With national signing day starting first thing in the morning tomorrow, I've wondered if we would see local graduating athletes donning a cap of their chosen team and have a press conference to announce where they will be playing this upcoming football season.

From what I’ve been told…that won’t be happening, at least at Helena High. I talked to Bengals head football coach Tony Arntson, and this is what he had to say.

Running-back Sy Keltner who only played several games this season due to a collar-bone injury had already signed with MSU-Northern. He will be joined by Chase Vestre. Vestre played on the offensive line all season for the Bengals, but expects to play D-end for the Lights.

We also told you about Chase Williams, the HHS WR/DB who committed to Montana Tech. He will be joined by Bengal Linebacker Zach Hulse, as the two project to be a big part of the Digger’s defense in the future.

Montana Western is also getting in on the Helena Athletes. Capital’s AJ Wilson committed to the bulldogs earlier this week (I’ll have more on the CHS signings tomorrow) And now Helena High Tight-End Dylan Kautz, and Offensive Lineman Dylan Trevor will also be playing for the Bulldogs.

The biggest question mark all season was Dylan Simac. Arguably the best Defensive Back and Receiver (Who Also Punted) in the state, Simac had looked at several schools across the state, and is set to Join the Griz as a preferred walk-on.

It blows my mind that Simac wasn’t offered a scholarship by the University of Montana. While he may not be huge…he still has the size to be a Big Sky DB/Safety/WR. He has the athleticism, and surely has the work-ethic and intensity needed to succeed at the next level. Despite not getting a scholarship as a freshman, I have no doubt Simac will succeed and earn one shortly into his Griz career.

Other Bengals to keep an eye out for, who haven’t signed and are still considering several Frontier schools: RB/LB Nate Caldwell, OL Jesse Calder, OL Tucker Erickson.

Again I’ll try to have an update on the CHS players tomorrow!

Until Next Time,

Dominic

The thing about sports that always interested me…is how it offers us a chance to escape reality. No matter what negative/depressing things are going on in our lives…getting out and playing a game of basketball, tennis, soccer, etc…or just watching a sporting event takes our mind off it all for a few minutes.

The friendships we make through athletics can last a life-time. They are friends that can be there to pat you on the back when you succeed, and give you a shoulder to cry on when life gives you trying circumstances.

None of that was more clear than when I received news earlier this week that a former club soccer teammate of mine had lost his dad to a massive stroke. My former teammate’s (who we’ll call B) father was a retired police officer. He also had been a tremendous role model for his son, and a pillar of stability when we were younger and B’s mom died from bone cancer.

As a side note...my memory is awful. Whether it’s because I only seem to remember what I deem as ‘important details’ or the numerous concussions I had as an athlete…my short-term memory isn’t great. It’s gotten me in trouble with girls I’m dating, and can make me look silly when having conversations with friends…But I remember when B’s mom died like it was yesterday.

She had been sick for a while, and it was a matter of time before the devastating cancer caught up with her. Shortly after her funeral our whole team went to B’s house and spent the afternoon with him and his father. There were tears shed and plenty of hugs given…but looking back I know it did a lot of good for B and his father. If for nothing else, it was good to get their mind off his mothers passing. The sport of soccer wasn’t important in that moment…but the team and friends made BECAUSE of soccer, gave an escape of life’s harsh realities.

I’ve had several teammates/friends lose parents through the years. Every time there has been an out crying of support from teammates, coaches, and parents. Those teams have been one of the main sources of support every time.

Not only do teams provide a backbone for people in rough times, but they also provide life-long memories. I don’t remember the first time I learned to ride my bike, nor do I remember making cookies with my mom as a youngster. But I do remember going to my dad’s city league basketball games and watching him from the upper-decks. I remember watching Shaq and the Lakers play an exhibition game in his first season in the purple and gold…and I remember just how dominant my 5/6 year old soccer teams were! I remember when my parents divorced, and how I found solace in spending time with my teammates.

So whether you’re young or old, realize that life is too short, and to take advantage of every sports memory you can make. Whether it’s watching T-ball, attending a prep football or basketball game…or just sitting on the couch with your grandpa while he gripes about ‘the good ole’ days and how 'today’s basketball players wear shorts that are far too long.' It’s the little things that can mean the most. You never know if it’ll be the last game with Grandpa, Dad/Mom, Coach, or even a teammate...so keep making memories.

Until next time,

Dominic

Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Corinn Carello.. I moved to Montana from California just over a month ago and I'm the newest addition to the KFBB sports team… This is my first blog and I write like I speak... so here goes...

