Sports 09-16-09

Lady Beavs net fourth at NW/SW Tipoff

By J.P. Plutt

Dillon Tribune staff

The Dillon Lady Beavers opened last week with a loss to Livingston at home on Tuesday night, but rebounded with a strong showing at the Southwestern “A” versus Northwestern “A” Tipoff tournament at Anaconda.

Against Livingston, Dillon faced the obstacle of a height disadvantage and the Lady Rangers took full advantage in a 3-1 nonconference victory.

“Livingston is probably the biggest offensive team we’ve seen all season so it was a good opportunity to match up against big hitters,” said Dillon coach Megan Conrow. “Our defense was learning very quickly that you need to transition a lot quicker than we had been so it took us a little while to get into the rhythm. They’ve got two hitters that swing hard with the ability to hit almost anywhere on the court.”

At Anaconda, the Northwestern “A” showed they were a stronger league at this point in the season than their Southwestern “A” counterparts, but Conrow felt her team needed the experience against talented teams. The format pitted each team from the North against each team from the South in two game matches. Standings were by the total of game wins and losses. Dillon placed second to Anaconda on the South side and in their final match played Libby for third place, losing 25-23, 25-11.

“For us it is about consistency,” said Conrow. “We put together some really nice moments throughout the matches, and then we’d lose our focus. We’ve got to establish consistency from the beginning of matches to the end.”

The Lady Beavers take to the road Thursday at Belgrade for a nonconference match and then visit Corvallis on Saturday for a league battle.

DFL ALERT...DFL ALERT...DFL Alert

If you’re wondering about the Dillon Football League, Kids’ Flag Football the big thing right now is DON'T PANIC. The coaches’ meeting is set for Thursday night at 7 p.m. at B.W. Lodge Gym. That is the first time anyone will see a roster of any kind. I will try to get the meeting over by 8 p.m. so coaches can start contacting players, but it could be Friday before coaches are contacting their players.

Yes, we do play this Saturday. Games start at 9 a.m. and the last one concludes at 1 p.m. This first week is always hectic but then things smooth out and run pretty good through the end of the six-week season. Don’t panic, a coach will call you.

If you or your child are curious, rosters and schedules will be posted at Mary Innes School, Parkview Elementary, Dillon Middle School and in the window of the Dillon Tribune. The rosters and schedules will be up as soon as possible on Thursday. The rosters will have the coach’s name and phone number.

No it is not to late to register a player for the DFL. The league office is located at the Dillon Tribune and is the best place at this time to pick up a registration form and turn it in.

If you have any questions, call J.P. Plutt (W 683-2331 or H 683-5411).

Beaverhead Invite tees it up Friday

By J.P. Plutt

Dillon Tribune staff

The Dillon golf teams enjoyed two meets last week and will host the Beaverhead Invitational this Friday with a 9 a.m. tee time. The Dillon meet will be an eight-team affair.

Last Tuesday Dillon played Bozeman’s Riverside Country Club in the Belgrade Invitational. On the girls’ side, Dillon freshman Randi Lewis fired a score of 90 to place seventh on the individual board. Shelby Lake, 108, and Kassade Lemhouse, 111, turned in good scores for the difficulty of the course. No team scores were kept.

Brett Creger continues to lead the Dillon boys team. At Bozeman he fired an 18-hole total of 82 for fifth place and Thursday at the Anaconda Country Club, despite greens that were plugged and sanded, scored 77 for third place. Lewis broke 90 for the first time as a Lady Beaver with an 87 for third.

#5 Locos upend #4 Beavs, 38-20

By J.P. Plutt

Dillon Tribune staff

Speed kills and Laurel had the ingredient across the board Friday night and mixed in a healthy dose of experienced players to defeat the Dillon Beavers 38-20 in a nonconference matchup of playoff contenders.

“I thought that for most of the game our kids executed well,” said Dillon coach Terry Thomas. “It just seemed that whenever we made a mistake Laurel was able to take advantage of it and turn it into something big, be it either offensively or defensively.”

Statistically, Dillon held their own against the Locomotives of the Eastern “A.” The Locos have a number of seniors who have paid their dues in the rough Eastern A, starting since they were sophomores. Laurel played with the full confidence of a title contender while Dillon still needs to find that traditional swagger. Despite the score, Dillon totaled 233 yards of total offense to 279 yards for the opponent.

The difference in the game came in the momentum Laurel drew from a pair of third quarter interceptions returned for touchdowns. In between, the Locos added a field goal for a 17 point spurt that turned a 14-14 game at the half to a 31-14 lead.

Dillon answered late in the quarter with an 11 play, 69 yard scoring drive capped by a sweet Pete Walde to Makenzie McGrath touch pass. The ball floated over a defender into McGrath’s hands as the speedy wideout headed to the corner of the end zone on a flag pattern.

Dillon missed the point after kick and didn’t threaten the red zone again.

The Beavers opened the scoring with an eight-play, 74-yard drive capped by Walde’s one yard scoring dive. Laurel answered with a pair of scoring drives fueled by the running game which contributed most of their offensive output.

Dillon countered with the passing game but the two picks for scores and a number of dropped passes denied Dillon an opportunity to win the game.

Dillon visits Columbia Falls Friday.

Homestanding Western Bulldogs fall to Eastern Oregon, 45-24

By Gary Oram

Dillon Tribune sports

The University of Montana Western Bulldogs lost a Conference football game, at home, against the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers, this past weekend--final score 45-24.

