Helena High quarterback Tyler Hulse, who helped guide the Bengals to an 8-4 record and the semifinal game of the AA playoffs, came relatively close to one of the school’s longest standing passing records.

Back in 1982, Dave Miller completed 135 passes, setting a school mark that has lasted now for 27 years.

Hulse finished the season with 125 completions, which gives him the second-most in Bengal history, ahead of Mark Seacat (1996) and Kevin Flatow (1998), who share the third spot with 124.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound signal caller posted a completion percentage of 51.7 percent, at 125-for-242, and a 112.3 efficiency rating. His 13 touchdown strikes rank eighth on Helena’s passing list, and his 1,331 yards passing rate 10th.

Hulse also gained 374 yards on the ground and ran for six TDs. He finished with 1,624 total offensive yards and 19 total touchdowns, both stats ranking ninth on the school’s list.

His best games included 16 completions (twice), against Capital High and C.M. Russell; 194 yards passing versus Glacier; and two TD passes in a contest, which he achieved four different times.

The versatile Hulse is on pace to attain eight varsity letters at Helena; three each in football and basketball, and two in track.

On the hardcourt, last season he was selected second team all-conference. The junior post player averaged 12.5 points and 5.9 rebounds, while ranking fourth in the state in steals, averaging 2.2 thefts per game.

In track, he has clocked a 15.9- seconds effort in the 110-meter high hurdles, and owns a triple jump best of 40 feet.

Taking nothing away from his hard work, it must be noted that at least a certain amount of Hulse’s skills can be attributed to his athletic pedigree.

His father, Alan, played football and hoops for Helena, as well as Legion baseball for the Helena Senators. And his mom, Donna (Opitz) Hulse, was a Helena hoopster and Bengalette.

Q. Who has had the most impact on your athletic career, and what’s the most important thing you learned from that person?

A. My dad, Alan. He’s been an influence on me ever since I was little, with coaching and instruction. He’s always pushing me to be better. He taught me to never be satisfied, to always reach to achieve that next level.

Q. What is the craziest or funniest thing you’ve seen in the sports you’ve been involved with?A. Probably this year against Flathead, when Koleman Gross had a punt bounce off his helmet. He wasn’t very happy, but everybody else thought it was pretty funny. We all got to make fun of his catching ability.

 

Q. Do you have a favorite National Football League team, or any particular NFL player?

A. I like the Miami Dolphins, and their running back, Ronnie Brown. Oh, and you better put Dan Carpenter in there, too. We’re friends with the Carpenters, his brother Scott is my age, and we’ve hung out ever since we were little.

Q. You have a 3.67 GPA. What are your collegiate plans, and do they include playing football?A. Yes, I want to play football in college, and am hoping to get a scholarship somewhere. I’m interested in wildlife biology, education and coaching.

 

Q. What are the prospects for Helena High basketball this year, in your opinion?

A. I think we’re going to have a pretty good team. My little brother Zach is a sophomore and a fairly decent player – it will be fun to play with him, if he makes the varsity.