The term sports is all encompassing… There are so many aspects to "sports" that are intriguing. I could go on and on about the various dimensions to the term and probably will over the course of my blogging… but let’s start with the basics: how i became the sports fan that i am.

This is just a tiny sparkle to the appeal of sports… it goes back to the beginning… to the birth of a fan…

I was born in San Francisco. Cuddled in garments of red, white and gold… I came into this world a 49er. As a child i adorned shirts with the number 16… helped my mom make spinach dip on Sundays and painted black under my eyes for game time…

I wouldn't be caught dead wearing black and silver, by the way...

There is nothing in this world that would ever take away the love i have for MY team… I left my heart in San Francisco.

And that's how it begins… that's how a fan is born… a fan for life.

I love that about Sports… how we hold true to our roots.. how no one can take away our passion, our devotion.

We as fans know where are hearts are… move across state… even better move across country.. we still bleed red, or blue, or green.

Go to any given sports bar, in any given town and find a plethora of jerseys. People representing their home town… the place that made them who they are today.. the team that filled their hearts and broke them just as well… Through the wins and losses, the penalties and poor play-calling, the fumbles and missed kicks, to the winning touchdown in double overtime… a true fan never lets go, never says die.

Now I'm In Montana still in my red, white and gold, bringing San Francisco to Great Falls.

And throughout the season my love has been tested. My faith has been challenged. But here we are… the playoffs…

Winning is merely icing on the cake... it's the journey that we love… and despite the outcome, good or bad, the journey never ends.. there's always next year…And there’s always baseball.

If you feel like leaving comments I request that you not be critical of my team and my love for them… but comment about your team and your journey.

Thanks for reading.

So I am sitting here in my office contemplating on what to write for my first blog entry. I hear Ron Jaworski on ESPN calling the Orange Bowl and I notice the score is 49-20 at halftime! These bowl games this year have been exciting don't get me wrong, but where is the defense!

Just take a look at some of these scores. Washington 56 Baylor 67, Boise State 56 Arizona State 24, Oregon 45 Wisconsin 38, Oklahoma State 41 Stanford 38. And it's not only college football as the NFL has turned into a offensive juggernaut. Drew Brees and Tom Brady both beat Dan Marino's passing record and teams like the Packers and Patriots are the number one seeds in their conferences despite having terrible defenses, especially New England's.

Call me old fashioned (if I can be at 22 years old), but I much rather watch two physical defenses go punch for punch in a 14-13 dog fight. Which is why I am so excited for the BCS National Championship game! But this leads to an interesting question and that is why has the game of football morphed into this point scoring frenzy? I think there are a variety of factors.

1) The rules have changed and defenders can no longer touch a receiver without getting a flag. Also, the defense can't tackle the quarterback or hit a player hard or they will get a personal foul penalty, that's a whole other issue I can ramble about but I will save your time.

2) Players have become so strong and athletic they have become tougher to stop. Yes, players on defense have evolved as well, but when the offense is already given an advantage it's game over. How is a 5'10 corner going to stop a 6'5 monster like Calvin Johnson from catching a jump ball? Don't forget the emergence of the back shoulder pass which is nearly impossible to defend.

3) The fans want to see points scored. Most fans think it makes the game more exciting, but the rest love the scoring because it gives them more points in their fantasy football leagues. Arian Foster received death threats because he sat out the first couple weeks of the season with an injury, costing some people fantasy wins.

I am an NBA fan but the reason I find college basketball more compelling is because there is less scoring making each basket count more. I want it to be the same way in football. A touchdown used to mean something, but now it's just one of many to be scored in a game. I still believe defense wins championships, which is why LSU and 'Bama are playing for the 'ship, and why a team that plays good D will win the Super Bowl and NOT New England, at least I hope so.

A new year begins…and with it I can’t help but look back at 2011.

It has been a wild ride. I graduated from Washington State in May, Moved to Helena in May, and started working for NewsChannel 5 a few short days later.

I started off covering baseball in the summer with the Senators and Brewers, then onto Football of Helena, and Capital High, along with Carroll College. Not to mention Soccer and Volleyball of all three schools as well!

I have been fortunate to cover predominately winning teams. It’s a dream for several reasons…they play longer seasons…which means I have plenty of content, and I get to travel all over to follow them. It also means I get to interview people after wins…which is MUCH easier than interviewing someone after losses!