Tied at 17, with 4:14 left on the clock in the second quarter, the Mountaineers moved down the field on a offensive barrage. After a Chris Ware quarterback scramble for fifteen yards, the Bulldogs quickly called a timeout. Once play resumed, Ware hooked up to Kevin Samson, with thirty seconds on the clock, leading the Mountaineers into the locker room up by seven, at the half.

Early in the third quarter, on Montana Western's first possession of the second half, starting quarterback Micah Mamiya took a rough shot, sacked for a loss, and was eventually put out of the game with a shoulder injury.

"They think it's a slight strain, so I don't think he'll be out for that long," commented Montana Western head coach Rich Ferris.

After a quick exchange of possessions, and a Bulldog punt return out over the 40 yard line, a miscue between center and quarterback caused a Western turnover. Then, on their next possession, Western's backup, true freshman, Jeff Logan led the Bulldogs into the end zone, hooking up with Kahai Sevilla from 55 yards out. It was all Eastern Oregon from there, after Ware scrambled in with 7:34 left in the fourth, then he hooked up to Jordyn Jackson with 5:50 remaining.

In all, Western rushed for 140 yards on 37 carries, and threw for 273. While Eastern Oregon ran for 122 in 41 carries, and threw for another 338 yards.

Western punted six times while the Mountaineers punted 5; yet, with 140 yards returned after interceptions, the Mountaineers ran away from the Bulldogs.

Saturday, Sept. 19, the Bulldogs travel to Harve, where they face MSU-Northern.

"We were able to run the ball a little more, we're hopefully trying to make it a point of emphasis to pound the ball a little more than we have," said Ferris.

Western hosts golf triangular

By Gary Oram

Dillon Tribune sports

The University of Montana Western golf team hosted an 18-hole triangular tournament this past Friday at Beaverhead Golf Course, hosting Montana Tech and the University of Great Falls.

The Western men’s team shot cold at 321 and received second place, behind Montana Tech, who shot an almost clean 308. Great Falls rounded out the triangular, receiving third with a score of 339. Wes Southard of Tech, topped this category with his solo score of 73.

On the women’s side of the event, Montana Tech again topped the competition, scoring a team total of 372. Western was close on Tech’s heals however, and with a difference of seven points, the Lady Bulldogs came in at second scoring 379. Great Falls took third with a team total of 394. Nevertheless, Great Falls Argonaut, Chelsea Kenner, won the singles event with a personal score of 77 points.

There were five players on each team, but tournament directors only score the four best to calculate team totals.

“The reason we have these these little triangulars is because some schools can’t travel to some places at certain times, and it was really cheap,” commented Western coach Mike Crosser.

Next week, Western travels to Helena, where the team will compete against every team in the Frontier, during a two-day, 54-hole tournamentat Green Meadows, Sept. 21-22.

Montana Western women take early Big Sky Region lead

By Gary Oram

Dillon Tribune sports

The Bulldog rodeo team traveled to Cody, Wy, to compete in two different Big Sky Region College rodeos, hosted by Northwest College out of Powell, Wy. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, at the Cody Stampede Fairgrounds.

In the first rodeo both teams, from the University of Montana Western, took second, out of the competing schools, with the boys scoring 496 points, while the girls scored 333.

The College rodeo circuit is sort of fickle in its team scoring. All Big Sky region schools can bring as many contestants as they want. These contestants can compete for individual scoring potential in the National standings. However, it is a gambol in College rodeo, because team coaches have to pick 6 boys, and 4 women, preferably their top contestants, to compete at the event for team scoring totals, and this decision has got to be made before rodeo action begins. In other words, as Olie Else stated, "When you enter the rodeo you enter your team, 4 girls and 6 boys, and you can't change them up." So if a cowboy or cowgirl has an off day it severely affects the team's total. Because, even though Else took 54 cowboys and cowgirls to the Cody Stampede Fairgrounds, she could only use the scores of 10 of them to tally Montana Western rodeo team totals.

The top three in each event, from each region, get invited to the CNFR at the end of the year, and the top two teams get an automatic entry. Yet, with the potential of off days, or rank stock this makes it a topsy-turvy battle for College cowboys and cowgirls as rodeo teams.

As for the second rodeo, Sept, 12, in Cody. Montana Western girls downed the competition, winning the event with a team total of 303. As for the Montana Western boys, they again placed second with a score of 601.1.

Next week, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Montana Western cowboys and cowgirls travel to Harve, Mt, to compete in the MSU Northern College Rodeo, Sept. 18-21.

Dillon distance runners get ready for flatlands transition

By Dick Crockford

Dillon Tribune staff

It’s out of the hills and onto the flatlands this Saturday for the runners from Beaverhead County High.

Heading into their third weekend of competition – this time on the relatively flat course at Corvallis – the young Beavers are working this week on skills aimed at getting them from start to finish efficiently and effectively.

Cross country coach Betty Iverson says last Saturday’s Belgrade Invitational at the Bohart Ranch, high above Bozeman, gave her teams a tough workout over beautiful – but up and down – trails. She described the course, which in winter plays host to cross country skiers, as “a nice place to run,” and said the team performed well.

For the Corvallis run, Katie Hawkins, Abbi Morgan, Morgan Peterson, Emily Gary, Janet Moore, Ellen Hollifield and Alex Brammer will represent Dillon’s varsity girls.

Hawkins, a freshman, was Dillon’s top runner at the Belgrade meet, finished in 22nd place with a time of 23:38.55. The race was won by Lewistown’s Brook Rodgers, who crossed the line in 20:57.33.

