Saturday, June 26, 2010
Photos from the Mission Mountain Rodeo
Here are some shots I took from the Mission Mountain Rodeo in Polson, MT.
Morning coffee... June 26, 2010
Uruguay's Luis Suarez, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal past South Korea goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong, right, during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Uruguay and South Korea at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Saturday, June 26, 2010. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam)
Uruguay won 2-1 in the knockout phase of the World Cup. The US game will start shortly and I'm pumped!
College News
Montana State athletes do well at Track & Field Championships
I was unaware school was back in session but hey...
National News
D-backs pitcher throws no-hitter, walks eight
The Year of the Pitcher continues.
The magical spray they use on injuries at the World Cup
You think soccer is a sissy sport, read this little nugget.
Local News
Hey don't forget to go to the Mission Mountain Rodeo tonight for the second day of festivities. Last night was awesome, so be sure to head on over tonight at 7 p.m. at the rodeo grounds in Polson.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Photo: The USA's sad history of soccer kits
No wonder it took so long for soccer to catch on in this country... look at these soccer DUDS.
But hey! This years team and uniforms are no duds. They won their group and have an easy road to the... dare I say it... WORLD CUP FINALS.
But hey! This years team and uniforms are no duds. They won their group and have an easy road to the... dare I say it... WORLD CUP FINALS.
Morning coffee... June 24, 2010
The Washington Wizards took Kentucky's John Wall with the first pick on the 2010 NBA Draft.
- Story from ESPN.com
College News
Griz basketball player Anthony Johnson nominated for ESPY
That's what happens when you score 34 points in the second half of a championship game.
National News
Three Cleveland Indians minor-league players accused of beating up bouncer
Probably the most hits the Indians have gotten all year...
Rasheed Wallace is going to retire
... about three seasons too late.
Local News
Make sure you go out to the Mission Mountain PRCA Rodeo at the Polson Rodeo Grounds! The youth events start at 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Mission Valley Mariners sweep Glacier Twins
The Mission Valley Mariners had a good Thurday Night, sweeping the Glacier Twins 11-5 and 10-0 in a doubleheader. Below (Click on the Read More) are photos of the game.
Orange and Black Attack Update
Ronan vs Belgrade Wolfpack tied 5-5
Ronan vs Dillon Bulldogs 17-1
Ronan vs Anaconda Cyclones 28-2
That gave them a three seed going into bracket play on Sunday. They won their first game against Bozeman 7-5 but then rain canceled the rest of the tournament. They used a coin flip to decide who would place in the tournament (!?!?!?!?!) and Ronan got Fourth. I call foul, but that's just me.
North Korean soccer players to be sent to coal mines
You lose in World Cup? You work in coal mines for the rest of your life!
The North Koreans beat a hasty retreat to the team hotel after their 7-0 gubbing at the hands of Portugal on Monday. However, when they find out what mental leader Kim Jong-Il could have in store for them once their World Cup dream is over, they'll probably be taking the short journey back home verrry slowly indeed.
Despite winning round skeptical fans with a spirited performance against Brazil (and still having a chance to pick up their first points of the tournament against Ivory Coast tomorrow), one former North Korean coach is claiming when the players get home they'll be given new occupations. Shoveling coal for the rest of their lives.
Boob-tastic German tabloid Bild reports Moon Ki-Nam, a former Korea DPR senior coach who fled the country and defected to South Korea in 2004, reckons the beaten players' future lies down a dark hole with only a canary and memories of ‘that night in Johannesburg' for company.
Gosh North Korea, way to play into the stereotype as a ruthless communist regime. Although, I can't say enough how much stories like these give the world of sports so much more fodder to talk about. Love it.
The NK being a bunch of buttheads, not the coal-mining part.
The North Koreans beat a hasty retreat to the team hotel after their 7-0 gubbing at the hands of Portugal on Monday. However, when they find out what mental leader Kim Jong-Il could have in store for them once their World Cup dream is over, they'll probably be taking the short journey back home verrry slowly indeed.
Despite winning round skeptical fans with a spirited performance against Brazil (and still having a chance to pick up their first points of the tournament against Ivory Coast tomorrow), one former North Korean coach is claiming when the players get home they'll be given new occupations. Shoveling coal for the rest of their lives.
Boob-tastic German tabloid Bild reports Moon Ki-Nam, a former Korea DPR senior coach who fled the country and defected to South Korea in 2004, reckons the beaten players' future lies down a dark hole with only a canary and memories of ‘that night in Johannesburg' for company.
Gosh North Korea, way to play into the stereotype as a ruthless communist regime. Although, I can't say enough how much stories like these give the world of sports so much more fodder to talk about. Love it.
The NK being a bunch of buttheads, not the coal-mining part.
MV Rockies 7, Clark Fork Cougars 6
The Mission Valley Rockies pulled out a walk-off 7-6 win last night against the Clark Fork Cougars. Here's some photos I took of the game.
Click "Read More" to see the photos.
Click "Read More" to see the photos.
Morning coffee... June 24, 2010
Sam Bowie was taken by the Portland Trailblazers in the 1984 NBA Draft one pick in front of Michael Jordan. His career was shorten by injuries and was largely considered one of the biggest busts in NBA history. Bowie played his last NBA game in 1995. He has since made hundreds of thousands of dollars betting on horse racing. Read the full story here.
Local News
The Mission Valley Rockies defeated the Clark Fork Cougars last night 7-6 at Elders Field in St. Ignatius. Jaycen Petersen knocked in his older brother Jame Peterson for the walk-off win in the bottom of the ninth for the Rockies. Pictures to come on the blog soon.
National NewsAccording to Madden 11, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning are the best quarterbacks in the game.
However, Matt Hasselbeck has a 99 rating in baldness.
Red Sox prospect improves after brian surgery
Ryan Westmoreland was a promising ballplayer, then they found a malformation in his brain. (Things you dont want to see in the same sentance "brain" and "malformation"), but hopefully he makes it back out on the field. You all should root for this guy.
Italy is upset, knocked out of World Cup
France and Italy are out, meaning my two least favorite European companies are gone from the World Cup. And the US is still kicking! Oh Happy Day!
Longest tennis match ever is finally over - Daily Interlake
It lasted over 11 hours and stretched over three days. Holy crap.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Heading to Rodeo Nationals Journal
Three talented athletes are heading to the National Finals Junior Rodeo on June 27 in Gallup, New Mexico. One of those athletes, Wyatt Lytton, was kind enough to spend some time writing a journal on how the entire team is doing while preparing for nationals. Here is his first entry.
Click on the "Read More" to see the journal entry
Click on the "Read More" to see the journal entry
Morning Coffee... June 23, 2010
Billings Mayor Tom Hanel, left, shows Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer the damage caused by a tornado that hit the city's Rimrock Auto Arena, Monday in Billings, Mont. Schweitzer on Monday declared a state of emergency for the area hit by the tornado on Sunday. - Daily Interlake
I'm still stunned by this, and were a few days after the fact. There is talk that they will have to gut the arena and perhaps raze it if necessary. Again, thank god nobody was in the arena at the time. If there was an event going on it could have been a whole lot worse.
College News
Globetrotters draft Griz B-ball player Anthony Johnson and his wife Shaunte Nance-Johnson
I was unaware that the Globetrotters have a draft but I will soon declare myself eligible for it.
University of Colorado transfers to play volleyball at Montana State
And she's pretty darn good. My Eags are screwed.
National News
US defeats Algeria, advances in World Cup
USA! USA! USA! Who said the World Cup wasn't exciting!
Lawrence Taylor indicted on rape charges
And so this long courtroom drama begins.
Local News
The Wrangler Team Roping that was to take place at the Polson Fairgrounds was postponed until July 17-18, due to the rainy weather and poor arena conditions.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Golden State Warriors just got a whole lot cooler
Check out the new (or old) logo that the Golden State Warriors are going for. It hearkens back to the day of when sports uniforms weren't gawdy Star Trek uniforms.
Awesome. I'm so pumped about this. You can read the full story here.
Awesome. I'm so pumped about this. You can read the full story here.
Morning coffee... June 18, 2010
Down 2-0 at halftime to Slovenia in the World Cup, the US battled back to get a tie and keep its hopes to advance to the next round alive.
I also heard via text that the US scored another goal but it was called offsides, something the replays show wasn't the case. Is it me or are refs getting worse and worse? Or perhaps replays are getting better and better?
College News
Montana State head football coach Rob Ash expects a breakthrough this year
And having nearly bit my nails off watching EWU play MSU year after year, I fully expect this to happen. By the way, remember when MSU was screwed out of a playoff berth after beating the Griz, having the same record and yet EWU and UM got the bids to the playoffs?
National News
Missing North Korean players show up a practice
Is North Korea not one of the most entertaining countries in the World Cup? I think we need more communist countries in this international events.
LA bursts out into riots after Lakers win NBA Championship
Because what would a championship be without a good riot.
Ron Artest gives the best post-game interview ever
No really, watch this video and try not to laugh, I dare you.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Utah joins the Pac-10
The rumors, projections, closed door meetings and dealings are over and the celebration has begun.
The University of Utah is officially part of the Pac-10. The move from the Mountain West Conference to the elite league was quickly approved Thursday by the unanimous vote of Utah's Board of Trustees in a public meeting at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
"This is an absolutely great day to be a Ute," said longtime Utah athletics director Chris Hill.
Even though the super conference idea with the Big 12 South is deader than Michael Jackson, the idea that the Pac-10 has added more schools makes me like the situation that the conference is in. It's at least good they were proactive with expansion instead of reactive like the Big-12 errrr.... Big 10 now.
They didn't get the prettiest girl at the prom, getting schools like Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State would have blown up the Pac-10 to epic proportions. It also wouldn't have made a whole lot of geographical sense but whatever. It would have been great to get those big schools and big money into the conference but WSU fans... you wouldn't have been competitive ever again.
Colorado and Utah make sense though. First you capture the Denver and Salt Lake City markets which gives you an even bigger stranglehold out west. You give the Arizona schools somebody closer to develop rilvaries with. You keep the "travel partner" system together and you can hope and pray that Colorado and Utah develop into bitter rivals.
(Can somebody go and defecate on a John Elway statue in Denver and then put a Utah Jazz jersey on it?)
This gives Utah a chance to show that they're a national program after getting snuffed by the BCS for years. It's a very underrated school and has both strong football and basketball programs. It's also not BYU... which is great.
Colorado was one of the weaker schools in the Big 12 but I think it will do better since the bottom half of the Pac-10 is a lot worse than the Big 12.
Pac-10 fans might find the not becoming the Pac-16 might of been the best thing to happen to it.
Now if they could just fix those refs. Woof!
North Korea doesn't like to lose
So lets say that North Korea loses 2-1 to Brazil. Nothing really to fret about, Brazil is one of the world's best soccer countries ever. North Korea is North Korea. However, if you read the game recap from the Korean New Service, they don't even report the final score.
