Montana
Montana Griz Picked to Repeat as Big Sky Conference Champions
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) – The Montana Grizzlies have been picked by both the media and the Big Sky Conference to repeat as champions this season.
I spoke with Eric Taber, UM Athletic Director for football just after the announcement on Sunday that the Griz would repeat as conference champions.
The Montana Grizzlies have been Chosen to Repeat as Big Sky Conference Champions
“Certainly is a great tip of the hat from media members and other coaches from around the conference after what I described as just a magical football season last year,” began Taber. “But like we always say, it’s not the poll at the beginning of the season that matters; it’s the poll at the end of the season, and having the target on your back now is always a challenge, and we look forward to proving that we are the number one team in the conference once again.”
After an early road loss to Northern Arizona, the Grizzlies went on a tear with a 10-game win streak that sent them to Texas to face South Dakota State for the FCS National Championship.
Coach Hauck says Every Year is a Rebuilding Year
I asked Taber about Coach Hauck’s attitude toward each new season.
“That’s what college football coaches do,” he said “They reload every year, and I think that the Montana Grizzlies are no different. “We’re just really excited to see some of the faces that emerged last year, the Riley Wilsons, the Keelan Whites of the world, to see some of those guys really shine this year. And then, as always, there’s going to be somebody that impresses everybody that no one’s even heard their name before.”
Taber said having the winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history is an amazing advantage.
Taber Emphasized that Hauck is the Winningest Coach in Big Sky History
“I think Coach Hauck didn’t become the winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history by accident,” he said. “I think our coaching staff is really dialed in. I think our players are really dialed in. And, you know, I think getting to that national championship last year just let everybody within the organization know that this is what it’s supposed to be. This is the expectation, and that’s what it takes to get there.”
Taber was also excited to have seven home games this season, giving the Griz a definite home-field advantage.
“It really is a great home-field advantage,” he said. “Having seven home games is a really big deal, and we’ve got some challenging teams coming in for the non-conference part of the season, and then some really great games down the stretch in the Big Sky portion of the season. So we’re going to need everybody there and looks like we’re on track to break another season ticket record this year, and we’re just going to need all the butts in the seats we possibly can get.”
READ MORE: College Football Playoff Changes Could Impact Griz
According to a press release from Eric Taber, “The Griz received all but two first-place votes in the coaches’ poll with 120 total points and 17 more first-place votes in the media poll than the runner-up with 442 points to lead each by a wide margin.”
Montana and Montana State finished 1 and 2 in both the coaches and media polls.
Most Interesting Classes at the University of Montana
While jobs are not on the line at the Ysleta Independent School District, the school district faces another budget year with a deficit for its ongoing operations.
District officials are recommending an operating budget with a deficit that may be up to $15 million, mainly driven by falling school enrollment and funding from the State of Texas. SISD anticipates collecting $379 million in revenue for the 2026-2027 year.
Superintendent Xavier De La Torre said the district plans on selling properties, offering incentives to teachers and administrators interested in retirement and consolidating the Cesar Chavez Academy with the Thrive Academy to address YISD’s financial challenges.
https://www.ktsm.com/news/ysleta-isd-counting-on-school-consolidation-attrition-property-sales-to-deal-with-budget-crunch/
BOZEMAN — Montana’s rivers are still running high and cold this spring — and while that’s good news for fish, it poses serious risks for recreators.
Even with a lighter-than-average snowpack, river conditions across the state remain hazardous. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is urging anyone planning to get on the water to prepare carefully, know current conditions, and understand every hazard along the full length of their route before launching.
WATCH: Montana’s rivers are still running high and cold this spring — even with lighter snowpack. Before you hit the water, FWP says preparation could save your life
Spring runoff on Montana rivers poses serious safety risks
Morgan Jacobsen of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks pointed to specific locations as examples of the dangers that can catch people off guard.
“The Highway 89 Bridge has some, you know, particular dangers at that site with the pylons of the bridge, and that’s caused problems for people before, so knowing your trip and knowing what hazards exist as best you can, doing that research is always a good idea,” Jacobsen said.
Spring runoff serves an important ecological function for Montana’s fisheries, acting as a kind of seasonal reset for rivers and streams.
“Flooding plays an important ecological function. It washes out sediment and provides new, clean gravels that are important for fish spawning. Creates new habitat for a variety of species, and it’s a good thing, but when it comes to recreation, it’s something you’ve got to be careful with,” Jacobsen said.
FWP is not discouraging people from getting on the water, but the agency is emphasizing that safety planning must come first — especially during high water.
“We’re not saying people can’t come on the water by any means, and you know, especially in high flooding conditions, and because of those dangers, it’s not recommended, but if you are going to recreate, you know, you’re doing it at your own risk. Make sure that you take precautions so that you can make it home safely,” Jacobsen said.
Anyone heading out on Montana’s rivers this spring should check current conditions, know their route, carry and wear a personal flotation device, and be prepared for water that was snow just minutes before entering the river.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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