From the boys’ roster, those who will run varsity at Corvallis include Tyler Kelly, Morgan Larson, Jamie Schumacher, JW Henningsen, Gabe Cleverley, Neal Jenne and Michael Wiggins.

Kicking through the finish with a time of 20.10.25, Larson, also a freshman, was lead runner for the BCHS boys at Belgrade, with Dan Osborne, Helena High, winning the event with a speedy 16.06.13. Helena High and Helena Capital tied fir first in points, with the outcome decided by the No. 6 runner for each team. Helena High prevailed.

The first runner from a Class A school to finish was Joey Vaughn of Belgrade, in 17.12.70.

The Beavers have been handicapped by sickness in the opening weeks of the season. This Saturday, Hollifield, who had an excellent season as a freshman in 2008, returns to varsity. She finished as the third runner for the girls’ junior varsity team at the Belgrade meet.

Iverson said in an interview Monday that she is pleased with the enthusiasm of her team, which features a big stable of freshmen and talented senior leadership for both the girls’ and the boys’ squads.

She said that by comparison with the Bohart course, she expects times at Corvallis to come down by virtue of the relatively level terrain there. The real key to success, she added, will be getting the runners healthy and keeping them that way.

“We have to try to get everybody healed up,” she said. With only five meets remaining in the Beavers’ schedule, another challenge for Iverson is making sure her runners focus on continual improvement with each outing.

“Everybody’s got to learn to be patient,” she said.

Lady Bulldogs drop conference home openers

By Gary Oram

Dillon Tribune sports

The Lady Bulldog volleyball squad squared off against defending Conference Champions Lewis-Clark State College, Friday, Sept. 11, then turned around Sept. 12, and faced Westminster College. Losing this pair of Conference confrontations, “You know, I think technically we can do everything that we need to do, it’s just in terms of putting it together at the right time,” commented University of Montana Western head coach Katie Howells.

Western came out against Lewis-Clark State fired up, and played tough after losing the first game. Yet, after defeating LCSC in the third, LC came out with vengeance. “We definitely had moments of great things happening, and if we could have just put it together a little bit more...” said Howells.

Coming off the near miss with LC, the Lady Bulldogs moved on to Westminster the next evening. With an initial crushing defeat, Western seemed to lose momentum, in the second game. Then in the third, behind one team captain Theresa Bennett, and team assist leader Maria Peterson, the Ladies nearly toppled Westminster. “Whenever a match, or a set, or a game is on the line, then we seem to play really well,” Howells stated, “but when we get ahead we don’t know how to play yet.”

This pair of conference matches will be followed by another conference match against Carroll College, in Helena, next Friday, Sept. 18, then a non-conference match against Rocky Mountain College, in Billings, the following day.

Sports 09-09-09

Beavs cruise to 38-7 grid win

By J.P. Plutt

Dillon Tribune staff

The Dillon Beavers cruised to a 38-7 nonconference victory at Livingston Friday evening. Typical of an early season scrum, the game illustrated both team strengthes and areas that needed attention. Dillon coach Terry Thomas felt the defensive effort smothered the Ranger attack.

"Our defense played excellent from start to finish," said the Hall of Fame coach. "We got a nice push from the defensive line, our linebackers ran to the ball real well and our secondary had tremendous coverage."

The defense limited Livingston to 203 total yards and forced seven turnovers, giving Dillon good field position throughout the evening, but an advantage the team failed to capitalize on, particularly in the first half. Dillon recovered five fumbles and made two interceptions. Senior safety Torrey Vezina recovered three fumbles by himself, a total that could be a team-high for a season in some years. He also forced a fumble. Other recoveries were made by Luke Renfree and Andy Peterson, while Toby Shepherd and Hunter Johnson accounted for the two interceptions.

"That's a sign of really good team defense and team pursuit," explained Thomas of Dillon's seven-to-one turnover advantage. "We had a lot of people on the tackles, we had a lot of people by the ball and then when we did create those turnovers we had people there to jump on them."

Dillon began the game rotating heavily on both offense and defense and by games end all 34 players that made the trip and suited up contributed to the effort. In fact, 24 players made the tackle chart.

"We tried to run almost two full units offensively and defensively," said Thomas. "Sometimes it does affact a little bit of execution, but as the kids get more comfortable and they start gaining confidence all of a sudden you have a lot of kids that can go into a big game and make plays for you."

Dillon's execution suffered at times on the offensive side of the ball, particularly inside the 20 or the "Red Zone." The Beavers came up empty on a number of scoring opportunities in the first half. The Beaver offense totaled 372 yards of offense in a balanced attack. Dillon netted 172 yards on the ground and 187 yards via the pass.

"We moved the ball well but we got bogged down a number of times in the first quarter and didn't score when we had some opportunities, but I thought the offensive line did an excellent job," said the coach. "We misfired on just a couple of passes here and there but by the time the second quarter started I thought we had our feet under us and we were executing well and then in the third quarter the kids really got after it."

Pete Walde, Dillon's senior quarterback, connected on 9-of-18 pass attempts for two touchdowns. In the early going Walde missed open receivers for potential scoring plays but after intermission ripped through Livingston with 5-of-5 accuracy and the two scores – matching 35 yard throws to Dillon's senior returning receivers Garrett Banning and Toby Shepherd.

Sophomore quarterback J.T. Linder completed 8-of-19 passes for 62 yards, a three-yard scoring toss to senior running back Evan Helle and had one interception. Senior running back Sam Parke opened Dillon's scoring in the second quarter with a five yard run, and sophomore power back Zeke Koslosky powered into the end zone from a yard out to complete Dillon's scorecard. Trevor Rehm, a senior offensive lineman and kicker, booted all five extra points and added a 29 yard field goal.