I won’t bore you with the details of my last year, other than to say I’m thankful for my time in Helena, and am excited for 2012 and what it brings for me, and the local sports teams!

Also…Look for more of these blog posts. Since we are finally back to full-capacity on our sports team, We’ll all be making a more conscious effort to get content on here!

IN REMEMBERANCE OF THE PAST YEAR, I’VE COMPILED A LIST OF AWARDS FROM MY TIME IN THE CAPITAL CITY. **

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The Kyle Efaw Award (Given to the high school player that most resembles 2010 Fiesta Bowl MVP: Boise State Senior Tight-End Kyle Efaw, who I played with in high school)-

Dylan Simac, Helena High Senior-

He is a stud athlete who excelled all over the field. He was without question the best receiver I watched in the state, and was probably the strongest safety I saw as well. Not to mention he punted too…just so he didn’t have to sit out any special teams plays. Simac has a quiet confidence about him, and doesn’t say much while the camera’s rolling. He played the exact same positions that Efaw did in high school, is a letter-winner in basketball like Efaw, and has the similar demeanor…here’s to hoping he has a similarly successful college career, wherever that may be!
Honorable Mention: Gunnar Brekke (CHS, Junior), Chase Williams (HHS, Senior)

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The Jarrell Root Award (Given to the high school player that most resembles Boise State Senior Defensive End Jarrell Root, who is one of my closest friends from back home, former teammate and a Boise Media Favorite)-

Caleb Kidder, Capital High Senior Lineman-

He started on both the offensive and defensive lines, and was bigger than…I’d say 99% of the players he came up against. He was honored as the Gatorade player of the year, and will be tearing it up for the Griz next season. While Kidder plays it pretty close to the vest while on camera, he seems to inspire his teammates and be a good leader (You can find Root pumping up his team in the middle of the huddle before every game.) The thing that most reminds me of Root with Kidder though…is how we haven’t seen just how gigantic he will get. Root packed on nearly upwards of 60 pounds of muscle when he got to Boise State. Don’t be surprised to see Kidder in two years 50+ pounds of strength before his UM Career is said and done.
Honorable Mention: Keenan Gerhart (HHS, Senior)

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The Edward R. Murrow Award (Given to the high school player who provided me as a reporter the best interview and consistent sound bite.)-

Levi Merkel, Helena High Senior Linebacker/Forward-

Merkel is a kid who wears his heart on his sleeve…in every practice he is pumping people up, keeping a positive attitude, and leads by example with his hard work. In an interview setting, he is always excited to talk to you, polite, and thinks about his answers critically before he responds. When he does respond, the answers always seem to be profound, something that a veteran professional athlete or a seasoned college coach would say. Several of my favorite quotes this last year has been from Levi.
During football season after the Bengals had remained undefeated after two ugly wins. He told me, “There was a feeling of contentment within the team, (about being undefeated) But we’ve realized that contentment can make you a good team, and we’re not okay with being good…we want to be great.” During Basketball season with a 1-3 record, he told me “We realize that we are not going to beat anyone based on sheer talent. We are aware of that, and that is why we practice so hard, and we know the hard work is going to pay off very soon.” Bengal football coach Tony Arntson joked he felt Levi should do all the coaches interviews, and there’s a reason why…this kid’s awesome!
Honorable Mention: Chase Williams (HHS, Senior), Keenan Gerhart (HHS, Senior)

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The Jack Dorsey Award (Dorsey is the creator of Twitter: The Best High School Twitter…er?)-
Bryson Smith, CHS Senior Golfer/Basketball player-

Bryson bleeds BRU through and through. I first ‘met’ him when he tweeted to Tom Wylie about how loud the Capital High Football crowd was going to be for their first game, which Tom ‘Retweeted’ to me…(Twitter is annoyingly complicated sometimes I Think).
Since then I talk with Bryson on Twitter on a weekly basis, whether it’s arguing why Kobe Bryant and my Lakers are far superior to Lebron James and the Miami Heat, or about why he thinks Capital High Teachers, Athletes, and girls are better than any other school in the state. He is a good basketball player, a great kid, and a master of social media.
Honorable Mention: A.J. Wilson (CHS Senior), Cody Rapley (Jefferson High Senior), Alex Markle (CHS Senior), Aaron Gillman (CHS Junior)

*Follow Them! @BrysonSmith_, @willieWILSON23, @realalexmarkle @RAPATTACK34, @AaronGll

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Carroll College Football Player of the Year:
Matt Ritter, Senior Receiver-

