Carroll College Athletics

Long before he started lifting weights at Carroll, future All-American Randy Triplett built the foundation of his strength bucking bales while growing up on the Beartooth Ranch near Wolf Creek. At Helena Central High as a freshman and sophomore he played football and basketball, before earning Class AA All-State (2-way) on the gridiron and a State runner-up wrestling medal with Helena High in 1970-71. Randy then became a 3-time (1972-74) first team All-Conference selectee on the Hilltop, as an undersized defensive tackle.

Outweighed by 20-30 pounds on every play at 5’10” 195-pounds – but strong as a bull and cat-like quick – he twice topped CC defense’s leaderboard. His sophomore season, Triplett amassed 550 defensive points, and was high with 26 solo tackles, 80 assists, 115 total tackles, 9 QB sacks and 4 fumble recoveries (tie). As a junior, he accounted for 15 sacks (in only seven games), 15 hurries and 75 total tackles (51 assists, 9 solos), for a team high 510½ points. Randy’s efforts were highlighted by selection as 1973 AP Little All-American honorable mention. 

Triplett was slowed throughout his senior campaign with injuries, but managed to tie for most solo tackles at 39. He also posted 7 sacks, 15 hurries, 37 assists and 83 total tackles, while earning his third All-Frontier citation. The Saints garnered three straight Conference crowns, with an overall 19-5 mark, including the program’s third undefeated season (7-0) in 1973. “Randy Triplett was the toughest and strongest guy, for his weight, that I’ve ever known,” teammate Pat Racicot said.