Thomas feels conditioning is an area that will have to improve as the team continues on the journey through the football season. "That is a major area we need to improve on, especially because we're a high tempo offense," stated the coach. "We need to be in great condition to run it effectively and that's something we'll have to continue to improve on through the course of the year. It's an ongoing process that we always go through."

DILLON 38, LIVINGSTON 7

Second Quarter

DIL – Sam Parke 5 run (Trevor Rehm kick) 9:39

DIL – Rehm 29 FG, 5:31.

Third Quarter

DIL – Garrett Banning 35 pass from Pete Walde (Rehm kick) 10:01

DIL – Toby Shepherd 35 pass from Walde (Rehm kick) 8:27

DIL – Evan Helle 3 pass from J.T. Linder (Rehm kick) 4:03.

Fourth Quarter

LIV – Kirshiner pass from Willy (Bisson kick) 11:00.

DIL – Zeke Koslosky 1 run (Rehm kick) 5:00.

DILLON INDIVIDUAL STATS

RUSHING – Sam Parke 9-41, Pete Walde 9-18, Evan Helle 7-48, J.T. Linder 9-40, Zeke Koslosky 4-25.

PASSING – Pete Walde 9-18-0-125-2, J.T. Linder 8-19-1-62-1.

RECEIVING – Mackenzie McGrath 4-31, Toby Shepherd 3-61, Sam parke 2-15, Garrett Banning 2-38, Evan Helle 3-(-2), Hunter Johnson 1-11.

Lady Beaver netters sweep Frenchtown, Hamilton

By J.P. Plutt

Dillon Tribune staff

Dillon’s retooled Lady Beaver volleyball program has opened the season with two conference victories, both by a 3-0 margin. Dillon traveled to Frenchtown Thursday and hosted Hamilton Saturday.

“It was definltely a great way to start the season,” said Dillon coach Megan Conrow. “The kids made some key adjustments and played hard to the very end so it was exciting.”

At Frenchtown, Dillon won the first two games, 25-20, and then rallied from behind to close out the match with a 26-24 game three win.

“Offensively, we had some tremendous sets, our setters were putting the ball where it needed to be and our hitters were putting it down on the court,” said Conrow. “Even if the block was there our coverage was doing a nice job of communicating and getting touches off th block so we could keep the ball in play.”

Jordan Ferris and Jacy Suenram knocked nine kills each. Defensive specialists keyed the back row with eight digs, while Annie Ori and Kate Ferris totaled six digs apiece. Kate Ferris added team-highs with 14 assits and three aces.

Saturday on Finny’s Court at B.W. Lodge Gym, the Lady Beavers netted a 25-22, 25-22, 25-15 win.

“It’s always a lot of nerves when you play in front of your home crowd, but overall the girls came through,” said Conrow. “The second game we were a little flat and we had a little breakdown in communication. We know that to play well we have to talk and be a unit.”

Dillon closed out the match in dominating form.

Ori and Suenram led Dillon at the net with seven and six kills, respectively. Jordan Ferris had 13 assists while her cousin Kate had nine. Ori led the team with seven digs and Emily Paffhausen ripped off seven aces to lead the service game.

“We’re getting some nice hits,” reported the coach. “We make a few adjustments with the set whether we make it a little further outside or a little further off the net and are able to get some nice swings. We might not be big but the girls are seeing the block so they’re able to get it through.”

Dillon was scheduled to play Livingston Tuesday at home before traveling to Anaconda Friday and Saturday for the Northwest versus Southwest TipOff Classic.

Dillon def. Hamilton 25-22, 25-22, 25-15

Dillon stats: Annie Ori 7 kills, 1 block assist, 7 digs, 1 ace. Kate Ferris 2 kills, 9 assists, 3 digs. Alison Jenne 2 kills, 1 block assist, 1 dig. Emily Paffhausen 4 digs, 7 aces. Katie Myllymaki 5 digs, 1 ace. Carly King 1 dig. Kasidy Fosse 3 kills. Jordan Ferris 4 kills, 13 assists, 3 digs, 2 aces. Jacy Suenram 6 kills, 2 digs, 2 aces.

Dillon def. Frenchtown 25-20, 25-20, 26-24

Dillon stats: Annie Ori 4 kills, 6 digs. Kate Ferris 4 kills, 14 assists, 6 digs, 3 aces. Katie Myllymaki 8 digs. Carly King 1 kill, 2 digs. Kasidy Fosse 6 kills. Jordan Ferris 9 kills, 10 assists, 4 digs, 2 aces. Jacy Suenream 9 kills, 3 digs, 2 aces.

Smith wins JC steer wrestling

By J.P. Plutt

Dillon Tribune staff

Jim Pat Smith of Melrose split the bulldoggin’ title with Josh Grannell of Havre to highlight the Dillon Jaycee Rodeo. Smith downed his steer in 3.7 seconds during the Sunday performance to tie Grannell and earn over $1,800 in prize money from the Jaycees. While the money was good, slappin’ one down in the family tradition was even better.

Smith’s family has been rodeo royalty in Southwestern Montana for decades making the title in the famiy specialty event a career highlight. Smith’s dad D.J., uncles Benny and Johnny Reynolds, cousin Rooster Reynolds and cousins husband Jesse Peterson have been among the finest steer wrestlers to come out of the state of Montana. The title for Jim Pat was an improvement over last year’s third place finish.

Smith’s steer ran during slack earlier Sunday morning, giving the Melrose cowboy a good scouting report. “They were 10-something on him,” said Smith. “They said he looked good and he started pretty good so it worked out.”

