A blog about sports in Montana, with an emphasis on Flathead Valley High Schools.
Basketball season is underway for our local high school teams and it’s shaping up to be an exciting few months of action.
The last time Kalispell had a Class AA state champion basketball team was 10 years ago. The Flathead Bravettes repeated as state champs with a five-point victory over Billings West on Dec. 1, 2001.
That 2001 title team and its coaching staff are being honored at halftime of this Saturday’s game at Flathead. The Bravettes host Libby at 6:30 p.m.
Between 1985 and 1994, the Bravettes played in four Class AA state championships, but fell just short of winning a title each time. The ’88 Bravettes lost by only one point to Missoula Big Sky. The ’85 team lost to Missoula Sentinel by eight.
The title drought finally ended in 2000 when Flathead edged Helena by three points. A year later, despite losing a number of veteran starters, the team successfully defended its title.
Here’s a list of the players on that 2001 team: Amanda McCready, Valissa Sneck, Stephanie Dotson, Jenni Shandorf, Katy Svennungsen, Lisa Walterskirchen, Ashley Bradford, Katie Holliday, Tess Saunier, Becky O’Neil, Halladay Quist, Katie Regier, Jyndia Schiable and Tiffani Wilson.
The coaching staff was made up of head coach Dennis Latimer, Gary Moen, Fred Febach, Doug Hashley and Kim Elliot.
The last time Kalispell had a Class AA state champion basketball team was 10 years ago. The Flathead Bravettes repeated as state champs with a five-point victory over Billings West on Dec. 1, 2001.
That 2001 title team and its coaching staff are being honored at halftime of this Saturday’s game at Flathead. The Bravettes host Libby at 6:30 p.m.
Between 1985 and 1994, the Bravettes played in four Class AA state championships, but fell just short of winning a title each time. The ’88 Bravettes lost by only one point to Missoula Big Sky. The ’85 team lost to Missoula Sentinel by eight.
The title drought finally ended in 2000 when Flathead edged Helena by three points. A year later, despite losing a number of veteran starters, the team successfully defended its title.
Here’s a list of the players on that 2001 team: Amanda McCready, Valissa Sneck, Stephanie Dotson, Jenni Shandorf, Katy Svennungsen, Lisa Walterskirchen, Ashley Bradford, Katie Holliday, Tess Saunier, Becky O’Neil, Halladay Quist, Katie Regier, Jyndia Schiable and Tiffani Wilson.
The coaching staff was made up of head coach Dennis Latimer, Gary Moen, Fred Febach, Doug Hashley and Kim Elliot.
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The spotlight shines bright on the University of Montana football program, as it should. The Grizzlies are one game away from playing in their third FCS national championship in four years.
But down in Helena, a quieter dynasty built on mostly homegrown talent continues to reign as one of the best NAIA college football programs in the nation. This weekend the Carroll College Fighting Saints are playing in their eighth national championship in the last 10 years. Since 2002, the Saints have won six titles, including last year’s championship. The Saints play Saint Xavier (Ill.) on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Rome, Ga. CBS Sports Network is scheduled to televise the game. For more programming information, visit the network’s website.
The Carroll roster is filled with Montana talent and features several names that should be familiar for statewide high school football fans. There’s Chance Demarais from Malta, who went on from an outstanding career with the Mustangs to become Carroll’s all-time single season leading rusher. The junior tailback enters Saturday’s finale with 1,748 yards.
There’s Matt Ritter, a former standout quarterback for Butte Central who is now the Saints’ top receiver with 1,169 yards and 13 TDs.
The list goes on. Several young athletes from the valley are on the team’s roster and could be the next ones helping carry on Carroll’s winning tradition in the years to come. They are: Jake Konen and Mike VanArendonk from Kalispell; Whitefish’s Mac Roche and Daniel Simmons; Bigfork’s Travis Knoll; and Columbia Falls’ Nathan Woods.
As always, the Helena Independent Record has done a great job covering the Saints, and here are a couple stories worth reading:
Rome Sweet Rome: Carroll Runs Away with NAIA Semifinal Win
Former crosstown rivals share NAIA title aspirations at Carroll
Good luck Carroll. Even though you won’t be playing on ESPN’s national stage, there will still be a lot of fans cheering from Montana on Saturday.
