed to a grueling rehabilitation process.
• Mental Toughness: While the recovery process was one of the most challenging periods of her life, Karanda stayed the course when many might have given up, maintaining a willingness to seek support and continue moving forward.
• Leadership and Team Impact: Even while unable to compete, Karanda remained a constant presence at practices and meets. Now a team captain, she serves as a vital resource for the international student community at Bismarck State, helping others adjust to life far from home.
• Athletic Excellence: In her junior year return, Karanda qualified for indoor national championships in the 600-meters and the 4 x 400-meter relay. At the conference level, she won both the 600-meters and 4 x 400-meter and placed second in the 400-meters.

Hammerschmidt noted that Karanda's journey strongly reflects the core values of the Montana Army National Guard, including loyalty, duty, and personal courage. "Her story is one of overcoming adversity, staying committed through uncertainty, and coming back stronger," Hammerschmidt concluded.

The Frontier Conference Grit Award celebrates athletes who inspire others through their leadership and relentless dedication to their team and community.