Jabe Anderson hazed for Smith on the run and Smith road Anderson’s bulldoggin’ horse. Smith said the arrangement throughout the summer season has worked out well.

“I’ve had pretty good luck this weekend and hopefully it carries over to tomorrow,” said Smith of his plans to make a run during slack at White Sulphur Springs Monday morning and return to Dillon in time for the Big & Rich Steer Wrestling event.

Other event winners in Dillon included Chris Timberman of Columbus in bareback, former world champions Shane Schwenke of Zortman and Mike Beers of Post, Oregon in team roping, Tyrell Smith of Vaughn in saddle bronc, Jesse bail of Camp Crook, S.D., in bull riding, Cimarron Boardman of Texas in tie down roping, and Chloe Hoovestal of Helena in barrel racing.

Dillon Jaycee Labor Day PRCA Rodeo, Sept. 5-6

Stock contractor – New West Rodeo Productions, Joliet, Mont. Announcer – Kyle Shobe. Arena secretary – Debbie Davis. Clown and Barrelman – Kevin Higfley. Bullfighters –Kelly Jennings, Mike Anderson. Pick-up men – Kelly Sheets, Billy Ward. Timers –Danni Davis, Marlo Ward. Specialty Act – Anthony Lucia. Dillon Jaycee Rodeo Chairman – Chris Reiber.

All-Around Cowboy – Bill Boyce, Lewistown.

Reg Kesler Memorial Wild Horse Race

Matt Rhinhart Memorial Sportsmanship Award – Jim Clements. Lewistown.

Two-day Average – 1, Chan Childers, Bill Holverson, Scott, Nelson, Lewistown, Total time 1:50, $150, trophy buckles, JC rodeo jackets, and bridles. 2, Travis Wickens, John Wientjes, Joe Applebaker, Roberts, Total time 1:64. $100. 3, Tyler Walker, Jessie Rhinehart, Forrest Rhinehart, Lewistown, Total time 1:64, $50. Sunday – 1, Tyler Walker, Jesse Rhinehart, Forrest Rhinehart, Lewistown, 41.20 seconds, $720. 2, Chan Childers, Bill Holverson, Scott Nelson, Lewistown, 42.30 seconds, $540. 3, Travis Wickens, John Wientjes, Joe Applebaker, Roberts, 40.20 seconds, $360. 4, Silas Smith, Guy Behrent, Bryce Newman, Dillon, 53.30 seconds, $180. Saturday – 1, Waylon Wasylciw, Shane Simons, Matt Holfer, Ranfurly, Alberta, British Columbia, 48.69 seconds, $720. 2, Jim Clements, Randall Walker, Matt Walker, Lewistown, 50.31 seconds, $540. 3, Chan Childers, Bill Holverson, Scott Nelson, Miles City, 1:08.41, $360. 4, Travis Wickens, John Wientjes, Joe Applebaker, Roberts, 1:15.00, $180.

Steer Wrestling

1/2 split, Jim Pat Smith, Melrose/Josh Granell, Havre, 3.7 seconds, $1,800.01 each. 3, Bill Boyce, Lewistown, 3.8, $1,290.57. 4/5 split, Gabe Ledoux, Kaplan, La./Tommy Cook, McAlester, Ok, 3.9, $781.13 each. 6, Olin Hannum, West Haven, Utah, 4.0, $339.62.

Bareback Riding

1, Chris Timberman, Columbus, 80 points on Quatro, $1,235.19. 2, Justin Miller, Billings, 79, $935.75. 3, Bud Tyler Munns, Snowville, UTah, 77, $673.74. 4, Troy Solomon, Havre, 73, $449.16. 5/6 split, Dale Stoller, Great Falls/John Collins, Buffalo, Wyo., 71, $224.58 each.

Team Roping

1, Shane Schwenke, Zortman/Mike Beers, Post.Ore., 5.1 seconds, $942.21 each. 2, Delon Parker, Worden/Sid Spoere, Cody, Wyo., 5.5, $779.76 each. 3, Pace Freed, Pocatello, Idaho/Lvi Piquet, Harrisville, Utah, 5.7, $617.31 each. 4/5 split, Tate Dempewolf, Boradus/Charlie Lenning, Laurel and Dillon Lufkin, Lemhi, Idaho/Carl Lufkin, Lemhi, Idaho, 6.1, $373.64 each. 6, Mark Salmond, Choteau/Sam Levine, Wolf Creek, 6.7, $162.45 each.

Saddle Bronc Riding

1, Tyrell Smith, Vaughn, 81 points on Chicken Hawk, $1,517.34. 2/3, Josh Reynolds, Corvallis, and Cody Wright, Milford, Utah, 79, $988.57 each. 4/5, Jake Hayworth, St. Anthony, Idaho, and J.J. Elshere, Quinn, S.D., 78, $436.81 each. 6, Colt Hamaker, Centennial, Wyo., 77, $229.90.

Tie Down Roping

1, Cimarron Boardman, Stephenville, Texas, 7.6 seconds, $1,556.57. 2, Kody Curry, Buna, Texas, 7.9, $1,288.20. 3/4, Justin Maass, Giddings, Texas/Justin Clay Viles, Cody, Wyo., 8.2, $885.63 each. 5, J Billingsley, Glasgow, 8.9, $483.07. 6, Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 9.2, $268.37.

Wild Cow Milking

1, Mark Boka (hazer – Brian Longie), 28.9 seconds, $393. 2, Tom Ferris (hazer –Rooster Reynolds), 2:05.00, $262. Day money: Sunday –Ferris, $150. Saturday – Boka, $150.