Updated: Demarais was named to the NAIA Coaches' All-America team chosen by members of the American Football Coaches Association on Wednesday afternoon. This is the seventh consecutive year that Carroll has had a player on the AFCA NAIA All-America team.
But down in Helena, a quieter dynasty built on mostly homegrown talent continues to reign as one of the best NAIA college football programs in the nation. This weekend the Carroll College Fighting Saints are playing in their eighth national championship in the last 10 years. Since 2002, the Saints have won six titles, including last year’s championship. The Saints play Saint Xavier (Ill.) on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Rome, Ga. CBS Sports Network is scheduled to televise the game. For more programming information, visit the network’s website.
The Carroll roster is filled with Montana talent and features several names that should be familiar for statewide high school football fans. There’s Chance Demarais from Malta, who went on from an outstanding career with the Mustangs to become Carroll’s all-time single season leading rusher. The junior tailback enters Saturday’s finale with 1,748 yards.
There’s Matt Ritter, a former standout quarterback for Butte Central who is now the Saints’ top receiver with 1,169 yards and 13 TDs.
The list goes on. Several young athletes from the valley are on the team’s roster and could be the next ones helping carry on Carroll’s winning tradition in the years to come. They are: Jake Konen and Mike VanArendonk from Kalispell; Whitefish’s Mac Roche and Daniel Simmons; Bigfork’s Travis Knoll; and Columbia Falls’ Nathan Woods.
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Head coach Mike Van Diest |
As always, the Helena Independent Record has done a great job covering the Saints, and here are a couple stories worth reading:
Rome Sweet Rome: Carroll Runs Away with NAIA Semifinal Win
Former crosstown rivals share NAIA title aspirations at Carroll
Good luck Carroll. Even though you won’t be playing on ESPN’s national stage, there will still be a lot of fans cheering from Montana on Saturday.
Updated: Demarais was named to the NAIA Coaches' All-America team chosen by members of the American Football Coaches Association on Wednesday afternoon. This is the seventh consecutive year that Carroll has had a player on the AFCA NAIA All-America team.
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Bigfork freshman Makena Morley isn't accustomed to finishing anywhere in the standings except first place, but I'm willing to bet she's happy with her ninth place finish at Saturday's National Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in San Diego. After all, she was competing against the best high school runners in the nation and she was only one of two freshmen to even qualify for the national finals.
Morley, who won the Class B state title in record-breaking time in October, completed the Foot Locker national course in 17:40, which was 18 seconds behind the winner, Molly Seidel, a senior from University Lake School in Hartland, Wis. Seidel and second-place Erin Finn, a junior from West Bloomfield, Mich., were the only girls to finish under 17:30. Just six seconds separated Morley from third place.
After Morley placed third at Foot Locker's west regionals a week ago, qualifying her for nationals, I spoke with longtime Flathead cross country coach Paul Jorgensen, a veritable encyclopedia of Montana distance running facts. He said Morley was the fifth Montana girl ever to qualify for nationals. I haven't spoken with him since Saturday's race, but I'd be curious to know how many of those other girls finished as high as ninth. I know Flathead's Zoe Nelson did it multiple times, including her sophomore season when she was the Foot Locker national champion.
Even in the absence of consulting Jorgensen for specifics, I think it's safe to say this: Morley's ninth-place finish was one of the finest running performances ever by a Montana girl on a national stage. Congrats, Makena. In your first months of high school, you've quite literally hit the ground running.
Morley, who won the Class B state title in record-breaking time in October, completed the Foot Locker national course in 17:40, which was 18 seconds behind the winner, Molly Seidel, a senior from University Lake School in Hartland, Wis. Seidel and second-place Erin Finn, a junior from West Bloomfield, Mich., were the only girls to finish under 17:30. Just six seconds separated Morley from third place.
After Morley placed third at Foot Locker's west regionals a week ago, qualifying her for nationals, I spoke with longtime Flathead cross country coach Paul Jorgensen, a veritable encyclopedia of Montana distance running facts. He said Morley was the fifth Montana girl ever to qualify for nationals. I haven't spoken with him since Saturday's race, but I'd be curious to know how many of those other girls finished as high as ninth. I know Flathead's Zoe Nelson did it multiple times, including her sophomore season when she was the Foot Locker national champion.