Pyongyang, June 16 (KCNA) -- The league match of the 2010 World Cup between the DPRK and Brazil took place at dawn (Pyongyang time) on Wednesday.
From the outset of the match the two teams fought a seesaw battle. The DPRK footballers created good shooting chances, not losing their confidence even after losing two goals.
At about the 88th minute of the match Jong Tae Se headed the ball before passing it to Ji Yun Nam who powerfully kicked it into the rival's goalmouth, scoring a goal.
The DPRK team will meet its Portuguese rival on June 21.
What would happen if they did this for Detroit Lions games or season recaps. "The team played with heart and tenacity and even though they dropped sixteen games, they finished the season on a high note."
Classy. Another reason not to live in North Korea... crappy SportsCenter segments.
Pyongyang, June 16 (KCNA) -- The league match of the 2010 World Cup between the DPRK and Brazil took place at dawn (Pyongyang time) on Wednesday.
From the outset of the match the two teams fought a seesaw battle. The DPRK footballers created good shooting chances, not losing their confidence even after losing two goals.
At about the 88th minute of the match Jong Tae Se headed the ball before passing it to Ji Yun Nam who powerfully kicked it into the rival's goalmouth, scoring a goal.
The DPRK team will meet its Portuguese rival on June 21.
What would happen if they did this for Detroit Lions games or season recaps. "The team played with heart and tenacity and even though they dropped sixteen games, they finished the season on a high note."
Classy. Another reason not to live in North Korea... crappy SportsCenter segments.
Mission Valley Babe Ruth All-Star teams named
They just named the Mission Valley Babe Ruth All-Star teams, since they just wrapped up the regular season a week ago. Thanks for Senior Babe Ruth head coach Alan Anderson, here's the full list.
(Click on "Read More" to see the full list)
(Click on "Read More" to see the full list)
Morning coffee... June 17, 2010
Phil Jackson and the LA Lakers will take on the Boston Celtics tonight in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Some say this could be the last game for Jackson as head coach of the Lakers.
College News
Montana State football games will be broadcasted in high-def
I think I get my EWU Eagles broadcasts in You-Tube quality broadcasts.
Montana to the WAC?
Otherwise known as the Big Sky Conference Apocalypse.
National News
Canceled training camps might mean bad things for the NFL
Otherwise known as the impending labor strike that will ruin professional football.
Local News
The Joe McDonald Retirement Scramble in Pablo has been re-scheduled for Friday June 25th with a shot gun start at 9:00 am. If there are enough teams there will be an afternoon session too. Entry fee is $250. To sign up a team call the Silver Fox Golf Course at 675-7888.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Golf Results for the week and last
Click on the "Read More" link to get full golf results from the area.
Montana State High School Rodeo Results
BOZEMAN - Several Lake County rodeo athletes competed at the Montana High School Rodeo Association State Finals last weekend and five of them will be moving on to nationals.
Emily Schall won a spot to nationals in Gukkette Wyo. after finishing the season with the highest scoring average in the barrels competition. She went into the competition ranked 10th but ended up winning a saddle, coat and buckle to go with the top average.
Cody Sheridan and Colt Nagy placed fourth overall in team roping and will also head to nationals.
Jessica Read ranked eighth overall in goat tying and she’ll go to Silver State in Fallon, Nev. for not only her event but also to serve as the first attendant in the Montana State High School Rodeo Queen Contest.
Becky Jo Dumont qualified to go to Silver State in Fallon, Nev. in the Barrels event after placing fifth.
Nichele Marmon won the Best Foot Forward Scholarship Award for $250
The Silver State International Rodeo will be on July 4-9 and the national finals will take place on July 17-24.
Click "read more" to see full rodeo results.
Emily Schall won a spot to nationals in Gukkette Wyo. after finishing the season with the highest scoring average in the barrels competition. She went into the competition ranked 10th but ended up winning a saddle, coat and buckle to go with the top average.
Cody Sheridan and Colt Nagy placed fourth overall in team roping and will also head to nationals.
Jessica Read ranked eighth overall in goat tying and she’ll go to Silver State in Fallon, Nev. for not only her event but also to serve as the first attendant in the Montana State High School Rodeo Queen Contest.
Becky Jo Dumont qualified to go to Silver State in Fallon, Nev. in the Barrels event after placing fifth.
Nichele Marmon won the Best Foot Forward Scholarship Award for $250
The Silver State International Rodeo will be on July 4-9 and the national finals will take place on July 17-24.
Click "read more" to see full rodeo results.
Babe Ruth Tournament Results
I have to pass these results along because the kids from Mission Valley Babe Ruth really deserve a lot of credit for playing some great baseball last weekend. It was the end-of-the-season tournament and probably the first weekend they haven't had to play in a mud puddle.
The Mission Valley Rockies finished with a perfect 15-0 record but had to fend off a very feisty Polson Pirates team.
Click "read more" to see the full results from the tournament.
Morning coffee... June 16, 2010
Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers tied up the NBA Finals 3-3 with a 89-67 victory over the Boston Celtics last night.
Is this series over? Do you realize that if Kobe wins this championship he'll have five rings, one short of Michael Jordan? Where does he rank among the greats in the game then?
College news
Former UM basketball player gets workout with Nets - MontanaGrizzlies.com
Word of advice for Anthony Johnson, don't make any jokes about Russia.
National News
Switzerland upsets Spain 1-0 in World Cup - The Daily Interlake
And those annoying horns are still blaring.
Izzo not headed to Cavs, stays with Michigan State
Lebron... why are you packing your bags....?
Don't wear orange dresses at the World Cup
Reasons to watch the World Cup? Weird stories like this...
Thirty-six female fans were ejected from Holland's World Cup match against Denmark and interrogated for hours for allegedly wearing orange dresses to illegally promote Bavaria beer, though there's no branding on the dress and the company denies hiring them.
Could they do this sort of thing during a NASCAR event if anyone is promoting beer? Is it possible to detain thousands of fans?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Canadian Football players are up to no good
Those dastardly Canadians are up to no good. The steroid problem has gotten so bad up there, they've had to suspend an entire football team.
The University of Waterloo Warriors football team will miss the entire 2010-2011 season over steroid violations.
As many as nine potential doping violations were discovered during a mass test of 62 football players from the University of Waterloo, resulting in suspension of the team’s activities for the upcoming season.
In addition, two players from the team received suspensions and a former player faces charges in a police probe into steroid trafficking.
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, Canadian Interuniversity Sport and the University of Waterloo held a news conference Monday to announce the findings of a sweeping probe of players in the university’s football program on March 31. More than 80 urine and blood samples were taken, resulting in nine infractions. The test was instituted by the school.
As for the NFL... move along.... nothing to see here. Go make fun of baseball...
Monday, June 14, 2010
Drew Bledsoe and Troy Aikman are here to save the earth
The two former pro-bowl quarterbacks have a plan to solve this whole mess in the Gulf of Mexico. Lets hope the oil spill doesn't bring a blindside linebacker up to blitz.
Troy Aikman and Drew Bledsoe, both former Pro Bowl quarterbacks, are part-owners of a new technology that they claim can help clean up the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Their company, Ecosphere, has had meetings with BP. Bledsoe talked about the technology at a recent press conference. From FS Southwest:
According to Bledsoe, Ecosphere would set its filtration systems on barges in the gulf and on beaches to clean the water.
"This is not technology sitting on the shelf waiting for a disaster," Bledsoe said. "This is technology out in the field satisfying contracts for well over a year, so it's proven. ... When you watch it, it is magic seeing dirty, nasty water go in one end and then crystal, clean water out the other end."
So wait, they have a Brita filter?
Troy Aikman and Drew Bledsoe, both former Pro Bowl quarterbacks, are part-owners of a new technology that they claim can help clean up the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Their company, Ecosphere, has had meetings with BP. Bledsoe talked about the technology at a recent press conference. From FS Southwest:
According to Bledsoe, Ecosphere would set its filtration systems on barges in the gulf and on beaches to clean the water.
"This is not technology sitting on the shelf waiting for a disaster," Bledsoe said. "This is technology out in the field satisfying contracts for well over a year, so it's proven. ... When you watch it, it is magic seeing dirty, nasty water go in one end and then crystal, clean water out the other end."
So wait, they have a Brita filter?
Saturday, June 12, 2010
New jerseys are marvels
Check out the new threads for Team USA. And as usual, Nike has gone scientific on us.
When the United States men's national basketball team heads to Turkey for the FIBA World Championships this summer, they're going to look pretty cool. It's hard to mess up red, white and blue, and the various manufacturers who have supplied their uniforms throughout the years haven't made very many missteps. But this year, they're also going to feel cool thanks to a couple tweaks by Nike.
Through some kind of clothing wizardry, Nike has eliminated more than 13 inches of fabric from a typical basketball jersey, and probably double that when compared to Allan Houston's tarp-like mid-90s shirt. The back of the jersey will once again feature "Aerographics," which you probably know as those intricately-designed perforations that make it look like everyone has a super sweaty back like Patrick Ewing. And yes, that's two zings on the New York Knicks, who have been the antithesis of on-court aesthetics for two decades running. Make that three.
Aside from the extra tailoring, the jerseys are about the same. The shorts are the big story, as far as international basketball clothing news goes. Thanks to Nike's new Hyperelite design, the shorts are about half as light as a normal basketball short when dry. Get them wet — like, you know, from sweating during a game — and they're even better, weighing less when soaked (10.1 oz.) than a normal pair does when dry (13.6).
Don't ask me how that's done, I think they're defying the laws of physics.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Photo of a brawl from the 1986 World Cup
Sorry just had to post this because I find it so funny. Those two are "fighting." The guy on the right is British, the guy on the left is from Argentina. Wonders of wonders, the two teams were playing one another at Aztec Stadium in Mexico City.
I think the internet just got its new viral photo. Enjoy.
Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter dies
It's only a day old, but the 2010 World Cup already has a downer story to talk about.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)—It should have been a moment of triumph—Nelson Mandela, basking in the cheers as Africa’s first World Cup opened. Nelson Mandela with his great-granddaughter Zenani, who was killed in a car accident following Thursday's kickoff concert. (AP Photo/Peter Morey)
Instead, South Africa’s beloved anti-apartheid icon stayed at home with his family Friday in northern Johannesburg during the opening ceremony and game, mourning his 13-year-old great-granddaughter Zenani, who died in a car crash on the way home from a tournament-eve concert in Soweto.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said the tragedy “made it inappropriate” for the former president, who is 91, to attend the opening ceremony in Johannesburg.
That's a shame considering how much Nelson Mandela represents to South Africa and how this should be one of his finest moments. Prayers go out to him, and the good things that people say about this man are too hard to count. Sad day.