The Butte native tore it up this year. When you needed a big catch…he was on the receiving end of it. When you needed a long bomb-chances are Ritter was going to out-run someone. When you needed a first down, chances are Matt would make a ridiculous jumping grab while getting hit as soon as he touched the ball. When you needed someone to take a direct snap and run it into the end-zone, Matt was behind center. I realize Chance Demarais took home the national player of the year award, which he more than deserved…but if I’m playing back-yard football…Matt’s my first overall pick.
Honorable Mentions: Chance Demarais (Jr. RB), Dane Broadhead (Sr. QB), Spencer Savage (Sr. D-line), Thomas Robison (Sr. Linebacker)

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Carroll College Volleyball Player of the Year:
Tie: Kristin Telin, Sr. Outside Hitter, and Elli Graff, Soph. Middle Hitter-

Volleyball is not something I grew up with, nor is a sport I know much about…so as a casual fan who does enjoy watching, I’m a sucker for the high impact plays like spikes and kills. They are the ‘Slam-Dunk’ of the volleyball world. I realize so much more goes into the plays before the spikes ever happen, but I’m guilty of loving the final result, so that’s why Telin and Graff…who seemed to be on the top of the score-sheet in those categories night-in/night-out take home the honors. My apologize to Maureen Fraunholtz (Sr. Setter) and Caitlin Tocci (Sr. Libero) who had countless sets/digs/etc which were huge in the teams success…but this one goes to the home-run hitters.
Honorable Mentions: Maureen Fraunholtz, Caitlin Tocci

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Carroll College Soccer Player of the Year:
Meghan O’Connell, Sr. Forward-

The first Carroll soccer game I attended…was the Meghan O’Connell show. She scored five goals…and seemed to do it with more ease each and every time. O’Connell’s career includes two Frontier Conference Player of the year awards and four conference championships. Not bad. She has a take no prisoners attitude on the field, is extremely aggressive, and attacks the net with no concern for her own health as she goes after balls sent through the air. She is the kind of player I’m scared to go up against in co-ed city league soccer…
Honorable Mention: Lynnsey Janes (Sr. Sweeper)

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Most Enjoyable Story to Shoot:
Mutton-Bustin At the East Helena Rodeo-

I’ll be the first to admit just how hesitant I was to cover a rodeo. It was for several reasons: I’m very allergic to horses/cattle, I was interviewing 6-year-olds (whom aren’t known for their eloquent sound bites), and when it comes down to it…I’m a city boy, and not used to the cowboy life.
But when I arrived, I got lucky and interviewed three adorable little kids who gave me GREAT sound bites, and hilarious video. Benadryl seemed to take care of my allergies, and I’ve never seen so many pretty women in cowboy hats. So it was a wonderful success.
Honorable Mention: Carroll Parents Travel to Rome Georgia

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Least Enjoyable Story to Shoot:
Friendly’s Hostage Situation-

In small-market TV, with our limited resources I end up covering a few news events here and there. I woke up on a Saturday morning to the news of an armed man who had a hostage and was in a stand-off with police. Luckily no one ended up being harmed in the event…but it still reminded me of how lucky I am to cover sports. We rarely have the task of talking of someone’s death, a murder, rape, and other ‘hard news’ stories. We in the sports business are very lucky…and I am thankful for being able to cover sports most of the time.

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Gordon Hayward Award- (Named after my Sister’s crush, who she swears she will marry: High-Schooler most likely to be allowed to date my sister)
Chase Williams, HHS Senior Receiver

My little sister is a senior back in Boise, plays soccer, runs track…and aside from being really crabby anytime before noon, she’s great. She also knows not to bring any of her potential boyfriends around the house when I’m home. It’s safe to say protective older brother scares any boys away from the house.
Chase is a fun kid. Whenever I talked to him he had a smile on his face. He was a stud receiver and DB for the Bengals, and didn’t wear gloves in the snow (I feel like this is the mark of toughness.) He was humble, and told me the only weakness on his teams defense was at Corner (His position). I assume he is a good student in the classroom, just based on our few conversations.
Plus I’ve seen him joking around with friends at a volleyball game talking smack…He looked over to me while I was shooting highlights to me shaking my head. He gave a sheepish look and tried to explain himself. So he clearly already knows he’s got to be on his best behavior when older brother is around.
Honorable Mention: Andrew Mitchell (HHS Senior Soccer) A.J. Wilson (CHS Senior Football/Basketball), Bryson Smith (CHS Golf/Basketball), Colter Sternhagen (Senators Baseball)

