A gifted multi-sport athlete from Los Angeles, Walt Chancy became a three-time first team All-Conference flanker at Carroll, culminating in an NFL try-out. As a freshman in 1971, the lanky 6’2”, 175-pounder hauled down 30 passes for 460 yards with four touchdowns, including three in the win over Northern, and a 40-yarder in the 7-2 victory over Western. In 1972, Chancy garnered his initial All-Frontier selection. His highlights included catching the deciding score in the 17-13 win over Tech, and passing for a 25-yard touchdown in the triumph over Western, while helping Carroll its first league co-championship in 12 years.
His junior year, in the 28-14 win over Tech, Walt produced a pair of scores; a 16-yard reception and a 74-yard pass. The Hilltoppers went 7-0 for their first outright Frontier title in 16 years, and the third undefeated season in program history. That spring, the wiry Chancy captured the annual Carroll Smoker’s “Outstanding Boxer” award, despite having never stepped in the ring before. In 1974, he achieved his second touchdown catch/touchdown pass game, and finished with 23 receptions for 253 yards, while completing 4 passes for 154 yards (long of 61).
The Saints and Walt both three-peated – the team with a Conference crown, and his All-Frontier citation. For his career, Chancy earned school records of 90 receptions for 1150 yards – despite playing on run-oriented teams – and totaled 13 TDs (8 receiving, 5 passing). His passing scores averaged 43 yards apiece. After a try-out with the Dallas Cowboys, Walt returned to make Helena his home, where he coached Capital High to three State championships; two football and one gymnastics.