JOHANNESBURG (AP)—It should have been a moment of triumph—Nelson Mandela, basking in the cheers as Africa’s first World Cup opened. Nelson Mandela with his great-granddaughter Zenani, who was killed in a car accident following Thursday's kickoff concert. (AP Photo/Peter Morey)
Instead, South Africa’s beloved anti-apartheid icon stayed at home with his family Friday in northern Johannesburg during the opening ceremony and game, mourning his 13-year-old great-granddaughter Zenani, who died in a car crash on the way home from a tournament-eve concert in Soweto.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation said the tragedy “made it inappropriate” for the former president, who is 91, to attend the opening ceremony in Johannesburg.
That's a shame considering how much Nelson Mandela represents to South Africa and how this should be one of his finest moments. Prayers go out to him, and the good things that people say about this man are too hard to count. Sad day.
Shot Doctor
Wally West, left, works with Robert Faoa of Ronan during the Shot Docter basketball camp being held this Thursday and Friday at Ronan High School. West came from Georgia and was the fifth-round draft pick by the Utah Jazz in 1980. West played college ball at Boston College under Rick Pitino.
New Marlins stadium has weird feature
All these new Major League ballparks have gone retro, featuring unique quirks and aspects that make them stand out from the rest. It's certainly better than the cookie-cutter stadiums of the 60s and 70s, although it would be nice if they didn't cost tax-payers an arm and a leg.
The Marlins new stadium takes the cake for a unique quirk. They're installing an aquarium backstop. What?
The two giant aquariums will be located on either side of home plate, but not directly behind it. And no worries on a Faith No More-type situation with a fish flopping around on the ground and gasping for air because the aquariums will be constructed with shatterproof glass.
MLB.com has more details:
"Each aquarium will be constructed using a durable fiberglass structure, and white crystal-clear acrylic panels 1.5 inches thick will be used for the viewing windows. To safeguard it from impact, Lexan — the material used for bulletproof windows — will be installed in front and in back of the acrylic panels."
The aquariums will hold 600 and 450 gallons, but will sadly not be big enough for a real marlin.
This makes me think they should have Grizzly Bears at UM's home stadium.
Morning coffee... June 11, 2010
Colorado and now Boise State have made changes, who is next? I can only expect the names of the schools to get bigger and more numerous. Ready for college football to change forever?
Montana college sports
Montana's Drennen finishes seventh in 1,500 meter event at Nationals - MontanaGrizzlies.com
The farthest I've ever ran is to the fridge. Seriously, distance running is the last thing you'll see a journalist doing. Buying a donut at the bakery across the street? Bingo.
Watch them set up the MSU basketball floor on YouTube
Sorry I don't have any Bobcat news at the moment. Forgive me.
Local-ish news
MMA bouts planned in Kalispel tonight - The Daily Interlake
Things you will not see me do... get in the octagon.
National news
South Africa ties Mexico 1-1 in the World Cup opener
For those of you that follow soccer, the WORLD CUP IS HERE!!!!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
2010 Polson Minor's League Baseball Champs
Polson Minor's League Baseball Diamonndbacks hold up their trophies and awards after winning the 2010 championship game against the Mariners, 2-1, on June 8th. Coaches: Lonnie Erickson and Ken Druyvestein. Roster: Ethan Tolley, Brenden Schliep, Kyle Druyvestein, Preston Folk, Aaron Hansen, Jayden Schwend, Logan Erickson, Isaac Janeway, Conner Young, Haden Smith.
Should UM and MSU move to FBS?
Huge news for college football, and this is only the tip of the iceberg. Colorado is headed to the Pac-10. Now sit back and watch the Big 12 crumble to nothing. If more teams follow, the Pac-10 could look completely different in a blink of the eye. Also considering USC was just slapped with a two-year postseason ban, things are getting really juicy.
Now lets step back and take a look at how this affects more local teams, namely the Big Sky and the Montana schools. Talk of moving up to FBS is nothing new for Montana and Montana State, however is it the right move if this Big 12 vacuum clears some space in the smaller conferences?
Having seen a program fall flat when they moved up first hand, let me be the first to say that the Montana schools don't want to become the next Idaho. They also shouldn't expect to have Boise State-like success if they move up. I recently read this very well-written article in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle by Will Holden explaining the challenges of the transition from FCS and FBS. I want to show you a few snippets and explain why it would be a bad idea for the Montana schools to move up.
CLICK "READ MORE" TO SEE THE FULL BREAKDOWN
Now lets step back and take a look at how this affects more local teams, namely the Big Sky and the Montana schools. Talk of moving up to FBS is nothing new for Montana and Montana State, however is it the right move if this Big 12 vacuum clears some space in the smaller conferences?
Having seen a program fall flat when they moved up first hand, let me be the first to say that the Montana schools don't want to become the next Idaho. They also shouldn't expect to have Boise State-like success if they move up. I recently read this very well-written article in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle by Will Holden explaining the challenges of the transition from FCS and FBS. I want to show you a few snippets and explain why it would be a bad idea for the Montana schools to move up.
CLICK "READ MORE" TO SEE THE FULL BREAKDOWN
Local players and coaches headed to All-Star Games
This coming from The Daily Interlake, Polson's Staci Benson will play in the Montana Treasure State Jim Patrick Softball Classic this weekend. Benson was the all-state shortstop for the Polson Pirates, who captured the state title this year.
Also, Mission High School's Justin Evans has been named to the 22nd Annual Class B Big Sky All-Star Football Game that will also be played this weekend. Along with Evans, Mission head football coach Pete Hamilton was also named to the coaching staff.
Also, Mission High School's Justin Evans has been named to the 22nd Annual Class B Big Sky All-Star Football Game that will also be played this weekend. Along with Evans, Mission head football coach Pete Hamilton was also named to the coaching staff.
Morning coffee... June 10, 2010
Orenzo Davis from Littleton, Colo. is transferring to Montana State University, after playing junior college ball at Palomar College in California.
Hopefully I can get these morning headlines in each morning to give you a good feel of what's going on in the state of Montana for sports. Also if you run a sports blog, I would definitely love to link it up to this blog. Feel free to shoot me an email about it.
National News
Tom Izzo plans to go to Cleveland - The Daily Interlake
uh-oh Michigan State fans, time to get worried.
Chicago Blackhawks win Stanley Cup - The Daily Interlake
Watching them celebrate in front of a Philadelphia home crowd was a 12 on the unintentional comedy scale.
Local News
Don't forget this weekend is the Polson Splash Softball Classic, starting Friday, featuring about 450 players and coaches. There are four age groups and each team plays round robin games on Friday and Saturday then they are seeded for a single elimination tournament on Sunday. Games will be played at the Polson Softball Fields.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Catching up with Craig Ochs
The Missoulian just released this feature on former Griz quarterback Craig Ochs. He came to Missoula by way of transferring from the University of Colorado and had two successful years for Montana.
From the story by Bill Schwanke:
Once he completed a stellar, but short, career at Montana, Ochs took a shot at pro football and wound up playing on a championship team in NFL Europe. It looked like it would set him up for at least a roster position with the Buffalo Bills, the team that sent him overseas.
But a major injury to his throwing shoulder produced yet another crossroad. Would he rehab the injury and continue trying to make it in pro football or would he just move on?
Ochs chose the latter, taking a coaching position on Bobby Hauck’s staff at UM. By then he was married and had a young daughter. The job didn’t pay all that well, and Ochs felt the pull to do something that would make the future brighter for him and his growing family.
Back to Colorado he went, originally planning to attend law school. Instead he went through a masters-through-the-law program at the University of Denver, specifically in natural resources law with a heavy natural gas and oil emphasis.
You can read the full story at Missoulian.com, I highly recommend it.
Don't forget about Derek Fisher
Fisher took over in the fourth quarter last night, scoring four clutch baskets to help LA beat Boston 91-84. That gives the Lakers a 2-1 lead in the series and lets them regain home court advantage. He finished with 16 points, second highest to Kobe's 29 on the team.
Now, many people have said he's been playing like a wet suitcase all season. Many people were right, but mark my word, you can always count on Derek Fisher coming up big in the clutch. He's hit big threes, he's caused Sacramento Kings fans to contemplate jump off a building and he's been every bit a staple of the Lakers' greatness as Kobe.
Is he as good as Kobe? Heck no. Not even close. He's a role player for sure. However, Fisher is also a veteran that knows where he needs to be at the right time. When the moment is right, he knows when to pull the trigger. He understands that no matter how terrible he is during the regular season, all it takes is some plays in the post-season to help your team.
That is why, you can never count out Derek Fisher. He'll come back to bite you.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Greetings everyone!
Hello everyone, I wish I could say something classy and inspirational, but I thought that this photo basically ruins the mood for anything like that happening.
My name is Brandon Hansen, I'm the new sports editor for the Lake County Leader. Hailing from Spokane, Wash. I think I'm the only person in the entire eastern part of Washington that isn't a fan of Gonzaga University Basketball.
I am, however, a huge Boston Red Sox fan, as evident by the photo. It started in high school and has quickly gone down a road of baseball debauchery where I find myself constantly refreshing GameCast at work.
So take a look around and feel free to send me any questions via email. I'd love to make this blog as interactive as possible.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Polson girls basketball state, game one
Junior Breanne Kelley goes up for a lay-up in a regular season game against Whitefish.The Polson girls basketball team lost their first game of the Class A State Girls Basketball Tournament. In a close 44-40 loss, Polson rallied from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to pull within four at the end.
Junior Breanne Kelley led with 13 points and sophomore Riley Kenney added 11 and went 5-for-5 at the free throw line. Senior NIcole Davey had 10 points and grabbed six defensive rebounds.
The Pirates will face Havre, the second seed from the central division, at 2 p.m. today.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
All-star rosters
The rosters for the Mission Mountain All-star game have been released. Thirty players from Lake County have been selected to play. The girls game is at 7 p.m. and the boys is at 8:30 p.m. on March 26 at the SKC gym. Boys coaches will coach the girls team and girls coaches will coach the boys teams.