Barrel Racing

1, Chloe Hoovestal, Helena, 17.49 seconds, $1,191.01. 2, Theresa Walter, Billings, 17.63, $1,020.87. 3, Shelly Anzick, Livingston, 17.68, $850.72. 4, Laura McPherson, Wolf Point, 17.71, $737.29. 5, Julie James, Pindale, Wyo., 17.79, $567.15. 6, Ryana Rice, Sidney, 17.93, $453.72. 7, Mandy Hamilton, Manhattan, 17.95, $340.29. 8, Annie Novotny, Helena, 18.02, $226.86. 9, Lauren Viles, Cody, Wyo., 18.03, $170.14. 10, Lindsay Knaff, Winston, 18.04, $113.43.

Bull Riding

1, Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D., 79 points on Sponge Bob, $1,838.44. 2, Justin Bailey, Cuister, 76, $1,479.72. 3, Matt Aipperspach, Ronan, 68, $1,165.84. Day money: Sunday – Jesse Bail, $770. Saturday – not available.

UMW netters post 1-3 mark on road

By Gary Oram,

Dillon Tribune sports

The University of Montana Western volleyball team traveled to Mitchell, South Dakota, this past week, and played in a tournament hosted by Dakota Wesleyan.

In their first match, the Lady Bulldogs lost, 3-0, to Dickinson State, a team Western had defeated in Billings' Fortin Center, only a week earlier.

In a play-reversal, Western turned up the heat defeating South Dakota Mines in their second match, 3-1. This defeat was short lived, because on the following day, Sept. 5, Western faced tournament host Dakota Wesleyan and lost decisively, 0-3, then followed up, later that afternoon, again losing, this time to Black Hills, 0-3.

At present, the Lady Bulldogs are sitting 4-5, as they await their first home appearance of 2009 against defending Frontier Conference champs, Lewis-Clark State, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m.

Western drops opener to Tech

By Gary Oram,

Dillon Tribune sports

The University of Montana Western football team, lost a pivotal season opening, Conference, confrontation to Montana Tech, Saturday, August, 5, 42-28.

This game was played in memory of former Montana Western linebacker Zac Marold, who tragically ended his own life in January, and Michael Guelff a former wide receiver, who died in a car crash, after his vehicle veered from I-15 several miles north of Dillon, just one day before Western hit the practice fields.

"We didn't play very good," said Bulldog head coach Rich Ferris.

This was Tech's second game of the season. Nevertheless, after both teams initial offensive attempts ended in punts, Western matched the Orediggers score for score on their next two possessions. A Bulldog special teams turn over led Tech into the locker room up, 21-14 at the half.

With momentum, coming out of the locker room, Tech ran away in the third quarter, chalking up 21 points to enter the fourth, 42-14. However, Western's fourth quarter ethic outlasted the Orediggers, and Bulldog defensive strategy held their opponents scoreless during this period.

Montana Western Quarterback, Michah Mamiya, completed 28 passes out of 47 attempts, while being sacked 4 times. Wide receivers Craigh Cornelius and Colton Woods both scored 2 touchdowns. Cornelius led the Bulldogs offensive battery with 168 yards, after he and Mamiya hooked up for a game best of 69.

On the ground it wasn't as lucrative for the Bulldogs. Charlie Dotson, "Chucky D," the Bulldog battering ram from the backfield, only made a net gain of 15 yards on his 3 carries. As Jordon Clary, who carried the ball 6 times, racked up 18 yards.

Overall the Bulldogs remained in the negative numbers rushing, while the Orediggers rushed for 240 yards in this lop-sided battle. As for statistics, the final Bulldog count was 308 yards in the air, to the Orediggers' 213.

"There's a big difference between knowing you're going to win and hoping you're going to win. We gotta know we're going to win the next game," stated head coach Rich Ferris.

Montana Western hosts Eastern Oregon Saturday, , at 1 p.m.

BCHS cross country heads to Bridger for Belgrade Invite

By Dick Crockford

Dillon Tribune staff

Youth will step up to bolster experience this Saturday when the Dillon Beavers head to the Bridger Mountains for the Belgrade Invitational cross country meet.

Coach Betty Iverson says freshmen and new runners who performed well at last Friday’s Birch Creek invite will help fill the ranks for the boys’ and girls’ teams for this weekend’s races, which will be run at the Bohart Ranch cross country ski course north of Bozeman.

“We have a couple of kids taking ACTs next Saturday so that will change who is on varsity,” Iverson said in a telephone interview Monday. She will be missing seniors Neal Jenne and Claire Larson, who will be taking their college entrance exams.

Filling out the girls’ varsity roster for the Belgrade meet will be freshmen Katie Hawkins, Morgan Peterson and Samantha Zetler, along with sophomore Abbi Morgan, juniors Alex Brammer and Kaydee Coon, and senior Emily Gary.

On the boys’ team for Beaverhead County High School will be freshman Morgan Larson, sophomores Pete Mitchell, Michael Wiggins and Gab Cleverly, junior Jamie Schumacher and seniors Tyler Kelly and JW Henningsen.

Hawkins was the lead runner for the Dillon girls last week at the Beavers’ own Birch Creek run, taking sixth with a time of 23:43. The race was won by Olivia Woods, a freshman from Anaconda, who blistered the course in 21:04.

