Montana

Montana State rewards Vigen with major contract extension

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2024

Montana State rewards Vigen with major contract extension

FARGO — First the rumor was Fresno State. Then Utah State. Then Washington State. With each passing week, Brent Vigen’s employment status was tied to those three schools, who ended up hiring different head football coaches.

Vigen stayed with Montana State.

“I’ve long lived be being where my feet are now,” Vigen said. “We addressed it with the team as no different than say the transfer portal. Our success is going to lead to opportunities for people in this room and if the time comes, I’ll be as transparent as I can with the team and at the same time not do anything to compromise this team.”

The university rewarded his loyalty on Monday, giving him a four-year contract extension heading into the Division I FCS national championship game next Monday against North Dakota State. The former Bison player and assistant coach married to a former Bison women’s basketball player will face his old team for the third time.

NDSU defeated the Bobcats in the 2021 title game in Frisco, Texas, and took a 35-34 thriller in the second round last year at Montana State.

Vigen’s son Brooks is a sophomore defensive end with the Bobcats and a younger son, Grant, was part of the signing day class earlier this month as a 6-foot-6 quarterback. Brooks redshirted in 2022, played in seven games last season and nine games this year with five tackles.

“As a a family, we’ve enjoyed our time here,” Vigen said. “A lot of things go into this type of opportunity, our boys continue to grow up in this community and it’s been great.”

Fresno went with former NDSU head coach Matt Entz, Utah State hired Bronco Mendenhall and Washington State plucked Jimmy Rogers from South Dakota State. The fact two of those schools hired coaches with extensive FCS experience means successful FCS coaches like Vigen are in high demand.

Vigen’s base salary was increased to $295,000, up from $215,000, according to MontanaSports.com. Various incentives around at least $100,000 make it worth much more than that.

It keeps Vigen on a Bobcat contract through 2029. The buyout ranges between $300,000 and $450,000.

“He’s a guy of a few words but the words he does say and very calculated and very intentional,” MSU quarterback Tommy Mellott said in an FCS zoom press conference Monday. “He just gives us so much motivation to do everything we can for him.”

Vigen will carry a 47-9 record into the title game. He’s 29-3 in the Big Sky Conference. Vigen is the latest in the line of disciples of head coach Craig Bohl, with former assistants under Bohl reaching FBS head coaching status like Kansas State’s Chris Klieman, Wake Forest’s Jake Dickert and Entz.

“The Bobcat program has soared to new heights under the leadership of Brent Vigen,” MSU athletic director Leon Costello said in a statement.

Jeff would like to dispel the notion he was around when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, but he is on his third decade of reporting with Forum Communications. The son of a reporter and an English teacher, and the brother of a reporter, Jeff has worked at the Jamestown Sun, Bismarck Tribune and since 1990 The Forum, where he’s covered North Dakota State athletics since 1995.
Jeff has covered all nine of NDSU’s Division I FCS national football titles and has written three books: “Horns Up,” “North Dakota Tough” and “Covid Kids.” He is the radio host of “The Golf Show with Jeff Kolpack” April through August.

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Montana

Bobcat Insider: Texas connections help drive Montana State run to title game in Frisco

Published

4 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Press Room

Bobcat Insider: Texas connections help drive Montana State run to title game in Frisco

BOZEMAN — Montana State is one win from capping a dream season by winning the FCS national championship, which would be the program’s first title in 40 long years.

It’s the Bobcats second trip to the championship game since 2021, and they’ll again face North Dakota State. Helping drive MSU’s run to Frisco, Texas, is a group of Lone Star natives that has given the Bobcats a big boost in forging a 15-0 record and a shot at the crown.

Among them is safety Dru Polidore, a native of Katy, Texas. Polidore is a guest on this week’s edition of the Bobcat Insider show with hosts Grace Lawrence of MTN Sports and Keaton Gillogly, the MSU play-by-play voice.

Polidore discusses the Bobcats’ Texas connection and the opportunity to win a title in his home state. Head coach Brent Vigen also joins this week’s show to look back at the semifinal victory over South Dakota, ahead to the North Dakota State matchup, as well as his connection with NDSU head coach Tim Polasek.

Montana State and North Dakota State kick off the FCS national championship game Monday at 5 p.m. Mountain time at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 1, 2025

Published

12 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 1, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 1 drawing

06-12-28-35-66, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 1 drawing

07-15-17-39-40, Lucky Ball: 16

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 1 drawing

01-02-08-14-30, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 1 drawing

17-23-25-30, Bonus: 14

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from Jan. 1 drawing

03-08-24-27-40

Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9:00 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9:00 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana

Good Morning, Montana (Wednesday, January 1, 2025)

Published

20 hours ago

January 1, 2025

Press Room

Cold, foggy, and chances of snow ahead

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Wishing everyone a good day and a great year! Here are some things to know for today:

Cold and chances of snow to begin the new year. Click here.
Memorial for West Yellowstone police officer. Click here.
Charges filed in connection with the death of Selena Not Afraid. Click here.
Station District Bar & Eatery announces opening date. Click here.
New Year is busiest time of year for addiction recovery. Click here.

FRIDAY JANUARY 3: Come “walk the mall” starting at 9am every Friday in January. The free event is sponsored by the Cascade City-County Health Department and led by a Health Promotion Specialist. Meet at the Scheels Coffee Bar in Holiday Village Mall in Great Falls. After the walk, participants will receive a free cup of brewed coffee from Scheels Coffee Bar. For more information, call Penny Paul at 406-454-5071.

SATURDAY JANUARY 4: Benefis Health System will host a Helmet and Lift Ticket Giveaway from 8:30am to 2pm at Showdown Montana. The Benefis Emergency Department’s Trauma Injury Prevention Program will return to Showdown to give away free ski helmets to children and adults. Our Trauma team help with fittings, and the giveaway is made possible by Benefis Foundation donors. The first 100 people at the event will also get a free lift ticket. Showdown Montana is located at 2850 U.S. Highway 89 near Neihart. For more information, call 406-455-4866.

For Behind The Scenes, Follow Montana This Morning on Instagram – click here!

MTN News

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