Even in the absence of consulting Jorgensen for specifics, I think it's safe to say this: Morley's ninth-place finish was one of the finest running performances ever by a Montana girl on a national stage. Congrats, Makena. In your first months of high school, you've quite literally hit the ground running.
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Don’t be fooled by the common misconception that Glacier National Park goes into hibernation during the winter.
It’s not true.
I found this out a couple years ago after an unforgettable day of snowshoeing. Ever since I've been anxious to appreciate the great Crown through these quiet months.
This week park officials announced that reduced entrance fees are now in effect until the end of April. The price for a seven-day pass for a vehicle is $15 and $10 for single entrants.
Yes, there are limited services and locations available in Glacier throughout the winter. But there are still adventures to be had among the million acres of land in our backyard.
The Apgar Visitor Center will remain open on weekends from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The National Park Service maintains the 10-mile stretch of road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge. The plows also clear the east side stretch from the St. Mary entrance to the campground. Access to Avalanche Creek is still available until Dec. 14 and Rising Sun can be accessed until Dec. 31, weather permitting. For updated park road access and condition information, visit the park’s website.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular and worthwhile activities in Glacier. Park rangers will lead free snowshoe trips in the Apgar area beginning in January. The walks leave the Apgar Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 7-March 18. Local companies such as the Glacier Outdoor Center also offer guided snowshoe trips.
Free winter camping can still be done at the Apgar picnic area and St. Mary campground.
For those interested in overnight backcountry trips, permits (no charge) are required and can be picked up at the park headquarters in West Glacier or at the Apgar Visitor Center on weekends. Or call 888-7800.
Boats can still be launched, albeit into colder-than-usual waters. Call 888-7801 to have your boat inspected. Inspections protect the park from harmful species. Also, it’s a $500 fine if you don't get inspected.
For those into motorized recreation the general snowmobiling season began in the Flathead National Forest on Dec. 1.
Glacier National Park and designated wilderness areas, like the Bob Marshall and Jewel Basin Hiking Area, are closed to snowmobiles, but roughly 800,000 acres of nearby public land remains open. Snowmobiles are required to be registered and include safety equipment. State law prohibits over-the-snow machines from being driven on plowed roads being used by other motor vehicles.
For access information and maps outlining forest routes and groomed trails, visit the Flathead National Forest office. Maps are also available on the forest’s website. Rangers are stationed across the forest throughout the winter and can provide trail, safety and weather information.
Winter recreationists are always encouraged to be vigilant about avalanche safety.
To gain a good awareness of safety and information, visit the Glacier Avalanche Center website or call 257-8402 to receive updates on conditions and advisories.
The Flathead National Forest is hosting a free presentation with specialist Stan Bones about early-season backcountry snow and avalanche conditions on Dec. 13.
The three-hour gathering will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Flathead National Forest office in Kalispell behind Glacier High School. The gathering will touch on topics ranging from how to understand weather conditions and patterns to interpreting that information.
Bones will talk about last season and what this winter’s situation looks like with another La Nina in the forecast. Bones will also explain how avalanche advisories are formulated.
For more information, call 758-5284, or visit the forest's site, http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead
It’s not true.
I found this out a couple years ago after an unforgettable day of snowshoeing. Ever since I've been anxious to appreciate the great Crown through these quiet months.
This week park officials announced that reduced entrance fees are now in effect until the end of April. The price for a seven-day pass for a vehicle is $15 and $10 for single entrants.
Yes, there are limited services and locations available in Glacier throughout the winter. But there are still adventures to be had among the million acres of land in our backyard.
The Apgar Visitor Center will remain open on weekends from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The National Park Service maintains the 10-mile stretch of road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge. The plows also clear the east side stretch from the St. Mary entrance to the campground. Access to Avalanche Creek is still available until Dec. 14 and Rising Sun can be accessed until Dec. 31, weather permitting. For updated park road access and condition information, visit the park’s website.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular and worthwhile activities in Glacier. Park rangers will lead free snowshoe trips in the Apgar area beginning in January. The walks leave the Apgar Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 7-March 18. Local companies such as the Glacier Outdoor Center also offer guided snowshoe trips.
Free winter camping can still be done at the Apgar picnic area and St. Mary campground.
For those interested in overnight backcountry trips, permits (no charge) are required and can be picked up at the park headquarters in West Glacier or at the Apgar Visitor Center on weekends. Or call 888-7800.