Here are the rosters:
Girls
Team A
1. Mallery Knoll (JR) – Bigfork
2. Lila Cenis (SR) – Bigfork
3. Kyla Mitchell (JR) – Mission
4. Katie McDonald (SR) – Mission
5. Kinley Pope (SOPH) – Charlo
6. Mahalia Hendren (FR) – Arlee
7. Megan Massingale (JR) – Hot Springs
8. Breanne Kelley (JR) – Polson
9. Jonna Grant (JR) – Ronan
10. Jaylen Carpentier (SR) – Two Eagle
11. Mackenzie Woods (SR) – Hot Springs
Team B
1. Catlin Charlebois (JR) – Bigfork
2. Adessa Durglo (JR) – Mission
3. Stephanie Maughan (SR) – Charlo
4. Jaris Kelley (SR) – Charlo
5. Chelsea Allair (SR) – Arlee
6. Randi Arnold (SR) – Hot Springs
7. Nicole Davey (SR) – Polson
8. Sierra Pete (JR) – Polson
9. Heather Earhart (SR) – Plains
10. Alice Van Gunten (JR) – Ronan
11. Adele Frost (SR) – Two Eagle
12. Quinci Paine (JR) – Bigfork
Boys
Team A
1. Trent Thompson (SR) – Plains
2. Jorren Gies (SR) – Mission
3. Keenan Evans (SR) – Bigfork
4. Lael Richmond (SR) – Bigfork
5. Justin Dustybull (JR) – Ronan
6. Kody Morigeau (SR) – Arlee
7. Reiley Winebrenner (SR) – Hot Springs
8. Tim Rausch (SR) – Polson
9. Vince Digialornado (SOPH) – Polson
10. Houston Blevins (SR) – Charlo
11. Chance Firestone (SR) – Charlo
12. TJ Cutfinger (JR) – Two Eagle
Team B
1. Jake Durglo (SR) – Mission
2. Brian Green (SR) – Plains
3. Bryce Benson (SR) – Plains
4. Christian Ker (JR) – Bigfork
5. Evan Jordt (JR) – Bigfork
6. Kevin Wroblewski (JR) – Ronan
7. Kyle Felsman (SR) – Arlee
8. Cody Hoff (JR) – Hot Springs
9. Kyle Bagnell (JR) – Polson
10. John Sansavere (SR) – Arlee
11. James Maestas (SR) – Two Eagle
12. Lucas Black (JR) – Ronan
The Polson girls basketball team plays at 6:30 p.m. tonight against Sidney, who has been ranked third in Class A for much of the season.
Here are the rosters:
Girls
Team A
1. Mallery Knoll (JR) – Bigfork
2. Lila Cenis (SR) – Bigfork
3. Kyla Mitchell (JR) – Mission
4. Katie McDonald (SR) – Mission
5. Kinley Pope (SOPH) – Charlo
6. Mahalia Hendren (FR) – Arlee
7. Megan Massingale (JR) – Hot Springs
8. Breanne Kelley (JR) – Polson
9. Jonna Grant (JR) – Ronan
10. Jaylen Carpentier (SR) – Two Eagle
11. Mackenzie Woods (SR) – Hot Springs
Team B
1. Catlin Charlebois (JR) – Bigfork
2. Adessa Durglo (JR) – Mission
3. Stephanie Maughan (SR) – Charlo
4. Jaris Kelley (SR) – Charlo
5. Chelsea Allair (SR) – Arlee
6. Randi Arnold (SR) – Hot Springs
7. Nicole Davey (SR) – Polson
8. Sierra Pete (JR) – Polson
9. Heather Earhart (SR) – Plains
10. Alice Van Gunten (JR) – Ronan
11. Adele Frost (SR) – Two Eagle
12. Quinci Paine (JR) – Bigfork
Boys
Team A
1. Trent Thompson (SR) – Plains
2. Jorren Gies (SR) – Mission
3. Keenan Evans (SR) – Bigfork
4. Lael Richmond (SR) – Bigfork
5. Justin Dustybull (JR) – Ronan
6. Kody Morigeau (SR) – Arlee
7. Reiley Winebrenner (SR) – Hot Springs
8. Tim Rausch (SR) – Polson
9. Vince Digialornado (SOPH) – Polson
10. Houston Blevins (SR) – Charlo
11. Chance Firestone (SR) – Charlo
12. TJ Cutfinger (JR) – Two Eagle
Team B
1. Jake Durglo (SR) – Mission
2. Brian Green (SR) – Plains
3. Bryce Benson (SR) – Plains
4. Christian Ker (JR) – Bigfork
5. Evan Jordt (JR) – Bigfork
6. Kevin Wroblewski (JR) – Ronan
7. Kyle Felsman (SR) – Arlee
8. Cody Hoff (JR) – Hot Springs
9. Kyle Bagnell (JR) – Polson
10. John Sansavere (SR) – Arlee
11. James Maestas (SR) – Two Eagle
12. Lucas Black (JR) – Ronan
The Polson girls basketball team plays at 6:30 p.m. tonight against Sidney, who has been ranked third in Class A for much of the season.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Boys state wrap-up
What a weekend.
I ended up driving to Butte for the Polson boys championship game. It wasn’t a bad drive, the weather was nice, but once I entered Butte I could tell something exciting was happening. I stopped for some food and the restaurant was filled with purple. Granted, it was Laurel fans, but still.
Entering the Civic Center was the same way. I got there early, halfway through the third-place game, and already the stands were packed with fans for the championship game. Once that game cleared out and the warm-ups started, the place was loud. Between the bands and the student sections, it was impossible to hear someone ask you a question standing right next to you.
Polson sophomore Tyler Krell works down low against Laurel.
Polson stayed in the game until the very end. The refs didn’t do the greatest job I’ve ever seen calling fouls. I don’t like blaming the outcome of a game on the refs and who’s to say the outcome would have changed, but c’mon.
On the drive back. I passed many cars with a 15 a the beginning of its license plate, heading back home after the game.
I was able to grab three Pirates after school yesterday and ask them about the tournament, so their tidbits will be in this week’s paper.
I have only been to one other state championship game. That was six years ago when my schools boys hockey team made the title game. The Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, was to capacity, and probably beyond. That event is one of the biggest high school sporting events in the nation. It was so sweet and to be there as a student makes things better.
The Xcel Energy Center: home of the Minnesota boys state hockey tournament
Arlee made waves at the Class C tournament, taking fourth. The whole town pretty much shut down to send them on their way and welcome them back on Sunday. I was able to sit down with three of the players yesterday to talk about the tournament and their season. That will be in this week’s paper, but all three were grateful for such an outpouring from the community. As I made my way to the interview, signs and balloons were still hung up.
This weekend will feature another state tournament: the Class A girls basketball tournament. Polson will make its way to Hamilton this week in hopes of coming back with a trophy. The Pirates face Sidney in the first round and will be without Sierra Pete, who suffered an injury during the divisional tournament. I will be traveling down there, so hopefully I will be able to post updates as the tournament progresses. Pete, Nicole Davey and Breanne Kelley sat down with me after a practice to talk about the season and some other random things. That will be in this week’s paper as well.
As the papers are starting to get bigger, I am able to include more stories and at a greater length. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please feel free to send an e-mail to sports @leaderadvertiser.com.
I ended up driving to Butte for the Polson boys championship game. It wasn’t a bad drive, the weather was nice, but once I entered Butte I could tell something exciting was happening. I stopped for some food and the restaurant was filled with purple. Granted, it was Laurel fans, but still.
Entering the Civic Center was the same way. I got there early, halfway through the third-place game, and already the stands were packed with fans for the championship game. Once that game cleared out and the warm-ups started, the place was loud. Between the bands and the student sections, it was impossible to hear someone ask you a question standing right next to you.
Polson sophomore Tyler Krell works down low against Laurel. Polson stayed in the game until the very end. The refs didn’t do the greatest job I’ve ever seen calling fouls. I don’t like blaming the outcome of a game on the refs and who’s to say the outcome would have changed, but c’mon.
On the drive back. I passed many cars with a 15 a the beginning of its license plate, heading back home after the game.
I was able to grab three Pirates after school yesterday and ask them about the tournament, so their tidbits will be in this week’s paper.
I have only been to one other state championship game. That was six years ago when my schools boys hockey team made the title game. The Xcel Energy Center, home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, was to capacity, and probably beyond. That event is one of the biggest high school sporting events in the nation. It was so sweet and to be there as a student makes things better.
The Xcel Energy Center: home of the Minnesota boys state hockey tournamentArlee made waves at the Class C tournament, taking fourth. The whole town pretty much shut down to send them on their way and welcome them back on Sunday. I was able to sit down with three of the players yesterday to talk about the tournament and their season. That will be in this week’s paper, but all three were grateful for such an outpouring from the community. As I made my way to the interview, signs and balloons were still hung up.
This weekend will feature another state tournament: the Class A girls basketball tournament. Polson will make its way to Hamilton this week in hopes of coming back with a trophy. The Pirates face Sidney in the first round and will be without Sierra Pete, who suffered an injury during the divisional tournament. I will be traveling down there, so hopefully I will be able to post updates as the tournament progresses. Pete, Nicole Davey and Breanne Kelley sat down with me after a practice to talk about the season and some other random things. That will be in this week’s paper as well.
As the papers are starting to get bigger, I am able to include more stories and at a greater length. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please feel free to send an e-mail to sports @leaderadvertiser.com.
Friday, March 5, 2010
State tournaments, day 2
Jesse Pfau handles the ball in the district championship game against Charlo. The Arlee boys’ basketball team advanced with a 59-56 win over Culbertson, who had topped the polls for much of the year.
Arlee started out down 22-14 after the first quarter and down five points at the half. That lead was cut to two after the third quarter. With a 16-point fourth quarter, Arlee upset Culberson.
Junior Jesse Pfau led with 17 poins and senior Kody Morigeau added 12. Junior Kasey Bridgewater drained both of his three-point attempts and senior Kyle Felsman led with six rebounds.
The Warriors play at 8 p.m. tonight in Billings against St. Labre, who has been ranked No. 11 entering state.
They beat Power last night 79-52 in the opening round.
Senior Derrick Rathe blocks the ball during the Northwestern A divisional challenge game. In Polson’s upset over Billings Central, junior Louis Mohr led with 19 and was one of five players to score double digits. Senior Tim Rausch had 13, junior Kyle Bagnell had 12, sophomore Tyler Krell had 11 and sophomore Vince DiGiallonardo had 10.
Polson worked for nine steals, Bagnell had three while turning the ball over 14 times.
The Pirates face Butte Central at 6:30 p.m. today in Butte.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Polson boys basketball, game one
Polson's Louis Mohr drives around Ronan's Marcus Hungerford in the challenge game Monday.
The Polson boys basketball team won its opening game of the Class A boys state basketball tournament by beating Billings Central 65-53.
Polson, the second seed from the Northwest, over took the Rams, the first seed from the east.
Up next, the Pirates will face the winner of the Butte Central/Corvallis game 6:30 p.m. tomorrow in Butte where the winner will make the title game.
The big show
The last two weeks have been so crazy. I had to keep up with the Olympics as well as all 12 Lake County basketball teams during the end-of-the season runs each made.
Polson and Arlee boys basketball teams are competing at the state tournament as I type.
Polson has the height and speed to make a good statement this year. Seniors Tim Rausch and Derrick Rathe seemed pumped when I talked to them after the challenge game against Ronan. They might be an underdog, but a strong one at that. Louis Mohr is just hitting his stride, back from academic ineligibility, and put him next to Kyle Bagnell for a deadly combination.