Anaconda won the girls’ event with a score of 41, with Dillon second at 54. Corvallis and Whitehall were represented but did not have enough runners for team scores

Other scoring runners for Dillon were Morgan, ninth in 24:47; Brammer, 12th in 26:25; Peterson, 13th in 26:28; and Gary, 14th in 26:36. Although not scoring, close behind and in pack were Claire Larson, 15th, 26:40; Coon, 16th, 27:34; and Zetler, 17th, 27:58.

Jenne’s time of 18:56 was good enough for third place behind Corvallis’s Chris Jessop and Colby Henderson, respectively, in the boys’ event. Corvallis won the team honors, and the Beavers were second, with Whitehall.

Supporting Jenne were Kelly, seventh, 20:06; Schumacher, 11th, 20:18.54; Larson, 12th, 20:18.97; and Henningsen, 13th, 20:22. As with the Dillon girls, non-scoring runners were right behind in consecutive finish: Pete Mitchell, 15th, 20:27; Michael Wiggins, 16th, 20:37; Gabe Cleverley, 17th, 20:44; and Cody Mitchell, 18th, 21:13. 22,

Birch Creek Invitational

Girls team scores — 1, Anaconda (AHS), 41. 2, Dillon (BCHS), 54. Whitehall (WHS), no score, Corvallis (CHS), no score.

Girls individual results – 1, Olivia Wood, AHS, 21:04. 2, Annie Jessop, CHS, 22:33. 3, Ashley Todd, WHS, 22:34. 4, Dana Anderson, AHS, 22:36. 5, Megan Auch, CHS, 23:40. 6, Katie Hawkins, BCHS, 23:43. 7, Caitlin Sullivan, AHS, 24:20. 8, Heather Handy, CHS, 24:27. 9, Abbi Morgan, BCHS, 24:47. 10, Sage Gustesson, WHS, 25:39.

11, Hayleigh Garrett, AHS, 26:05. 12, Alex Brammer, BCHS, 26:25. 13, Morgan Peterson, BCHS, 26:28. 14, Emily Gary, BCHS, 26:36. 15, Claire Larson, BCHS, 26:40. 16, Kaydee Coon, BCHS, 27:34. 17, Samantha Zetler, BCHS, 27:58. 18, Shelby Belford, AHS, 28:48. 19, Carleigh Garrett, AHS, 28:50. 20, Janet Moore, BCHS, 29:07.

21, Sari Breitenfeldt, WHS, 30:04. 22, Rachel Schaefer, AHS, 30:15. 23, Haley Tocher, AHS, 31:49. 24, Kjersti Walund, AHS, 32:27. 25, Katie Thornton, BCHS, 32:30. 26, Michael Tracy, AHS, 32:38. 27, Liz Dempsy, AHS, 33:44.

Boys team scores — 1, Corvallis (CHS), 18. 2, Dillon (BCHS), 46. 3, Anaconda (AHS), 71. 4, Whitehall (WHS), 124.

Boys individual results – 1, Chris Jessop, CHS, 18:21. 2, Colby Henderson, CHS, 18:22. 3, Neal Jenne, BCHS, 18:56. 4, Spencer Fehr, CHS, 19:20. 5, Fisher Elliot, CHS, 19:48. 6, Chase Stoker , CHS, 19:49. 7, Tyler Kelly, BCHS, 20:06. 8, Jered Woyd, AHS, 20:10. 9, Cramer Clark, AHS, 20:16. 10, Devan Williams, CHS, 20:18.

11, Jamie Schumacher, BCHS, 20:18.54. 12, Morgan Larson, BCHS, 20:18.97. 13, JW Henningsen, BCHS, 20:22. 14, Cody Duckets, AHS, 20:26. 15, Pete Mitchell, BCHS, 20:27. 16, Michael Wiggins, BCHS, 20:37. 17, Gabe Cleverley, BCHS, 20:44. 18, Cody Mitchell, BCHS, 21:13. 19, Matt Badish, AHS, 21:19. 20, Travis Bolz , WHS, 21:32.

21, Michael Westphal, AHS, 21:53. 22, Matt Albrecht, BCHS, 21:56. 23, Nathan Hulet, BCHS, 22:28. 24, Sylvis Robertson, WHS, 22:34. 25, Clark Modilac, WHS, 23:28. 26, Rio Weber, BCHS, 23:40. 27, Brady Murphy, WHS, 23:56. 28, Barrett McQuiston, WHS, 24:32. 29, Bobby Smollack, AHS, 24:38. 30, Joey Paglearo, AHS, 24:50.

31, Juan Hernandez, BCHS, 24:53. 32, Austin Belford, AHS, 25:01. 33, Nathan Stadley, AHS, 25:35. 34, Eric Jorganson, AHS, 26:02. 35, Tito Guillen, BCHS, 26:54. 36, Ean Hensley, AHS, 28:05. 37, Kyle Burgess, BCHS, 33:34.

Sports 08-26-09

Tandem twirlers

A team roping duo attempts to drop the flag on a steer during Sunday action at the Wrangler Team Roping Championship. The two-day event featured 1,200 entries. Gary Oram photo

Wrangler team roping draws 1,200 entries, awards $80,000

By Gary Oram

Dillon Tribune sports

The South West Wrangler team roping championships got underway in Harry Andrus Arena, at the Beaverhead County Fairgrounds, Aug. 22, and spilled over into Aug. 23.

With about $80,000.00 worth of prizes and prestige on the line, ropers from all over North America competed against the elements to become known as the elite. Following Wrangler Team Roping Championships format #2, there were about 1,200 entrants in this function, which played host to eight different categories of roper.

