Montana
Fourth straight Frontier Conference titles secured, Montana Tech men look to postseason
BUTTE — The sustained success that the Montana Tech men’s basketball program has built these past four seasons is sometimes difficult to fathom for its head coach, whose team earned just one Frontier Conference victory his first season.
“It’s hard to even process, said Adam Hiatt who took over the program prior to the 2016-17 season and was recently named the Frontier Conference Coach of the Year for the third straight season. “I get asked about it a lot. You’re so focused on the present that it’s hard to process all that history.”
The Orediggers have made plenty of it, and capped off another unforgettable run through the Frontier by clinching a fourth straight regular season title and then following that up by claiming an unprecedented tournament crown.
Even a few weeks ago, this might have been hard to see happening.
After bolting to an 8-1 league record, the Orediggers dropped four consecutive road contests to make the final two regular season games — both at home — must-win games if they wanted to secure a fourth straight regular season title.
But working in Tech’s favor was the fact that they hadn’t dropped a single home game this season.
“We just told our guys ‘doubt your doubts,’” said Hiatt. “We’re coming back to the place where we play our best. We’re gonna get our mojo back, we’re gonna get some stuff figured out.”
That’s just what Tech did as it won its final two regular season games and both of its tournament contests by comfortable double-digit margins. That four game slide? It ultimately served as a chapter of struggle to set the stage for yet another storybook ending for the Orediggers.
“I’m sure I’ll process it when the dust settles and the season’s over,” said Hiatt. “I’ll be able to look back in awe. It’s amazing and just so humbling to be part of this historic run.”
The Orediggers will now look to carry their Frontier success into the national tournament where seventh-seeded Tech will face No. 11 Southern Oregon in a first and second round pod in Santa Clarita, California, on Friday.
The winner of that game will take on the winner of No. 7 Keiser (Florida) and No. 10 Faulkner (Alabama) in the second round on Saturday. The winner of the pod, part of the Duer Quadrant, advances to the Round of 16 in Kansas City.
“We have high potential,” said senior Michael Ure. “When we play together and we play the right way and we’re all clicking, we’re a very good team. Seeing what the future holds is very exciting.”
If a furry, playful, hugg-able, lovable kitten would be a great addition to your place, now’s the time to visit the Humane Society of Western Montana.
MEET BAKER AND BUSBOY
It was another Take Me Home Tuesday at the radio stations with the Humane Society. Katie brought in “Baker” (black kitty) and “Busboy” (gray kitty), who along with their two siblings “Chef” and “Cook” form a Fantastic Four of pure joy.
These two-month-old little ones were found in the Polson area and surrendered to the shelter. They just had their spay/neuter surgeries Monday (July 13) and they will be looking for their forever homes starting Wednesday (July 15).
Whether you are looking for one kitten or the whole “kitchen,” visit the shelter and fall in love with Baker, Busboy, Chef and Cook.
EVER CONSIDERED BEING A FOSTER HOME FOR SHELTER PETS?
It is kitten season at the Humane Society of Western Montana. The Humane Society is always looking for Fosters to take care of tiny kittens until they are old enough to be adopted. They currently have some that are with mom cats, and some that are bottle babies. And there is always a need for volunteers willing to nurture them until they are of adoption age.
And of course one of the perks of being a Foster is, if you fall in love with a kitten, you pretty much get first dibs.
READ MORE: Volunteers Hit ‘The Ridge’ To Improve Montana Elk Hunting Opportunities
So, whether you are looking to adopt or would like more information about being a foster home, be sure to visit the Humane Society of Western Montana soon. They are open from 1:00 – 6:00 pm Wednesdays through Sundays at 5930 Highway 93 South in Missoula. See more cats AND dogs waiting to be adopted on the shelter’s ADOPT webpage here.
LOOK: Can you tell the difference between these common pets?
Can you tell the difference between a hamster and a guinea pig? How about a betta and a guppy? Test your pet ID skills in our cute quiz.
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
HEBGEN LAKE, Mont. — A man was rescued after nearly drowning while swimming in Rainbow Point, located 10 miles north of West Yellowstone.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, along with Hebgen Basin Rural EMS personnel and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, responded to reports of a swimmer in distress.
Officials say bystanders saw a man become unresponsive while swimming roughly 100 yards off the shoreline.
They, along with a boating group, located the man, pulled him out of the water, and performed life-saving measures until first responders arrived.
The man was airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Officials say he is in critical condition.
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office released the following information:
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