Speaking of the Chiefs, the first –half of the challenge game was so exciting. Plus, Ronan has so much speed and grit that it showed when they kept going after the Pirates time-and-time again. They forced Polson to take shots and be on their toes.
They play Billings Central in the first round and are in a bracket with Butte Central, ranked No. 5, and Corvallis. Laurel and Columbia Falls, arguably the first and second-best teams in the state, square off in an opening match.
Arlee, on the other hand, is a strong team with depth on its bench.
Many nights during the regular season, upwards of seven players would score a solid-amount of points. Kyle Felsman might be listed at 6-foot on the roster, but the kid can jump. He beat Charlo’s Houston Blevins a couple times to start two games that I saw. He and Jesse Pfau also have speed. The Warriors have been ranked in the top-10 coaches poll all year long and face No.3 Culbertson in the first round. The only other teams to be ranked are Big Sandy and Drummond, both in the other bracket.
Stats and analyzing games can only go so far, though. It is impossible to factor in the will and want both of these teams have. Both battled back from losses to take second in their respective conferences for berths to the big show. The state tournament may be new to both teams, but don’t count them out.
Olympics
WOW. That’s really all I can say. Between all of the exciting hockey, I tried to find time to keep up with the other sports. I know the hockey subjects have been talked close to death, but c’mon. It was good. You couldn’t have asked for a more exciting gold-medal game. Tied by USA with under 25 seconds left IN THE GAME, only to have the NHL’s golden child win the gold for his team.
Such a story book game, minus the USA losing.
I need time to recover, but won’t be afforded it as the NHL didn’t stop and started games the day after the championship game.
I need a nap.
Polson and Arlee boys basketball teams are competing at the state tournament as I type.
Polson has the height and speed to make a good statement this year. Seniors Tim Rausch and Derrick Rathe seemed pumped when I talked to them after the challenge game against Ronan. They might be an underdog, but a strong one at that. Louis Mohr is just hitting his stride, back from academic ineligibility, and put him next to Kyle Bagnell for a deadly combination.
Speaking of the Chiefs, the first –half of the challenge game was so exciting. Plus, Ronan has so much speed and grit that it showed when they kept going after the Pirates time-and-time again. They forced Polson to take shots and be on their toes.
They play Billings Central in the first round and are in a bracket with Butte Central, ranked No. 5, and Corvallis. Laurel and Columbia Falls, arguably the first and second-best teams in the state, square off in an opening match.
Arlee, on the other hand, is a strong team with depth on its bench.
Many nights during the regular season, upwards of seven players would score a solid-amount of points. Kyle Felsman might be listed at 6-foot on the roster, but the kid can jump. He beat Charlo’s Houston Blevins a couple times to start two games that I saw. He and Jesse Pfau also have speed. The Warriors have been ranked in the top-10 coaches poll all year long and face No.3 Culbertson in the first round. The only other teams to be ranked are Big Sandy and Drummond, both in the other bracket.
Stats and analyzing games can only go so far, though. It is impossible to factor in the will and want both of these teams have. Both battled back from losses to take second in their respective conferences for berths to the big show. The state tournament may be new to both teams, but don’t count them out.
Olympics
WOW. That’s really all I can say. Between all of the exciting hockey, I tried to find time to keep up with the other sports. I know the hockey subjects have been talked close to death, but c’mon. It was good. You couldn’t have asked for a more exciting gold-medal game. Tied by USA with under 25 seconds left IN THE GAME, only to have the NHL’s golden child win the gold for his team.
Such a story book game, minus the USA losing.
I need time to recover, but won’t be afforded it as the NHL didn’t stop and started games the day after the championship game.
I need a nap.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
wrestle-mania
This week’s sport section was short on space as I had so much more to put in the B tab. Most of the week’s content is wrestling as an astonishing 42 wrestlers from Lake County make their way to Billings this weekend.
Many have a shot at placing or taking home the crown.
Story lines:
Ronan, as a team, took third last year while Polson has the tools to make a run at a top-three team finish.
Ronan senior Micky Cheff looks to defend his state title from last year
His brother, Ronan junior Toby Cheff, looks for his first state title after finishing third in the past two tourneys
Polson senior Ty Fouty took fourth last year
Ronan senior Cameron Neiss will go for his second state title
Arlee junior Cole Rice is looking for his first state title after taking second last year
Polson senior Kaden Thomas took fourth
Polson senior Brock Picard is going for his third title which would make him the second Pirate to get three state championships. In an interview with the Leader last year Picard said, “Getting two down is a pretty big accomplishment, but I’m not going to settle for two, I’m going to settle for three.”
At the end of the tournament, 1350 matches will have taken place between the three classes.
The brackets came out on Tuesday at http://www.mhsa.org/
Here’s a preview of the match-ups:
Class A- full brackets
98
Polson’s Pat Sumner vs Frenchtown’s Glen Hensley
Ronan’s Lukas Conklin vs Frenchtowns’s Rot Schutter
Polson’s Craig Feistner vs. Butte Central’s Tyler Arelleto
105
Polson’s Lucas Polk vs. Frenchtown’s Carson Wabaunesee
112
Ronan’s Andrew Teigan vs Hamilton’s Michael Ledford
Polson’s Razz Walhood vs. Corvallis’ Levi Gingerich
119
Polson’s Jesse Alfiero vs. Dillon’s Shawn Tezak
Polson’s Drew Fouty vs. Anaconda’s Jake Stock
125
Ronan’s Kyle Lawson vs. Corvallis’ Travis Davis
Polson’s Nick Howell vs. Dillon’s Marcus Osbourne
130
Ronan’s Shelby Grant vs. Sidney’s Lane Houchen
Ronan’s Cameron Neiss vs Glendive’s Cole Bilbrey
135
Polson’s Jacob Young vs. Glendive’s Alex Palmer
140
Polson’s Mike Devlin vs. Glendive’s Dillon Beeler
Polson’s Randy Kelley vs. Laurel’s Tommy Cooper
145
Polson’s Brock Bleazard vs. Glendive’s Kyle Rushing
Ronan’s Dustin Goldsby vs. MCY’s Shane Cooley
152
Polson’s Ty Fouty vs Glendive’s Jake Scheetz
Ronan’s Quenton Denton vs. Laurel’s Dylan Kramer
Ronan’s Micky Cheff vs. MCY’s David Dey
160
Ronan’s Cole McArthur vs Belgrade’s Justin Ricker
171
Ronan’s Tyler Wheeler vs. Havre’s Casey Schlaub
Polson’s Brock Picard vs. Livingston’s Kyle Dirette
189
Polson’s Devin Kamarainen vs. Belgrade’s Austin Rehyer
Ronan’s Toby Cheff vs. Browning’s Wyatt Wippert
215
Ronan’s Colby Robers vs. Belgrade’s Michael Lingo
Polson’s Josiah Clairmont vs. Browning’s Collin Johnson
285
Ronan’s Aaron Yazzi-Whitworth vs. Belgrade’s Clint Robinson
Polson’s Kaden Thomas vs. Livingston’s Kyle Satre
Class B-C- Full Brackets
98
Mission/Charlo’s Dillon Edwards has a bye
105
Arlee’s Austin Rubel has a bye
112
Mission/Charlo’s Russell Schultzvs. Forsyth’s Trey McDonald
125
Arlee’s Logan Lefler vs. Shepard’s Ty Seader
Mission/Charlo’s Scotty Gilleard vs. Forsyth’s Craig Nelson
140
Arlee’s Cole Rice vs. Harlem’s Sheldon Hofer
145
Mission/Charlo’s Jame Petersen vs. Big Sandy’s Lane Martin
152
Mission/Charlo’s Travis Dumont vs. Malta’s Noah Harms
160
Mission/Charlo’s Chad Anderson vs. Choteau’s Own DeBruycker
189
Mission/Charlo’s Joel Lewsi vs. Jake Stewart
215
Arlee’s Cody North vs. Augus Lorenzen
Arlee’s Bryce Norling vs. Choteau’s Taylor Buck
Hwt
Mission/Charlo’s Nick Dinnell vs. Fort Benton’s Rovert Shinaberger
Another wrestling note, courtesy of Anders Blewett
Blewett Wrestling Scholorship
For the 4th year in a row, Alexander (Zander) Blewett, III, a trial lawyer from Great Falls who practices in the law firm of Hoyt & Blewett PLLC intends to award $1000 for the single wrestler in Class AA, Class A and Class B/C who has displayed the best combined qualities of wrestling and academic achievement. The award will go to one senior in each class around the state who best qualifies.
Applicants need not be state champions in order to qualify for this scholarship; if they are state champions, they must still exhibit good academic achievement. The winner of each class must attend a college somewhere in the United States and a check in the amount of $1000 will be sent to that college to help defray the cost of tuition.
For more information about the scholarship, including past winners see the website. To request an electronic copy of the application, contact Jeri at Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls by phone at 761-1960. The typed application must be postmarked by March 31, 2010.
In 2008, Polson wrestler Logan Togison won the Class A scholarship.
Trust me, any scholarship is worth applying for. My Big Ten university student loan repayment has started.
As if the state tournament isn’t enough, the same group also puts on an all-state wrestling tournament, to crown the champions in each weight class from all classes.
“Every year three state champions are crowned at each of the fifteen weight classes, and every year the fans leave the state tournament a little unfulfilled. Why is it wrestling fans in Montana are denied the opportunity to watch the best wrestlers in the state, regardless of division, square off against each other? Imagine state champions from Miles City, Poplar or Glasgow tangling with state champions from Flathead, Helena or Billings. How much excitement and energy would an event like that generate for the sport of wrestling? And how enjoyable would it be for the wrestlers themselves to get an opportunity to compete against the best at their respective weight classes and ultimately decide mat supremacy?”
This year, the event will be a one-day, single elimination wrestling tournament that will take place at the Great Falls High School Old Gym on Saturday, February 20, 2010, one week after the All Class State Tournament in Billings (Feb. 12-13).
Eight wrestlers from all four teams in Lake County have been ranked on the Feb. 8 list:
Polson freshman Craig Feistner, 98
Ronan senior Cameron Neiss, 130
Arlee junior Cole Rice, 140
Mission/Charlo senior Jame Petersen, 145
Ronan senior Micky Cheff, 152
Ronan junior Cole McArthur, 160
Polson senior Brock Picard, 171
Ronan junior Toby Cheff, 189
Last year, Picard won the 171 weight class.
More information can be found on their website.
Many have a shot at placing or taking home the crown.
Story lines:
Ronan, as a team, took third last year while Polson has the tools to make a run at a top-three team finish.
