POLSON -- Montana Tech athletics director Joe McClafferty has been named the Frontier Conference athletic director of the year for the 2008-09 school year.

League commissioner Kent Paulson announced the award Thursday.

Paulson says McClafferty has instilled a sense of pride and class to the Oredigger athletic department and increased fund raising for athletics and renewed support in the community and state.

McClafferty oversaw a $650,000 expansion of the HPER Complex, including a new floor, seating, lighting, sound system and scoreboards with video capabilities. He also spearheaded a new corporate partnership program that brought in another $200,000.

Montana Tech Chancellor Frank Gilmore says McClafferty has brought a new vision, spirit and excitement to Digger athletics.

Big Sandy grad Cline joins MT volleyball

BUTTE -- Montana Tech volleyball coach Marilyn Tobin has announced the signing of outside hitter Shersteen Cline of Big Sandy.

The 5-foot-11 Cline graduated from Big Sandy High in 2008 and attended the University of Montana last year before transferring to Montana Tech this fall to play volleyball.

Cline was a three-time team MVP at Big Sandy and earned honorable mention all-state honors.