Sports

Lone Peak Big Horns fans showed up full force for their girls and boys varsity teams’ first home games of the season on December 20, spilling into visitor seating as all the spots began to fill on the home team’s side. Attendees seemed to agree – it might have been the biggest fan turnout they’d ever seen.

Ophir fourth and fifth graders played a mix-up match after school on Dec. 17. Parents and fans filled the stands, and though the games were all in fun, the kids seemed to be learning a lot about the ins and outs of the game. Next year, many of the players will compete against schools from around the region.

It was a double-overtime disappointment for the Lone Peak High boys’ varsity team on Dec. 8, coming up short to Roberts with a final score of 66 to 71. “It was a heartbreaker,” said head coach Brian Van Eps of the loss. “They were a good team, a lot bigger than us, and better than we expected.”

The Ophir Miners fifth and sixth grade boys basketball team took home the championship title on December 1 – beating out eight other schools in the rural league in a two-day tournament held at Petra Academy in Bozeman.

Varsity boys bag a pre-season win

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.