Ronan senior Micky Cheff looks to defend his state title from last year
His brother, Ronan junior Toby Cheff, looks for his first state title after finishing third in the past two tourneys
Polson senior Ty Fouty took fourth last year
Ronan senior Cameron Neiss will go for his second state title
Arlee junior Cole Rice is looking for his first state title after taking second last year
Polson senior Kaden Thomas took fourth
Polson senior Brock Picard is going for his third title which would make him the second Pirate to get three state championships. In an interview with the Leader last year Picard said, “Getting two down is a pretty big accomplishment, but I’m not going to settle for two, I’m going to settle for three.”
At the end of the tournament, 1350 matches will have taken place between the three classes.
The brackets came out on Tuesday at http://www.mhsa.org/
Here’s a preview of the match-ups:
Class A- full brackets
98
Polson’s Pat Sumner vs Frenchtown’s Glen Hensley
Ronan’s Lukas Conklin vs Frenchtowns’s Rot Schutter
Polson’s Craig Feistner vs. Butte Central’s Tyler Arelleto
105
Polson’s Lucas Polk vs. Frenchtown’s Carson Wabaunesee
112
Ronan’s Andrew Teigan vs Hamilton’s Michael Ledford
Polson’s Razz Walhood vs. Corvallis’ Levi Gingerich
119
Polson’s Jesse Alfiero vs. Dillon’s Shawn Tezak
Polson’s Drew Fouty vs. Anaconda’s Jake Stock
125
Ronan’s Kyle Lawson vs. Corvallis’ Travis Davis
Polson’s Nick Howell vs. Dillon’s Marcus Osbourne
130
Ronan’s Shelby Grant vs. Sidney’s Lane Houchen
Ronan’s Cameron Neiss vs Glendive’s Cole Bilbrey
135
Polson’s Jacob Young vs. Glendive’s Alex Palmer
140
Polson’s Mike Devlin vs. Glendive’s Dillon Beeler
Polson’s Randy Kelley vs. Laurel’s Tommy Cooper
145
Polson’s Brock Bleazard vs. Glendive’s Kyle Rushing
Ronan’s Dustin Goldsby vs. MCY’s Shane Cooley
152
Polson’s Ty Fouty vs Glendive’s Jake Scheetz
Ronan’s Quenton Denton vs. Laurel’s Dylan Kramer
Ronan’s Micky Cheff vs. MCY’s David Dey
160
Ronan’s Cole McArthur vs Belgrade’s Justin Ricker
171
Ronan’s Tyler Wheeler vs. Havre’s Casey Schlaub
Polson’s Brock Picard vs. Livingston’s Kyle Dirette
189
Polson’s Devin Kamarainen vs. Belgrade’s Austin Rehyer
Ronan’s Toby Cheff vs. Browning’s Wyatt Wippert
215
Ronan’s Colby Robers vs. Belgrade’s Michael Lingo
Polson’s Josiah Clairmont vs. Browning’s Collin Johnson
285
Ronan’s Aaron Yazzi-Whitworth vs. Belgrade’s Clint Robinson
Polson’s Kaden Thomas vs. Livingston’s Kyle Satre
Class B-C- Full Brackets
98
Mission/Charlo’s Dillon Edwards has a bye
105
Arlee’s Austin Rubel has a bye
112
Mission/Charlo’s Russell Schultzvs. Forsyth’s Trey McDonald
125
Arlee’s Logan Lefler vs. Shepard’s Ty Seader
Mission/Charlo’s Scotty Gilleard vs. Forsyth’s Craig Nelson
140
Arlee’s Cole Rice vs. Harlem’s Sheldon Hofer
145
Mission/Charlo’s Jame Petersen vs. Big Sandy’s Lane Martin
152
Mission/Charlo’s Travis Dumont vs. Malta’s Noah Harms
160
Mission/Charlo’s Chad Anderson vs. Choteau’s Own DeBruycker
189
Mission/Charlo’s Joel Lewsi vs. Jake Stewart
215
Arlee’s Cody North vs. Augus Lorenzen
Arlee’s Bryce Norling vs. Choteau’s Taylor Buck
Hwt
Mission/Charlo’s Nick Dinnell vs. Fort Benton’s Rovert Shinaberger
Another wrestling note, courtesy of Anders Blewett
Blewett Wrestling Scholorship
For the 4th year in a row, Alexander (Zander) Blewett, III, a trial lawyer from Great Falls who practices in the law firm of Hoyt & Blewett PLLC intends to award $1000 for the single wrestler in Class AA, Class A and Class B/C who has displayed the best combined qualities of wrestling and academic achievement. The award will go to one senior in each class around the state who best qualifies.
Applicants need not be state champions in order to qualify for this scholarship; if they are state champions, they must still exhibit good academic achievement. The winner of each class must attend a college somewhere in the United States and a check in the amount of $1000 will be sent to that college to help defray the cost of tuition.
For more information about the scholarship, including past winners see the website. To request an electronic copy of the application, contact Jeri at Hoyt and Blewett PLLC in Great Falls by phone at 761-1960. The typed application must be postmarked by March 31, 2010.
In 2008, Polson wrestler Logan Togison won the Class A scholarship.
Trust me, any scholarship is worth applying for. My Big Ten university student loan repayment has started.
As if the state tournament isn’t enough, the same group also puts on an all-state wrestling tournament, to crown the champions in each weight class from all classes.
“Every year three state champions are crowned at each of the fifteen weight classes, and every year the fans leave the state tournament a little unfulfilled. Why is it wrestling fans in Montana are denied the opportunity to watch the best wrestlers in the state, regardless of division, square off against each other? Imagine state champions from Miles City, Poplar or Glasgow tangling with state champions from Flathead, Helena or Billings. How much excitement and energy would an event like that generate for the sport of wrestling? And how enjoyable would it be for the wrestlers themselves to get an opportunity to compete against the best at their respective weight classes and ultimately decide mat supremacy?”
This year, the event will be a one-day, single elimination wrestling tournament that will take place at the Great Falls High School Old Gym on Saturday, February 20, 2010, one week after the All Class State Tournament in Billings (Feb. 12-13).
Eight wrestlers from all four teams in Lake County have been ranked on the Feb. 8 list:
Polson freshman Craig Feistner, 98
Ronan senior Cameron Neiss, 130
Arlee junior Cole Rice, 140
Mission/Charlo senior Jame Petersen, 145
Ronan senior Micky Cheff, 152
Ronan junior Cole McArthur, 160
Polson senior Brock Picard, 171
Ronan junior Toby Cheff, 189
Last year, Picard won the 171 weight class.
More information can be found on their website.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Busy Weeekend
I know I’m a day late with this post, but better late than never right?
This week is one of the busiest I’ve had in a while, with sports Thursday through Saturday.
Trust me, I’m not complaining.
My favorite part of this job is actually going to sporting events, rather than calling coaches on Mondays to hear their account.
A couple key match-ups between first and second place teams happen this week.
Tonight, the Polson girls’ basketball team takes on Columbia Falls. The Pirates sit atop the Northwestern A division at 4-0 in league and 11-2 overall. Columbia Falls is second at 3-0, 8-5.
Tomorrow night, both Charlo basketball teams travel to Arlee. First up is the boys at 5:30. Last time the two teams met, Arlee won. Currently, Arlee (7-0, 12-1) is first while Charlo (6-2, 8-6) is second. Charlo has been on a roll lately, winning its last four games while Arlee has bounced back from its first loss.
Arlee has speed up and down the court while Charlo has size. In the last meeting, Charlo’s size wasn’t able to control Arlee’s quick passing. We’ll have to see what happens this time around.
On Saturday, a full slate of sports is up. Starting at 11 a.m., the Northwestern A divisional wrestling tournament is in Polson.
The newest rankings came out today and Ronan sits at third, as a team, and Polson is fourth after the Pirate’s win over Ronan last week.
Both teams will go up against Columbia Falls, who is unranked, Libby, ranked 10th, and Whitefish, unranked.
Individually, 13 Lake County grapplers are in the top-six of their weight class in all of Class A.
From Polson:
Craig Feistner, first, 98 pounds
Pat Sumner, fourth, 105
Jesse Alfiero, sixth, 119
Jacob Young, fifth, 135
Randy Kelley, sixth, 140
Ty Fouty, fourth, 152
Brock Picard, first, 171
Josiah Clairmont, fourth, 215
Kaden Thomas, fourth, hwt
From Ronan:
Cameron Neiss, first, 130
Micky Cheff, third, 152
Cole McArthur, third, 160
Toby Cheff, first, 189
The consolation rounds start at 3:30 p.m. and the championship matches are at 5 p.m. With the location ideal for Polson and advantageous for Ronan, both teams hope to have the crowd help them.
The B-C divisional tournament is also going on, but in Deer Lodge. Arlee and Mission/Charlo are both unranked as teams.
Austin Rubel, ranked sixth at 105, Cole Rice, first at 140, and Logan Lefler, third at 125, are ranked for Arlee.
Mission/Charlo has Scotty Gilleard ranked fourth at 125 and Jame Petersen second at 145.
Also on Saturday, both Mission basketball teams take on Seeley-Swan in conjunction with coaches vs. cancer. Both Ronan teams take on Libby and the Charlo girls’ basketball team takes on Thompson Falls.
Add the Superbowl on Sunday and things are going to be super busy.
This week is one of the busiest I’ve had in a while, with sports Thursday through Saturday.
Trust me, I’m not complaining.
My favorite part of this job is actually going to sporting events, rather than calling coaches on Mondays to hear their account.
A couple key match-ups between first and second place teams happen this week.
Tonight, the Polson girls’ basketball team takes on Columbia Falls. The Pirates sit atop the Northwestern A division at 4-0 in league and 11-2 overall. Columbia Falls is second at 3-0, 8-5.
Tomorrow night, both Charlo basketball teams travel to Arlee. First up is the boys at 5:30. Last time the two teams met, Arlee won. Currently, Arlee (7-0, 12-1) is first while Charlo (6-2, 8-6) is second. Charlo has been on a roll lately, winning its last four games while Arlee has bounced back from its first loss.
Arlee has speed up and down the court while Charlo has size. In the last meeting, Charlo’s size wasn’t able to control Arlee’s quick passing. We’ll have to see what happens this time around.
On Saturday, a full slate of sports is up. Starting at 11 a.m., the Northwestern A divisional wrestling tournament is in Polson.
The newest rankings came out today and Ronan sits at third, as a team, and Polson is fourth after the Pirate’s win over Ronan last week.
Both teams will go up against Columbia Falls, who is unranked, Libby, ranked 10th, and Whitefish, unranked.
Individually, 13 Lake County grapplers are in the top-six of their weight class in all of Class A.
