Lewistown Senior Sparks AED Safety, Plus Tennis and Baseball Standouts

Beyond the box score highlights leadership and character in Montana high school sports.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a softball field with players in motion, an AED device, and a glowing heart symbol, all broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the story's themes of community, safety, and student leadership.A community-driven effort to enhance safety at the local softball complex reflects the positive impact student-athletes can have beyond the field of play.Lewistown Today

In this inaugural edition of the 'Beyond the Box' notebook, the story focuses on Lewistown softball player Anna Elam, who took action to get an automated external defibrillator (AED) installed at her team's softball complex after witnessing a cardiac emergency at a tournament. The column also spotlights the upbeat leadership of a Great Falls CMR tennis player and the 'unintentionally funny' personality that keeps the Hamilton baseball team loose.

Why it matters

This story showcases how student-athletes can make a meaningful impact on their communities beyond just their athletic performance. Elam's initiative to improve safety at her team's facility, and the examples of positive team leadership, demonstrate the valuable life lessons and character development that can happen through high school sports.

The details

After witnessing a player suffer cardiac arrest at a summer softball tournament, Lewistown senior Anna Elam was motivated to get an AED installed at her team's home complex. She approached multiple organizations for funding, ultimately securing a $2,000 donation from the Central Montana Medical Society and raising the remaining $500 through community fundraising efforts. The AED was recently installed, providing peace of mind for Elam's teammates and the Lewistown community.

  • Last July, Elam witnessed a player collapse with cardiac arrest at a tournament in Helena.
  • Within weeks, Elam began working to get an AED for Lewistown's softball fields.
  • The AED was installed at the D'Autremont Complex on April 6, 2026.

The players

Anna Elam

A senior softball player at Lewistown High School who spearheaded the effort to get an AED installed at her team's home complex after witnessing a cardiac emergency at a tournament.

Mike Mangold

The head coach of the Lewistown softball team, who praised Elam's initiative and the lasting impact it will have on the program.

Howard Daniel

A junior on the Great Falls CMR boys tennis team, known for his positive, upbeat attitude that helps keep the team's spirits high.

Trevor Paro

The head coach of the Hamilton High School baseball team, who describes player Jude Widmer as having a 'relaxed, go-with-the-flow personality' that helps keep the team loose during tense moments.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing it happen to somebody my age really kind of made it click for me that there's nothing at my complex if something were to happen like that.”

— Anna Elam, Lewistown Softball Player

“As a coach you want each team and individual to leave a lasting impression on your program, and setting this example will leave a lasting impact on future players. And it could have a huge impact on those that have to use the resource.”

— Mike Mangold, Lewistown Softball Coach

“He is very positive, upbeat and loves to talk. He has a great outlook, always happy, always talking. You can always count on Howard to lighten any situation.”

— Byron Boyd, Great Falls CMR Boys Tennis Coach

“Jude's relaxed, go-with-the-flow personality is exactly the leadership a baseball team needs. He's the guy who can break the tension with a single comment, keeping the dugout loose when things get tight and ensuring the moment never gets too big for the team.”

— Trevor Paro, Hamilton Baseball Coach

What’s next

Lewistown High School plans to hold a community event to formally unveil the new AED and educate athletes, coaches, and spectators on its proper use.

The takeaway

This story highlights how student-athletes can make a meaningful impact on their communities beyond just their athletic performance. Elam's initiative to improve safety at her team's facility, and the examples of positive team leadership, demonstrate the valuable life lessons and character development that can happen through high school sports.