Sports

The sun is low when the grizzly bear appears. I whip my skis sideways and stop. It isn’t the first time I’ve encountered a grizzly while skiing. Actually, this is the fourth one I’ve seen in the past half hour. 

Bozeman based nonprofit Big Sky Youth Empowerment has raised over $1.8 million in expansion funding from a small group of generous donors to address the growing demand for its compelling programs.

For Eagle Mount volunteer Shane O’Rourke, working with the participants of Eagle Mount’s ski program is a win-win situation. He not only gets to participate in a sport he loves, but he also gets to take part in another activity he enjoys—helping others get the most out of life.

During the Manhattan Christian Invitational volleyball tournament Saturday, Sept. 29, Twin Bridges got the best of the Big Horns. The Falcons’ Ashleigh Guinnane (PICUTURED, No. 15) celebrates here with a smile following a score.

Many of the student-athletes on the Bobcat ski teams have aspirations to ski post-graduation, whether it be on the national team, world cup team or whatever level the student-athlete desires. MSU institutes Olympic level testing to help Bobcat skiers reach their goals. 

There were ski tracks on the steep stretch of road leading down to the Upper Beehive Basin Trailhead on Sunday, Nov. 4. From there, skin tracks ran from the parking lot up into higher elevations and deeper snow. A Subaru parked in the lot had a bumpersticker summing up the current season with a mixed message.

“That was a monster save,” said Missy Botha, head volleyball for the LPHS Big Horns. Her team had just defeated White Sulphur Springs and she was praising the play of Ruth Blodgett. Against the Hornets, Blodgett made a lunging one-handed tap back into play, protecting her team’s lead. 

Lone Peak High’s pioneer cross country competitors took part in the Montana State XC meet held at the University of Montana golf course on Oct. 20. They may not have brought home any medals, but Head Coach Dave Brekke said he’s more than pleased with his two long distance racers’ first season.