This week Replays glances back at the Helena area sporting events from 40 years ago. Among the numerous events from August of 1968, were arguably the Senators' State Legion baseball championship, and the Helena Trail Riders' National O-Mok-See title at the County Fairgrounds.

The Senators finished the regular season at 13-8, and needed to beat Havre in a challenge game in order to make State, which they did.

Huge underdogs going into the State Tournament in Helena, coach Dick Muffick's charges shaded the Great Falls Electrics 6-5 in 11 innings in the opening round. In the semis, the Senators met the top-seeded Billings Royals, winners of the previous 14-straight state titles. But the Capital City squad upset the powerful Royals, 5-4.

They then bested the Electrics again in the finals, 5-2, for their first-ever state championship. Catcher Reggie Voiles started the scoring in the initial inning when he crashed a double, bringing home Kyle Johnson. Joe Spoja's single then plated Voiles for their third run, and starter Jerry Rickman pitched a gritty complete-game 6-hitter for the triumph.

Pitcher Bill Hedge, Voiles, shortstop Kirk Johnson and centerfielder Bob Marcinek were named to the All-Tournament team. Johnson won the club batting title for the third straight year, with a .373 average. The rest of the roster included Bob Knudson, Paul Hopkins, Dennis "Bobo" Nebel, Pat Hurley, Jim Hendrickson and Brad Luck.

The 1968 National O-Mok-See Championships consisted of over 300 entrants from 10 states, competing in 37 events. Two local riders entered the third annual championships as national record-holders - Mary Herrin in the under-12 pole bending, and Jim McGowan in the men's 300-yard stock race.

The Helena Trail Riders captured their second national crown in three years by accumulating 470 points. Area contestants winning individual championships were Laura Herrin in the under-12 high-point division, the pole bending (new record of 24.04) and the barrel-and-stake race; Keith Herrin in the men's key race (new record of 10.88); Ben White in the flag race; and Susan Swanberg in the women's western pleasure class.

National runners-up included White, Carol Herrin, Kitty Herrin, Dale Smithson, Mary Herrin and Keith Herrin.

Don Blixt won the average steer wrestling crown at the Townsend Rodeo, throwing his two steers in a total time of 14.3. Townsend's Barry White took third, and Dick Kelly was fourth after the first go-round. Dave Dawson of Boulder finished third in the bareback, and Wolf Creek's Verna Steinbach placed fourth in the barrel racing.

In golf, Bruce Doering, Stanford University sophomore carded a 143 at the Butte Country Club to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Golf Championships in Columbus, Ohio.

Gerry Thomas successfully defended his men's City Golf championship, sinking a 30-foot putt on the final hole to card a 142. Murray Willis was one stroke back at 143 for second, with Doering taking third at 145. Rounding out the top-10 were Bill Lannan, Steve Olson, Tom Tucci, Lloyd Skedd, Ken Strom, Cecil Evans and Gary Duncan.

Bernice Mitchell won the 1968 State Seniors women's tourney held at the Green Meadow Country Club. In a four-city ladies invite at GMCC, Corinne Mooney was the top local finisher, carding a 46 to take third place.

In the City Recreational Junior Tennis Tournament, the boy's winners were Dave Radcliffe, Steve Radcliffe, Troy McGee and Tim Ferriter. Titlists on the girl's side were Reta Nason, Roberta Nason, Karen Sloan and Susan Holton.

The Exchange Club won the City Pony League World Series under the lights at Legion Field, beating the Civitans two games to one. In the finale, Exchange prevailed 9-5, behind the offense of Kim Hurley, Randy Rucker, Danny Heigh, Tim Rector, Greg Hampton and Mike Evans. Rucker hurled a 4-hitter for the win. The rest of the winner's roster included Greg Pusey, Steve Smith, Pat Hopkins, Jim Anders, Don Archibald, Ora Kjos, Steve Hilt, Mike Gilbert and Skip Archibald.

In the Pee Wee League World Series, the Cardinals swept the Tigers in two straight contests for the crown. Rolin Erickson of the Cardinals blasted a three-run triple in the 7-0 victory in the finals. Pitchers Joe DeMars and McLaughlin combined for the shutout. A few of the Cardinals' top players were Rande Muffick, Ron Routzahn, Dale Horne, Randy Routzahn, Rhodes, Gordon Rognrud and Weiss.

Buttrey-Osco Drug downed the 396th-Commerce Bank in back-to-back victories to claim the Men's City Slowpitch Softball championship. Teammembers were Joe Olheiser, Bill Morey, Bob Conyers, Jim Walczak, Joe Terrio, Rick MacIntosh, Bob Henry, Jerry Thoreson, Carl Edwards and Mickey Stallcup. Dave Nichols of the 396th was chosen league MVP.

In the men's fastpitch league, Red Meadow-O'Tooles defeated Sports Hub-Clausen Distributing to claim the District 5 championship. RM pitcher Ken Kelly, who posted a 19-0 season record, was named league MVP. His teammates included Hank Flatow, Tom Bates, Keith Sell, Gary Toll, Rick Luck, Jim Kuhl, Don Wilson, George Parker, Gary Johnson, Sherm Platts and Tom Rasmussen.

The O'Toolemen Plus Two (including Jack Howard and Stu Kellner) went on to finish runner-up at the State Fastpitch Tournament in Great Falls. RM fell to Vern Grimsrud's Plentywood team in the title match.

Tracy's won the City Women's Slowpitch crown, getting the best of Red Meadow-O'Tooles 16-11 in the finals. Marge Hamer was the winning hurler, while the offense was spearheaded by Debbie Olsen, Marge Hamer, Danita Pollard and Bobbi Squires. The rest of the group was composed of Janet Easby, Saron Thrailkill, Linda McDermott, Terry Berry, Chelie Kuntz, Judy Moe, Carol Finch, Diane Morris and Ann Stuart.

At the State horseshoe pitching tourney in Bozeman, Art Olsen and Jim White garnered the Class A doubles title, and Chuck Douglass and Van Winkle copped the Class B crown.

The Lakeside Marina water ski contest saw a fellow by the name of Myron Laib win the men's division, with Claudia Gibson garnering the women's event. Greg Maurer captured the boy's contest, while Becky Delano claimed the girl's title. Gary Delano was tops in the tricks category.

Reporter Curt Synness: 449-2150 or curt52s@bresnan.net