Jim Oriet, a native of Belgrade, Mont., is a 1979 graduate of Western Montana College (WMC) with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. He later earned a master's degree from Montana State where he was part of the Excellence in Montana Mathematics Education program.
Oriet was a four-year letterman in football and track. He was a two time football all-conference selection at defensive back and a member of the 1977 conference championship team.
Oriet was a two time conference champion in the 400-meter hurdles and in 1978 was named the Bulldog’s Track Man of the Year.
He was active in both M-Club and Circle K serving as president of both clubs and was selected to Who’s Who.
After graduation, Oriet began his teaching and coaching career at West Yellowstone, Mont. followed by a stop in Shelby, Mont.
In 1984, Oriet began a long and successful career in Manhattan, Mont. where he taught teach fifth grade until 2004 and then K-5 physical education until his retirement in 2019.
At Manhattan, he coordinated many events, most notably, the elementary school fun run and the all school Halloween “Monster Mash.”
Oriet was a well-liked and a respected coach. He mentored junior high and high school student-athletes in a variety of sports including football, track and field, and volleyball.
Oriet passed away August 4, 2021.