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Area Coach of the Year:
Pat Murphy, Capital High Head Football Coach-

I first have to say how much I’ve loved every single coach I’ve covered and interviewed. They are incredibly respectful of the media, friendly to talk to, and give great interviews. However Pat Murphy stands out for several reasons. First, he’s just one of my favorite people…period. He runs out to greet me, always addressed me by name, and even took the time to talk to me before several games as we just ‘shot the breeze’ on the sideline.
I haven’t seen a team improve week in and week out quite like his did, on both sides of the ball…and a state championship while avenging your only loss of the season speaks for itself.
Honorable Mention: Sheila Williams (HHS Volleyball), Mike Van Diest (Carroll Football), “Moe” Boyle (Carroll Volleyball)

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Area Male Athlete of the Year:
Caleb Kidder, CHS Senior Lineman (FB)/Post (BB)

Gatorade usually gets it right in their ‘Player of the year’ honors…plus its delicious to drink, so I’m not one to argue.

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Area Female Athlete of the Year:
Kyndal Williams, HHS Senior Setter (VB)/Guard (BB)

Williams is the coach’s daughter…and she plays like it: with sound fundamentals, a quiet confidence, humble demeanor, and hard work-ethic. She was honored as the top player in the state by many, she’s tremendous to interview…and she won the state championship. She also looks to be a stud on the basketball team!

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Area Team of the Year:
Capital High Bruins Football

They lost to Billings West midway through the season, and it would be their only loss. They had a close grind-out victory in cross-town, and then absolutely mutilated everyone else en-route to yet another State Championship. They had one of the best offensive weapons in Gunnar Brekke, one of the biggest and strongest Lines, not to mention the unquestioned best defense in the state. AJ Wilson, Dillon Ecord, and Joe Coker were named the state defensive players of the year together as linebackers. Brekke and Matt Michelotti were shut-down corners taking away many teams top receivers, and Levi Dawes, Caleb Kidder and the rest of the D-line got to the QB time and time again.
Honorable Mention: Carroll Football, Carroll Volleyball, Helena High Boys Soccer

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You say being athlete of the year is the highest individual honor one can receive…I say nay. The highest honor in this particular award ceremony is the “Awesome Award.”

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“Awesome” Award: Given to the area athlete that most reminds me of myself ‘back in the day’ And who is just all-around Awesome.
A.J. Wilson-Capital High Senior Linebacker/Point-Guard

The award is much more than simply reminding me of what I was like in my high school days. It also reflects what might be my personal favorite of all the athletes I’ve covered in my time here. Off the field A.J. realizes there is more to life than wins and losses, but when it is game time…he is intense. He seems to get along with just about everyone, and has a work ethic that makes him a better player. AJ is a tremendous athlete…but what makes him special is his work-ethic and how hard he plays.
With basketball-that’s where I see glimpses of my more athletic high school self. On the court, AJ is one of the taller players. At around 6’1 he stands as tall as I do…which in many places is too tall to be a point guard. But he’s been the starting Varsity point for the last several seasons. I was also tall, and played point. AJ is a fine shooter, scorer…etc, but I think he shows his value on the defensive side of the court, in his hustle, and his ability to find the open man with clean passes. He isn’t flashy-but he gets the job done, and no one will work harder or be more intense on the court. I played defense, hustled, and passed the ball…but we don’t need to talk about my long-range shot.
He carries (what he tells me) is a 4.0 GPA, which shows he’s not just a ‘jock.’ I am proud of my 3.65 GPA in high school…but A.J. puts that to shame.
A.J. gave me the most touching post-game sound bite I may ever shoot. After the state championship football game, with eye-black running down his face, eyes glossy, and a chipped tooth, he told me how much it meant to win the game for not him…but for his older brother, who had lost to Billings West when he was at Capital. His brother gave him a great big hug, and it was one of the more touching moments I’ve seen in person.
I hope he plays football at Carroll College because selfishly I’d like to cover him for another year. But whether he pursues football, basketball, or a prestigious academic degree somewhere else, he will be successful. He has the work-ethic and people skills to be amazing at anything he does, and I have no doubt he’ll be an over-achiever in life.

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That’s all for now, and I hope you enjoyed the awards. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my list, or any awards you would like to give out that I didn’t mention! It’s been a pleasure living in Helena, THE CITY OF CHAMPIONS, and I look forward to covering more State Titles, and National Championships in the future.