Boats can still be launched, albeit into colder-than-usual waters. Call 888-7801 to have your boat inspected. Inspections protect the park from harmful species. Also, it’s a $500 fine if you don't get inspected.
For those into motorized recreation the general snowmobiling season began in the Flathead National Forest on Dec. 1.
Glacier National Park and designated wilderness areas, like the Bob Marshall and Jewel Basin Hiking Area, are closed to snowmobiles, but roughly 800,000 acres of nearby public land remains open. Snowmobiles are required to be registered and include safety equipment. State law prohibits over-the-snow machines from being driven on plowed roads being used by other motor vehicles.
For access information and maps outlining forest routes and groomed trails, visit the Flathead National Forest office. Maps are also available on the forest’s website. Rangers are stationed across the forest throughout the winter and can provide trail, safety and weather information.
Winter recreationists are always encouraged to be vigilant about avalanche safety.
To gain a good awareness of safety and information, visit the Glacier Avalanche Center website or call 257-8402 to receive updates on conditions and advisories.
The Flathead National Forest is hosting a free presentation with specialist Stan Bones about early-season backcountry snow and avalanche conditions on Dec. 13.
The three-hour gathering will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Flathead National Forest office in Kalispell behind Glacier High School. The gathering will touch on topics ranging from how to understand weather conditions and patterns to interpreting that information.
Bones will talk about last season and what this winter’s situation looks like with another La Nina in the forecast. Bones will also explain how avalanche advisories are formulated.
For more information, call 758-5284, or visit the forest's site, http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead
Comments (0) TotalLast week I had the opportunity to profile the freestyle ski and snowboard team at Whitefish Mountain Resort as it gets ready to kick off another season when the snow arrives.
The program, under the guidance of head coach TJ Andrews, has grown to almost 50 kids between the ages of 8 and 18, and the skills being taught are remarkable. I’m really jealous, actually. My one attempt at a 180-degree spin a couple years ago didn’t end well and my friend Paul Morton still gets a good laugh telling the eyewitness account.
But our local competitors sound like they can throw 180s in their sleep. The Whitefish freestyle program is filled with talent and through the years has produced some of the best riders and skiers around, like Mitch Gilman.
One of the current team’s well-known members is 12-year-old Maggie Voisin from Whitefish. Maggie, who won the USASA national championship in slopestyle last year and has already successfully landed a 900, has a bright future and I’m sure we’ll be seeing her on ESPN someday competing in the Winter X Games.
To get an idea of Maggie’s skills, here’s a short video titled ‘A Few Laps with Maggie.'
Below I posted another video, this one on the freestyle team made by the resort last year.
Good luck to everyone this winter and hopefully the snow gets here soon so we can check out the local competitions.
The program, under the guidance of head coach TJ Andrews, has grown to almost 50 kids between the ages of 8 and 18, and the skills being taught are remarkable. I’m really jealous, actually. My one attempt at a 180-degree spin a couple years ago didn’t end well and my friend Paul Morton still gets a good laugh telling the eyewitness account.
But our local competitors sound like they can throw 180s in their sleep. The Whitefish freestyle program is filled with talent and through the years has produced some of the best riders and skiers around, like Mitch Gilman.
One of the current team’s well-known members is 12-year-old Maggie Voisin from Whitefish. Maggie, who won the USASA national championship in slopestyle last year and has already successfully landed a 900, has a bright future and I’m sure we’ll be seeing her on ESPN someday competing in the Winter X Games.
To get an idea of Maggie’s skills, here’s a short video titled ‘A Few Laps with Maggie.'
Below I posted another video, this one on the freestyle team made by the resort last year.
Good luck to everyone this winter and hopefully the snow gets here soon so we can check out the local competitions.
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Snow is not only big business for some local companies, it’s also what keeps people like me sane during the winter.
As much as I love writing for a living, sitting inside in front of a computer screen for hours on end can sometimes make me feel like one of those zombies on The Walking Dead. I frequently need an escape outside or else that bloodthirsty stare starts taking over my face. During these cold months, when an icy hike in the dark at Lone Pine after work just isn't appealing, my sanity is maintained with one or two days a week (at least) skiing in the mountains.
And I’m not the only one who desperately hopes for snow. I recently wrote a story about local ski and snowboard shops around the valley that depend on snow for good business during the winter. I’ve always enjoyed stepping into these locales, each one unique and lively and a wealth of information.