Since the Andrus Arena is primarily a rodeo arena, and it’s not set up to for jackpot roping, function facilitators burnt up about five hours Friday afternoon closing it in with stock panels in order to make it more applicable to team roping standards. “This is a harder place to set up. But, it was alright, just a day’s work and we were ready to go,” said event leader Dennis Tryan.

Roping started both days at 10 a.m. and ended when all the scheduled ropers got their go at the rounds. With only 20 teams back in each short go, prizes included: 2 Trophy Cactus Saddles, 10 Trophy Breast Collars, 2 Team Equine Pads, 2 Trophy Sweatshirts, 2 Trophy Jackets, 2 Crooked Stirrups, 2 Rope Contacts, and 4 Montana Silversmith Buckles.

With the Dillon Jaycee Labor Day rodeo just two weekends away the WTRC wanted to come into Dillon before Montana’s Biggest Weekend, and chose Aug. 22-23 for many reasons. “A lot of the local cowboys wanted us to come here,” said Tryan, “and we finally did, and we’re glad we did. Everybody’s been good to work with, the city has been real receptive, you know it’s a cowboy town as far as Montana goes.”

The Dillon Jaycee PRCA rodeo is scheduled for Sept. 5 and 6. Rodeo action gets underway Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Results: #9– Average champions Tim Chadwick/Rod Lyman, 31.57 seconds, $594. #8 – Average champions Bridger Chambers/Grey Chadwick, 32.13 seconds, $758. #7 –Average champions, Tim Guest/John Vermedahl, 30.18 seconds, $1,128. SENIOR #6 – Average champions John Strub/Duane Shelhamer, 28.82 seconds, $793. #6 –Average champions John Strub/Levi Britton, 37.96 seconds, $1,013. #5 – Average champions –Cody Craig/Bob Griffith, 24.78 seconds, $2,001. #4/#3 INCENTIVE – Average champions Carson King/Race King, 23.42 seconds, $981. ALL GIRL – Average champions Rhonda Schuchard/Ronni Nace, 37.03 seconds, $536

Dawgs building towards opener with Montana Tech

By Gary Oram,

Dillon Tribune sports

The University of Montana Western Bulldog football squad held an unofficial scrimmage, Thursday, August 20, on the practice field behind Campus facilities.

“We had about 120 plays. We did some 8 play drives. We did some situational stuff: some 3d and 8, some 3d and 6, some 3d and 3, and 3d and 1. And, we did some Red Dawg,” commented head coach Rich Ferris.

At present it looks like Ferris will have Mike Moefu, at left tackle, Stetson Spooner, at left guard, Hone Roback, as center, Andrew Marcure, at right tackle, and Brandon Heine, at right guard. This is of course still un-official in itself, because coach Ferris also mentions other names he has been looking at.

Behind the line, Micah Mamiya is still Western’s no. 1 quarterback, even after a thumb injury on his throwing hand put him out of practice for a week or so. On offensive strategy Mamiya said, “I think we’re running a little bit more this season.”

Backing up Mamiya is Jeff Logan, a true Freshman from Graham Kapowsin High School in Washington. When asked if practicing without his starting quarterback was hurting the team, head coach Ferris stated, “I don’t know that Jeff he’s doing good. He’s got them things to learn.”

At nineteen, Logan is a Physical Education major with hopes of becoming a college football coach himself. “I got a lot of people on the team that are willing to help me out, pick me up, and they’re kind of leading the way,” said Logan when questioned whether stepping up to the college ranks and being thrown into the practice mix as the no. 2 man was bringing him down.

DFL signup opens

The Dillon Football League Kids: Flag Football opened for registration today. The league, for boys and girls ages preschool through eighth grade, will kickoff the 12th season when games begin Sept. 19.

Registration forms are available at Dillon schools and at the Dillon Tribune. The fee is $15 per player with a $30 family maximum and a discreet scholarship program. No players are turned away. A year ago over 360 players competed on 39 different teams in four separate divisions.

For more information call J.P. Plutt at the Dillon Tribune (683-2331).

UMW rodeo will make a mark

By Gary Oram,

Dillon Tribune sports

The University of Montana Western Rodeo Team spurs into action Sept. 5-6 in Cody, Wyo.

"I'm going to have a good team," commented rodeo coach Olie Else. "I've got a lot of young kids; I've got a lot of seasoned kids."

Like golf and equestrian at Montana Western, rodeo started with the first day of class. However, because of conflict the team held its first meeting on Tuesday, when team members and coaches got squared away on the details and the team’s practice schedule. Since Else has a large number of rodeo members, and most travel with coach and horse trailer, parking issues seem to plague them in the smaller arenas.

"We're spread at different arenas, it's just kind of whoever will put up with us all over town," Else said.

Coming back this year, for his fifth season, is Montana Western cowboy Taylor Narhgang. College regulations dictate that a student can only rodeo for four years. However, every year a student is elected to represent the Montana Big Sky Region on the National Collegiate Board. Each student that is chosen is awarded a fifth year, and Narhgang was this year’s elected representative. Unfortunately for UMW, Nahrgang will compete as an independent entry and his points won’t go toward Western’s team total.

Along with his election in the Big Sky Region, Taylor was also elected as President of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

Willet sets record at Sleepy Hollow

Dillon’s Phil Willett set a new nine-hole course record at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course Aug. 20. Willett fired a round totaling 23 strokes breaking Jon Allen’s standing record of 24 on the par-28 layout. Willett’s scorecard inlcuded six birdies, two pars and one bogey.

Witnessing the record round were Clint Rouse, Tom Bramlette, Blake Huntley, Rick Nield, Max Nield, and Ken Smith.