Until Later Friends,

Dominic



**These awards are made-up entirely by myself, for the purpose of entertainment only. No plaques, trophies or official letters will be given. ALSO No feelings should be hurt in the production of this blog.

I have had the pleasure of covering some of the most successful football teams in the state of Montana. With Carroll College dominating the NAIA ranks, and Helena High and Capital High atop the state AA standings…I’ve been very fortunate.

As the high school season comes to a close I find myself trying to be an ‘analyst’ and decide which of the two Helena high schools is the stronger one. If it were at a different point in the season I would have been able to give a definitive answer.

After the first third of the season, I would have said hands-down Helena High was the stronger team. The Bengal offense seemed downright unstoppable. Taylor South was constantly dicing up defenses with possession passes or long balls to Dylan Simac and Chase Williams. Not to mention the occasional TD run when he needed to. Their offensive line, despite injuries was doing well, and the run game was solid from the start. Nate Caldwell ran through defenses, short gain by short gain- before he’d break off a 30-yard touchdown. Not to mention you had reigning All-State Running back Sy Keltner coming back from injury that added even more firepower to the offensive attack after week 3. Throw in a defense that held it’s own with Levi Merkel, Simac, and Williams in the backfield that was great in pass protection, and a D-line that constantly got to the QB, and the Bengals looked dangerous.

But for as good as Helena’s offense was, Capital’s defense may have been better. It all starts with Caleb Kidder and Levi Dawes up front getting sack after sack, Dillon Ecord, A.J. Wilson and Joe Coker making the best linebacker trio in the state, and Matt Michelotti shutting down opposing receivers at corner. But it was their offense that made me think Helena High was the better squad.

Splitting duty under center were Senior Riley Sampson and Junior Cale Jacobsen. Both seemed to be strong options at QB, as were their receivers. Plus they had the two-headed monster that is Gunnar Brekke and Brice Burton coming out of the backfield. But something about the offense wasn’t quite right. On paper they were great, and they showed flashes of it during the games. They’d score two touchdowns in the first two possessions of the game…BUT then would stall and not score for two quarters.

Then the mid-way point of the season came, and Helena High wasn’t blowing teams out like they were in the beginning of the season. Two straight weeks they won…but very closely, and it took some last minute heroics to get those wins. Around that same time, Capital’s offense started churning out points and showed much more consistency. Their running-attack piled up more than 400 yards in one game. Sure, they did lose to a strong Billings West team, but they looked like the more complete and consistent football team in every other game. So I would have said Capital High was the stronger squad.

However the last two weeks have left me indecisive. It doesn’t always end this way…but it appears both squads are playing their best football at the end of the season.

It’s what every coach strives for, and few succeed in. The teams have bought into the coaching philosophies and have made marked improvements on whatever weaknesses they displayed earlier in the season.

It would be easy to assess this game as HHS Offense v CHS Defense, but it’s not that simple. The Bengal D has kept them in games, and been the reason for some of their victories. Likewise…when you put up 400 rushing yards in a game, the Bruin attack can be just as deadly as their top rated defense.

But one thing intrigues me more than the on-field play…when I talked earlier today to Bruins A.J. Wilson and Matt Michelotti, and Bengals Taylor South and Dylan Simac…it seemed like they were having fun leading up to the game. Wilson admitted that when the Bruins lost in cross-town last year, ‘It kinda sucked.” But he said it with a half smirk. You could tell this game means a lot, but neither team was stressing over it. They were ready for the opportunity, but it wasn’t a life or death situation.

We hear exaggerated metaphors used all too often in sports, we refer to games as ‘wars and battles.’ Saturday at Nelson Stadium in front of what may end up being a record crowd isn’t a battle or a war. It IS a competition between two bitter rivals for the chance to be the conference regular season champion. It IS the culmination of many senior students in what may be their last chance for bragging rights. It IS a memory that many students and players will remember for the rest of their lives. This might be a game we talk about for years to come.

But most importantly it’s a chance for a town to come together and cheer on two tremendously talented teams, and hope for no one to get seriously injured.

Ultimately, I have no idea who wins this one. If I had to put money on it-I’d say this game is decided by less than a touchdown, but I couldn’t tell you who comes on top. The only thing I can tell you- I hope regardless of the games outcome-these two teams meet back up for the state championship games in a few short weeks.

It’s our first Friday of the season where high schoolers put on shoulder pads and take to the grid-iron under the lights. It’s something that makes for tons of extra work in the sports department, but more importantly it gives us a sigh of relief that we have nearly unlimited amounts of content.