From Polson:
Craig Feistner, first, 98 pounds
Pat Sumner, fourth, 105
Jesse Alfiero, sixth, 119
Jacob Young, fifth, 135
Randy Kelley, sixth, 140
Ty Fouty, fourth, 152
Brock Picard, first, 171
Josiah Clairmont, fourth, 215
Kaden Thomas, fourth, hwt
From Ronan:
Cameron Neiss, first, 130
Micky Cheff, third, 152
Cole McArthur, third, 160
Toby Cheff, first, 189
The consolation rounds start at 3:30 p.m. and the championship matches are at 5 p.m. With the location ideal for Polson and advantageous for Ronan, both teams hope to have the crowd help them.
The B-C divisional tournament is also going on, but in Deer Lodge. Arlee and Mission/Charlo are both unranked as teams.
Austin Rubel, ranked sixth at 105, Cole Rice, first at 140, and Logan Lefler, third at 125, are ranked for Arlee.
Mission/Charlo has Scotty Gilleard ranked fourth at 125 and Jame Petersen second at 145.
Also on Saturday, both Mission basketball teams take on Seeley-Swan in conjunction with coaches vs. cancer. Both Ronan teams take on Libby and the Charlo girls’ basketball team takes on Thompson Falls.
Add the Superbowl on Sunday and things are going to be super busy.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Rules
The MHSA executive board recently met for their MHSA 2010 Annual meeting. There were six proposals on the agenda that had mixed reviews.
The one that sparked my interested was the first one: to allow eighth graders to participate in high school athletics.
Alberton Public Schools propose the following amendment to By-Laws, Article II, Section (5) STUDENT
BELOW NINTH GRADE, subpart 5.1 on page 20 of the current MHSA Handbook:
5.1 No student who is enrolled in a grade below the ninth shall be eligible to participate in an
Association contest, except as noted in Part C or eighth grade students meeting the following
requirements:
a. Eighth grade student(s) may play on a high school volleyball and basketball team. The number
allowed for practice/participation would be those needed to make a scrimmage type situation for
the team. This would be twelve (12) for volleyball and ten (10) for basketball. A track team
without sufficient numbers for a relay team may use eighth grade students only on their relay
teams. (A high school team may have more than one eighth grade student on their team.)
b. Permission for eighth grade participation must be requested by the school and authorization
granted by the Executive Director of the MHSA. All eighth grade player names will be submitted
to the MHSA Executive Director prior to their first practice. Those eighth grade practice
participants would be eligible to play in the varsity contests upon meeting all eligibility criteria and
upon approval granted by the MHSA Executive Director.
c. Eighth grade students allowed to participate by the Executive Director will have eight semesters
of high school eligibility remaining when they enroll in the ninth grade.
The official MHSA waiver form must be used.
In Minnesota, seventh graders are allowed to try out for varsity athletics and if they make the team, they play. If they make the JV team, they play. Sixth graders are allowed to participate on the swimming/diving teams since there aren’t any middle school swim/dive teams.
Yea, things can get a little weird when you have seventh or eighth graders riding the bus and spending a lot of time with seniors in high school. My opinion is that if the seventh/eighth grader is good enough to play at that high level at that young of an age, than let them. They are going to get bored at the lower levels they are forced to play at. My brother was that way in baseball. As a seventh grader, he played middle school baseball and rocked it. The next year, he tried out for varsity and was a starter ever since. I was a senior when he was an eighth grader on the varsity team, so it would be weird that he was hanging out with kids my age, but things worked out.
In Montana, the rationale might be a little bit different, as in this proposal is to help fill JV and sometimes varsity teams. Its more about participation than skill. Still, I agree with the proposal.
Currently, eighth graders are allowed to play on basketball, volleyball and track. This proposal aims at wrestling, I think, since football teams are usually full.
There are many wrestling teams that forfeit at the lower weight classes because it can be hard to find a high schooler that is at 98 pounds or lower. At the least, the eighth grader can help fill those lower classes and more kids are able to participate.
North Dakota allows 8th-graders to play certain sports, although contact sports like football aren't included.
Behind this proposal is the declining enrollment in the Class C schools. They have 100 votes and two-thirds is needed to pass the resolution.
The original proposal by Alberton would have extended 8th-grade participation to all classes and all sports, but that was amended by Medicine Lake to apply to Class C schools only, and to exclude football.
That amendment passed, and the schools voted 79-69 to pass the rules change. But because two-thirds of the schools must ratify amendments to MHSA bylaws, the proposal failed.
This means that the rules will not change, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be studied and brought up again next year.
All of the proposals can be viewed at http://www.mhsa.org/MHSAInfo.htm under the January 2010 meeting.
The one that sparked my interested was the first one: to allow eighth graders to participate in high school athletics.
Alberton Public Schools propose the following amendment to By-Laws, Article II, Section (5) STUDENT
BELOW NINTH GRADE, subpart 5.1 on page 20 of the current MHSA Handbook:
5.1 No student who is enrolled in a grade below the ninth shall be eligible to participate in an
Association contest, except as noted in Part C or eighth grade students meeting the following
requirements:
a. Eighth grade student(s) may play on a high school volleyball and basketball team. The number
allowed for practice/participation would be those needed to make a scrimmage type situation for
the team. This would be twelve (12) for volleyball and ten (10) for basketball. A track team
without sufficient numbers for a relay team may use eighth grade students only on their relay
teams. (A high school team may have more than one eighth grade student on their team.)
b. Permission for eighth grade participation must be requested by the school and authorization
granted by the Executive Director of the MHSA. All eighth grade player names will be submitted
to the MHSA Executive Director prior to their first practice. Those eighth grade practice
participants would be eligible to play in the varsity contests upon meeting all eligibility criteria and
upon approval granted by the MHSA Executive Director.
c. Eighth grade students allowed to participate by the Executive Director will have eight semesters
of high school eligibility remaining when they enroll in the ninth grade.
The official MHSA waiver form must be used.
Proposed replacement:
5.1 Eighth grade students are allowed to play in any sanctioned MHSA sport in all classes (AA,
A, B, C) if the local school district has approved participation for eighth grade students.
Eighth grade students who are allowed to participate by their local school district will have
eight semesters of high school eligibility remaining when they enroll in the ninth grade.
Rationale:
1. Takes the decision out of the hands of the MHSA Executive Director or Executive Board and places
it at the local level. Each and every district would decide whether to allow eighth grade students the
opportunity to participate.
2. Would allow smaller schools a chance to fill junior varsity schedules.
3. Would help fill smaller wrestling weights for schools.
As Montana’s enrollment numbers shrink, the time has arrived that we allow eighth grade students the
chance to participate. The decision would be local control only.
In Minnesota, seventh graders are allowed to try out for varsity athletics and if they make the team, they play. If they make the JV team, they play. Sixth graders are allowed to participate on the swimming/diving teams since there aren’t any middle school swim/dive teams.
Yea, things can get a little weird when you have seventh or eighth graders riding the bus and spending a lot of time with seniors in high school. My opinion is that if the seventh/eighth grader is good enough to play at that high level at that young of an age, than let them. They are going to get bored at the lower levels they are forced to play at. My brother was that way in baseball. As a seventh grader, he played middle school baseball and rocked it. The next year, he tried out for varsity and was a starter ever since. I was a senior when he was an eighth grader on the varsity team, so it would be weird that he was hanging out with kids my age, but things worked out.
In Montana, the rationale might be a little bit different, as in this proposal is to help fill JV and sometimes varsity teams. Its more about participation than skill. Still, I agree with the proposal.
Currently, eighth graders are allowed to play on basketball, volleyball and track. This proposal aims at wrestling, I think, since football teams are usually full.
There are many wrestling teams that forfeit at the lower weight classes because it can be hard to find a high schooler that is at 98 pounds or lower. At the least, the eighth grader can help fill those lower classes and more kids are able to participate.
North Dakota allows 8th-graders to play certain sports, although contact sports like football aren't included.
Behind this proposal is the declining enrollment in the Class C schools. They have 100 votes and two-thirds is needed to pass the resolution.
The original proposal by Alberton would have extended 8th-grade participation to all classes and all sports, but that was amended by Medicine Lake to apply to Class C schools only, and to exclude football.
That amendment passed, and the schools voted 79-69 to pass the rules change. But because two-thirds of the schools must ratify amendments to MHSA bylaws, the proposal failed.
This means that the rules will not change, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be studied and brought up again next year.
All of the proposals can be viewed at http://www.mhsa.org/MHSAInfo.htm under the January 2010 meeting.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Mascots
The University of North Dakota Sioux have been long time hockey rivals to my alma matter- the Golden Gophers.
But, if UND’s mascot changed, would it be the same? I don’t know. I can’t imagine having a Gopher-Sioux battle titled anything else. The Fighting Sioux in their black and green gloss jerseys have been a source of bitter feelings but in the last five or ten years, their mascot has been deemed offensive by the NCAA.
Is it?
I have no right to decide if that is offensive to any Native American. Schools in Montana have some borderline mascots and no one, that I’ve heard, has complained.
If UND receives tribal approval before November 2010, they will be able to keep their name.
“In 2005, the NCAA ruled that the nickname was "hostile and abusive" to Native Americans and said the school would be barred from hosting postseason events if they didn't change the name. The Board of Higher Education sued in response to that ruling and the two sides settled in 2007 with the NCAA saying that they could keep the name if they received tribal approval before November 2010.”
UND isn’t a DI school, only its hockey team participates at that level and do so in one of the top-three arenas in the nation. The Ralph Englestad Arena is top notch and when one walks into it, they know they are in the Sioux domain.
Rumor has it that the Sioux won’t be able to use the facilities if they change their name, something that was written into the contract. If they are able to use the building, how awkward is that going to be if the logos are unable to be removed because of the cost?
“It's also unclear how a nickname change would affect the $100 million dollar Engelstad Arena, where UND plays hockey.
When Ralph Engelstad donated the money to build the arena, he ordered thousands of Fighting Sioux logos built into the structure.
There's even a large logo in the granite floor of the concourse. Engelstad said he wanted to ensure the logos could never be removed from the arena.
The arena is operated by a foundation, not the university.”
Last week, North Dakota's Board of Higher Education says the state should ask the Supreme Court to speed up an appeal by Spirit Lake Sioux members who want to keep the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname.
A state judge ruled last month that the board can drop the nickname and Indian head logo before a November deadline set in an agreement with the NCAA. The tribal group appealed last week.
Board attorney Pat Seaworth says it normally takes the higher court about seven months to decide an appeal. The board hopes to have a ruling within 30 days.
The board approved the motion 5-3 on Thursday.
UND President Robert Kelley and Athletic Director Brian Faison said they would like the issue solved quickly so the school can pursue entrance into the Summit League.
There however is a loophole here. Since the arena is not owned by the university and is a private arena rented out to the university by The Englestad trust, which as part of the deal it originally struck
with the University during the building process stated that the nickname and logo would not change, UND would
have until the year 2031 when it takes over the rights to the building according to contract, to remove the over 2000 Fighting Sioux logos that are emblazoned all over the arena. However, up until those renovations take place, without tribal approval of the nickname (which seems unlikely at this point) The University of North Dakota, by NCAA ruling would be unable to host any NCAA tournament games.