However, as I learned in my former life as a sportswriter, whenever you try and list everyone there’s always someone who gets forgotten.
As I drove up to Big Mountain last week to pick up my season pass I noticed the small wooden shop on Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish home to Tamarack Ski and Patio, a well-deserving stop that I failed to mention in my story.
The business, tucked into a roughly 1,000-square-foot building, is another great local hub for outdoor enthusiasm. Opened in 1999, the shop offers rentals, full-service repairs, equipment and more. Throughout the winter Tamarack offers discounted deals on rentals, too.
The business is another one worth remembering when ski season eventually arrives.
And the season will arrive, I just hope sooner rather than later.
As much as I love writing for a living, sitting inside in front of a computer screen for hours on end can sometimes make me feel like one of those zombies on The Walking Dead. I frequently need an escape outside or else that bloodthirsty stare starts taking over my face. During these cold months, when an icy hike in the dark at Lone Pine after work just isn't appealing, my sanity is maintained with one or two days a week (at least) skiing in the mountains.
And I’m not the only one who desperately hopes for snow. I recently wrote a story about local ski and snowboard shops around the valley that depend on snow for good business during the winter. I’ve always enjoyed stepping into these locales, each one unique and lively and a wealth of information.
However, as I learned in my former life as a sportswriter, whenever you try and list everyone there’s always someone who gets forgotten.
As I drove up to Big Mountain last week to pick up my season pass I noticed the small wooden shop on Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish home to Tamarack Ski and Patio, a well-deserving stop that I failed to mention in my story.
The business, tucked into a roughly 1,000-square-foot building, is another great local hub for outdoor enthusiasm. Opened in 1999, the shop offers rentals, full-service repairs, equipment and more. Throughout the winter Tamarack offers discounted deals on rentals, too.
The business is another one worth remembering when ski season eventually arrives.
And the season will arrive, I just hope sooner rather than later.
Comments (0) TotalOne of the largest annual women’s hockey tournaments in the West is this weekend at Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish.
The Whitefish Women’s Winter Face-off is Friday through Sunday with 20 games slated and championships on Sunday. This year’s tournament features 12 teams from across the state as well as from Alberta and British Columbia. There’s also two local teams playing, the Whitefish Mud Puppies in the Rec division and the Whitefish Wailers in the Upper division.
Games will be played from 5-11 p.m. on Friday; 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 8-11 a.m. on Sunday.
Sounds like another great tournament is lined up this year, and a great chance to catch some hockey action.
The Whitefish Women’s Winter Face-off is Friday through Sunday with 20 games slated and championships on Sunday. This year’s tournament features 12 teams from across the state as well as from Alberta and British Columbia. There’s also two local teams playing, the Whitefish Mud Puppies in the Rec division and the Whitefish Wailers in the Upper division.
Games will be played from 5-11 p.m. on Friday; 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 8-11 a.m. on Sunday.
Sounds like another great tournament is lined up this year, and a great chance to catch some hockey action.
Comments (0) TotalLast time we saw Craig Moore, he was getting excited about the upcoming ski season, a time of year when he doesn’t have to tirelessly search for snow across the valley. Because winter, spring or summer, it doesn’t matter: Craig is out skiing.
That’s one of the reasons his friends talked him into entering a contest searching for the “Ultimate Ski Bum”. So Craig decided to give it a shot and signed up along with about 300 others.
Well, the 32-year-old Whitefish resident, who has skied at least once a month for the last four years straight, is one of the 10 finalists in the contest being held by The Powder Highway in British Columbia.
An outpouring of support via social media came to Craig’s aid and vaulted him into the final 10. Now it’s up to him to seal the victory. He submitted a 90-second video (see above) campaigning for the top prize, which includes eight season passes, four days of helicopter skiing and 90 days of hotel accommodations. All told, the grand prize is estimated to be worth $30,000.
The judging period goes from Dec. 1-14 and the winner will be announced Dec. 15.
Win or lose, Craig's an inspiration for outdoor enthusiasts. In my dreams I’d be out taking advantage of our vast backyard the way he does. And as a member of the Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol he’s a big advocate of avalanche safety and awareness, and sets a good example by walking the talk when he goes out.
So either way, cheers Craig. But here’s to the pursuit of the ski bum crown.
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