Growing up in Boise, the BSU Broncos were king, and then when I went to college in Pullman, WA, the WSU Cougars were king. I have been engulfed in college football since a young age. High school football never seemed all that important, even when my high school football team was making a run at a state championship.

After spending the last several weeks talking to the coaches and players at Helena and Capital High, I’ve really gotten excited for the upcoming football season. This town embraces high school athletics like nowhere I’ve been before, and it’s refreshing and flat-out awesome.

The young Athletes I’ve talked to have given me well thought answers, showed maturity and poise, and were respectful in nearly every way. I can assure you after covering Pac-10 athletics, even some of the best college athletes in the world are not as well spoken as the young men in the Helena.

More importantly, while all high school kids are bound to make some bone-headed decisions from time to time that get them in trouble, there is still an sense of innocence to them. Especially in the age of corruption in college athletics, it’s good to focus on the young men that do things right in the classroom, community and on the field.

Just the past few weeks, we’ve seen the Miami Hurricanes football team again in the headlines for receiving improper benefits. Mainly for a ‘booster’ paying for prostitutes, and parties for underage players and recruits.

Then we see LSU’s starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson get arrested and suspended (who knows for how long) for his involvement in a bar fight. It’s even been reported that Jefferson was kicking a man in the face.

While I’m not ready to throw the book at any of the players who have been charged with the various transgressions, nor do I blame them entirely for the events that happened, I do want to point out how great it is to embrace high school football. We may not be Texas, but Friday Night Lights is something to look forward to and cherish in Big Sky Country.

Until Next time,
-Dominic

This last week I had the pleasure of covering the Montana/Alberta State Legion Tournament. It was high intensity baseball and with the mile-high air and short left field fence, it was chalked full of runs.

The Billings Scarlets didn’t lose a game at the tournament despite several close-calls. Their depth in pitching proved to be their success as other teams struggled after their top two pitchers had already been used on the mound.

But to me the results on the field were secondary. It was the experience of the event, and the myriad of emotions these high school age kids and their coaches go through. The highs and lows were readily apparent to anyone, even if they had never seen a baseball game before.

The two teams we cover the most (Helena Senators, Great Falls Chargers) are both examples of this. In the first match-up between the two, a game which also opened up the entire tournament, was a barn-burner. It featured more than 30 combined runs, and a walk-off two-run homer by Great Falls. The Chargers celebrated at home plate like they had just won the World Series, while the Senators tried to hold their heads high after a tough defeat, but knowing deep down that was a game they should have won. They showed tremendous character in not blaming anyone, congratulating their opponents, and just staying quite knowing they still had at least one more game left.

In those losses you find more about ones character than you do in a win. When you’re a winner, you’re happy to talk to the media, happy to high-five the other team, in a good mood, normally a great sport and in general, and in general, pretty jovial person. But losing changes how people react. Legion Baseball may not be the highest level in sports, nor are too many jobs on the line, but it’s important to everyone involved. And unfortunately for everyone last week except for the Scarlets, losing in sports is inevitable.

Some teams almost expected to lose it seemed. While they gave their best on the field, they weren’t angry, and aside from a feeling of dissapointment their season was over, they weren’t frustrated.

Others were teary-eyed, with their sadness showing as the final out was made. Others were downright angry angry, even making snide remarks to reporters and not wanting to talk after their loss.

And while we all too-often look at the ending result, we need to look past the final standings. I don’t mean to take away anything from the Scarlets-they deserved the win, they were the best team, and I have no doubt they’ll see success at the Regional level. But more importantly, for those teams that didn’t fare so well, I hope this season isn’t seen as a failure.

Every sports fan I feel has heard the notion ‘It’s not the destination, but the journey that matters.’ As a youth athlete I always thought that was such garbage. I was lucky growing up. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to play on all the best traveling teams in my respective sports. I played on both Basketball and Soccer teams that competed on a regional level, and we won numerous state championships in Idaho. Losing was not something I was used to. During my high school years I transferred from a successful soccer program at a private catholic high school, to the public school in my district.

The public school program was not successful. I knew that going in, but was so spoiled in previous years that I didn’t ever know what losing really was. Sure I had lost a few regular season games, but was almost always in the top two. Once my senior season with the new school began…it was loss, after loss…after loss.

I was selected as a team captain in my only year with this team, which was a reala honor, and I truly enjoyed all my teammates, but it was obvious from day one we didn’t have the personnel to compete consistently. We had about 9 players out of our 18 that would be solid against any team in the state….but we had a team of 18, so our varying levels of experience and talent made it difficult for us.