Onto less serious news:
I went to the Polson-Columbia Falls wrestling meet last night. I was excited to see that 171-pound wrestler Brock Picard was featured in the first match of the night. I haven’t got to take any pictures of him wrestling, so this was my big chance. The match starts and I turned on my camera. When I raised my camera to shoot some shots, the match was over. Picard had pinned the kid so quickly. The Pirates went on to win 54-27, winning all but five weight classes.
There are a couple rivalry games this week. The Charlo basketball teams travel to Hot Springs. I know the girls have a strong rivalry with Hot Springs that stems from volleyball which stems from something else I’m sure. Last time the two teams played, the Lady Vikings lost 40-33 but the boys won 46-38
Polson and Ronan meet up on Friday in a huge match. Both teams have won one match against the other and both boast big names like Cheff, Picard, Neiss, Cheff, Feistner, Starkel, Fouty, Conklin, Thomas and Clairmont.
This is the last week of competition before the divisional meets next weekend. Northwest A (Polson and Ronan) will compete in Polson while the B/C divisional (Mission/Charlo and Arlee) is in Deer Lodge.
Reporter Sasha will be taking the reins on this event as I have the weekend off and will be traveling to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a hockey tournament. Yes, I get the weekend off but that doesn’t mean I won’t be around sports. I’ve passed through Wyoming on my way to play hockey in Colorado as a freshman in college but I was sleeping/not really interested at the time. This time around, I will have time to sightsee and, more importantly, shop.
But, if UND’s mascot changed, would it be the same? I don’t know. I can’t imagine having a Gopher-Sioux battle titled anything else. The Fighting Sioux in their black and green gloss jerseys have been a source of bitter feelings but in the last five or ten years, their mascot has been deemed offensive by the NCAA.
Is it?
I have no right to decide if that is offensive to any Native American. Schools in Montana have some borderline mascots and no one, that I’ve heard, has complained.
If UND receives tribal approval before November 2010, they will be able to keep their name.
“In 2005, the NCAA ruled that the nickname was "hostile and abusive" to Native Americans and said the school would be barred from hosting postseason events if they didn't change the name. The Board of Higher Education sued in response to that ruling and the two sides settled in 2007 with the NCAA saying that they could keep the name if they received tribal approval before November 2010.”
UND isn’t a DI school, only its hockey team participates at that level and do so in one of the top-three arenas in the nation. The Ralph Englestad Arena is top notch and when one walks into it, they know they are in the Sioux domain.
Rumor has it that the Sioux won’t be able to use the facilities if they change their name, something that was written into the contract. If they are able to use the building, how awkward is that going to be if the logos are unable to be removed because of the cost?
“It's also unclear how a nickname change would affect the $100 million dollar Engelstad Arena, where UND plays hockey.
When Ralph Engelstad donated the money to build the arena, he ordered thousands of Fighting Sioux logos built into the structure.
There's even a large logo in the granite floor of the concourse. Engelstad said he wanted to ensure the logos could never be removed from the arena.
The arena is operated by a foundation, not the university.”
Last week, North Dakota's Board of Higher Education says the state should ask the Supreme Court to speed up an appeal by Spirit Lake Sioux members who want to keep the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname.
A state judge ruled last month that the board can drop the nickname and Indian head logo before a November deadline set in an agreement with the NCAA. The tribal group appealed last week.
Board attorney Pat Seaworth says it normally takes the higher court about seven months to decide an appeal. The board hopes to have a ruling within 30 days.
The board approved the motion 5-3 on Thursday.
UND President Robert Kelley and Athletic Director Brian Faison said they would like the issue solved quickly so the school can pursue entrance into the Summit League.
There however is a loophole here. Since the arena is not owned by the university and is a private arena rented out to the university by The Englestad trust, which as part of the deal it originally struck
with the University during the building process stated that the nickname and logo would not change, UND would
have until the year 2031 when it takes over the rights to the building according to contract, to remove the over 2000 Fighting Sioux logos that are emblazoned all over the arena. However, up until those renovations take place, without tribal approval of the nickname (which seems unlikely at this point) The University of North Dakota, by NCAA ruling would be unable to host any NCAA tournament games.
Onto less serious news:
I went to the Polson-Columbia Falls wrestling meet last night. I was excited to see that 171-pound wrestler Brock Picard was featured in the first match of the night. I haven’t got to take any pictures of him wrestling, so this was my big chance. The match starts and I turned on my camera. When I raised my camera to shoot some shots, the match was over. Picard had pinned the kid so quickly. The Pirates went on to win 54-27, winning all but five weight classes.
There are a couple rivalry games this week. The Charlo basketball teams travel to Hot Springs. I know the girls have a strong rivalry with Hot Springs that stems from volleyball which stems from something else I’m sure. Last time the two teams played, the Lady Vikings lost 40-33 but the boys won 46-38
Polson and Ronan meet up on Friday in a huge match. Both teams have won one match against the other and both boast big names like Cheff, Picard, Neiss, Cheff, Feistner, Starkel, Fouty, Conklin, Thomas and Clairmont.
This is the last week of competition before the divisional meets next weekend. Northwest A (Polson and Ronan) will compete in Polson while the B/C divisional (Mission/Charlo and Arlee) is in Deer Lodge.
Reporter Sasha will be taking the reins on this event as I have the weekend off and will be traveling to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a hockey tournament. Yes, I get the weekend off but that doesn’t mean I won’t be around sports. I’ve passed through Wyoming on my way to play hockey in Colorado as a freshman in college but I was sleeping/not really interested at the time. This time around, I will have time to sightsee and, more importantly, shop.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
three whole points
There was a lot of wrestling last week. With two major tournaments, Missoula and Choteau. Most teams now know what needs to happen in the remaining two weeks before divisionals start.
Polson wrestlers are definitely stepping up. I’m seeing new names pop up in medal rounds each week. They have a young squad, 11 upperclassmen out of 32 wrestlers on the roster.
Last night, the Pirates beat Whitefish 78-3. 78-3!!!
That is the second lopsided score I have seen this week, the other was the Charlo girls basketball team holding St. Regis to nine points last week.
I don’t know if Polson is that superior or what but three points?
The first five lowest weight classes were won by Polson by forfeit. That’s thirty points there.
The rest, except Polson’s decision loss, were pins by Pirates. Three were under a minute, Chris Cote had his in 22 seconds and Josiah Clairmont got his in 23.
This week, every team is in play. Polson boys basketball hosts Whitefish. They need to win to keep things rolling.
I’m going to Arlee on Friday and am interested in watching the Arlee boys. They are undefeated and seem to be pretty solid. I watched them against Charlo, but sometimes its hard to analyze and watch two teams, take pictures and write down the logistics of what’s happening while trying to stay out of the spectators way in a packed gym where everyone is yelling.
Charlo also hosts Noxon on Saturday, so I’m going to head there.
I’m not the biggest fan of basketball. I like watching March Madness and getting into that (last year, my family and I filled out brackets and I won, much to the displeasure of my brother whose pride was severely hurt. He failed to remember I'm the sports reporter, I know these things) but as far as NBA goes, any day that end in -day I would rather watch paint dry.
Than LeBron came.
I still don’t like the physical game and get angry every time nine of the top ten plays on SportsCenter are of some tall guy dunking the ball. You can’t hit/touch/breath on a player without getting in trouble. Very opposite of hockey.
But LeBron’s antics are something that I find pretty funny. He is like the Alex Ovechkin of the NBA: a young kid that has so much talent playing professionally but acts like he is 10 every time he scores.
Both look like they are playing with their friends instead of teammates.
They electrify any arena they step foot in. Home or away. Most superstars can’t do that.
Bill Simmons wrote a good piece on LeBron’s personality.
In high school sports, you don’t see anyone that can do that. Mostly because they will be labeled as cocky and no one will deal with them.
LeBron, and Ovie, are cocky but not to the point where they are labeled as divas and no one wants to have them on their team.
Polson wrestlers are definitely stepping up. I’m seeing new names pop up in medal rounds each week. They have a young squad, 11 upperclassmen out of 32 wrestlers on the roster.
Last night, the Pirates beat Whitefish 78-3. 78-3!!!
That is the second lopsided score I have seen this week, the other was the Charlo girls basketball team holding St. Regis to nine points last week.
I don’t know if Polson is that superior or what but three points?
The first five lowest weight classes were won by Polson by forfeit. That’s thirty points there.
The rest, except Polson’s decision loss, were pins by Pirates. Three were under a minute, Chris Cote had his in 22 seconds and Josiah Clairmont got his in 23.
This week, every team is in play. Polson boys basketball hosts Whitefish. They need to win to keep things rolling.
I’m going to Arlee on Friday and am interested in watching the Arlee boys. They are undefeated and seem to be pretty solid. I watched them against Charlo, but sometimes its hard to analyze and watch two teams, take pictures and write down the logistics of what’s happening while trying to stay out of the spectators way in a packed gym where everyone is yelling.
Charlo also hosts Noxon on Saturday, so I’m going to head there.
I’m not the biggest fan of basketball. I like watching March Madness and getting into that (last year, my family and I filled out brackets and I won, much to the displeasure of my brother whose pride was severely hurt. He failed to remember I'm the sports reporter, I know these things) but as far as NBA goes, any day that end in -day I would rather watch paint dry.
Than LeBron came.
I still don’t like the physical game and get angry every time nine of the top ten plays on SportsCenter are of some tall guy dunking the ball. You can’t hit/touch/breath on a player without getting in trouble. Very opposite of hockey.
But LeBron’s antics are something that I find pretty funny. He is like the Alex Ovechkin of the NBA: a young kid that has so much talent playing professionally but acts like he is 10 every time he scores.
Both look like they are playing with their friends instead of teammates.
They electrify any arena they step foot in. Home or away. Most superstars can’t do that.
Bill Simmons wrote a good piece on LeBron’s personality.
In high school sports, you don’t see anyone that can do that. Mostly because they will be labeled as cocky and no one will deal with them.
LeBron, and Ovie, are cocky but not to the point where they are labeled as divas and no one wants to have them on their team.
Here is Ovi being Ovi:
Link of the day: 13 simple rules for hockey parents everywhere
John Buccigross, of ESPN, came up with some pretty good rules that first-time hockey parents should live by. Coming from Minnesota, all of these rules ring true. That sport is what we do besides inflict pain on our selves for thinking the Twins will make it to the World Series and watching them crash and burn.
Link of the day: 13 simple rules for hockey parents everywhere
John Buccigross, of ESPN, came up with some pretty good rules that first-time hockey parents should live by. Coming from Minnesota, all of these rules ring true. That sport is what we do besides inflict pain on our selves for thinking the Twins will make it to the World Series and watching them crash and burn.
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