I never got used to the idea of losing consistently (still haven’t), but after eight games, only two of which we had won, I realized I couldn’t get so worked up and frustrated after each loss, it was starting to take a toll on me.

I had developed some close friendships, and we soon began having a large group from the team go out together to get Fried Ice Cream after every game-win or lose. While every loss still hurt, a little sugar helped numb the pain. And ultimately the friendships I made on that team will last longer than any of the successful teams I was on. So will the memories. We were able to come together as a team and won a game at our district tournament, the first time our high school had done so in over 5 years.

So my take-home message to those that fell short, and those that didn’t even qualify for the state tourney. It is the journey that makes it memorable. A few games in the loss column is something nobody enjoys, but it’s the experiences, trips, inappropriate jokes, pigging out on food, and spending time with your friends that truly dictate what a successful season is.

THINGS I COULD BE DOING RIGHT NOW INSTEAD OF WATCHING NFL PLAYERS DRESSED IN SUITS ON ESPN:

- Knitting a sweater..
- Reading a book..
- Watching a movie..
- Cooking dinner..
- Working out… of a jam in a baseball video game.
- Catching up with old friends..
- Enjoying life..
- NOT screaming into pillows..
- Writing a blog… K, gonna run with it.

C’mon man!! C’mon!!

I’m a big optimist. But this lockout business is turning me into Captain Cynical, skipper of the boat SHUT UP, LEAVE ME ALONE, GO AWAY.

This stuff is actually starting to get to me. Today was supposed to be the day, but nada. So now TOMORROW is supposed to be the day, but I won’t hold my breath. If my respect levels could be quantified, the NFL (not just players or owners, but THE ENITRE NFL) would be firmly in the red.

I won’t pretend to understand the finer points of collective bargaining. I tried to follow at first, but became so jaded after listening to the drivel. I just don’t care. Make a decision.

“It’s not that simple, Tom!”
“There’s lots of moving pieces, Tom!”
“The players/owners are trying to make compromises but the players/owners won’t budge, TOM!!!”

Shut it! Don’t care… just end the lockout.

The NFL has already announced that the preseason Hall of Fame game will be cancelled. And I swear… if they shelve any more action this season, I will spit in disgust or join an underground resistance movement ala Les Miserables.

And the NBA? Grrrrrrr… I’m seething with hatred. Basketball is by far my favorite sport. And pessimism just oozes from my side here. The two sides are even further apart than the NFL.

But when RASHARD LEWIS is the highest paid NBA player in the league, the system is broken. Needs fixing. Just do it fast or I’ll run out of spit.

Thanks for reading.

TW

I'm a little late on this entry, but please forgive me. It's taken some time for all this to settle in.

Last Thursday, I awoke to the pitter patter of rain on my roof. It actually looked like a dreary summer day. The news I was about to receive, however, would make it that much drearier.

About a month ago, I received the thrilling news that a childhood dream would be coming true, and I would be flying with the Blue Angels. As you may recall, it's all I've been able to blog about the last few weeks.

Now brace yourself, because here's the biting reality: I don't get to go. You see, the coordinator from the Air Force Base made a slight error and following is an excerpt from a devastating email I received:

"I was given the wrong information initially, so I apologize for that. One of the four of you (2 candidates from KFBB, 2 from KRTV) will be selected as the primary and one as the alternate for that single flight on Wednesday. Their hope is that you will film one of the flights prior to yours to further advertise the upcoming shows on 30-31 July. Whomever is chosen will be selected by their flight surgeon based on the information you provided on those forms, so I have no idea who the two will be but will be sure to let you know as soon as I do."

My flight with the Blue Angels went from a sure thing, to a 25% chance thing in the matter of seconds. My hopes were dashed, I'm not an optimist, I'm a realist.

And reality hit last Thursday, when my esteemed colleague, Charlie Keegan, who was originally thought to be my alternate at KFBB, received the news that he was chosen by the flight surgeon to go high in the sky with the Blue Angels...

Yes, I was devastated, perhaps a few tears were even shed. But at the end of the day, at least there is the hope that my dream of flying with the Blue Angels is not dead. I hope to be in this business for a very long time, so perhaps the opportunity will present itself again.

...and at least I can always go back and ride the Ferris Wheel again ( See previous blog entry. It's always good for a little thrill :)

Happy Summer days...they're winding down.

LT