1. Thoughts on the Class AA proposal to eliminate divisionals for basketball and volleyball?
John Letasky: As a sports person, I’m not entirely in favor of it. However, if budget cuts are necessary due to funding issues, there may not be much to debate.
Jeff Welsch: Given the increasing financial challenges and the threats to public education, I see this as just the beginning of similar actions.
Jake Iverson: It’s another example of the consequences of underinvestment in education in our society.
Chris Peterson: While I understand the reasons behind it, it’s still tough on the kids.
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Briar Napier: It’s regrettable, but given the ongoing rise in education costs and the persistent long travel distances in Montana, it might be the most practical course of action.
2. How much stock do you put in the state Gatorade awards?
John Letasky: I consider them quite prestigious. The Gatorade award is a commendable recognition, and the selection of winners often seems appropriate. Even if there are disagreements, it’s a good topic for sports discussions.
Jeff Welsch: The amount of media coverage with “Gatorade” in it indicates some exceptional marketing. Do the winners get a lifetime supply of their chosen color?
Jake Iverson: When Joe Mauer won a national award in 2001, and is now headed to Cooperstown, it speaks volumes about the credibility of such awards.
Chris Peterson: I appreciate the award, but I believe the selection process could be improved.
Briar Napier: The Gatorade award is often associated with top-tier athletes in a sport. Plus, the banner the winner’s school receives is quite impressive.
3. Can you think of a wilder recent finish than the Billings Outlaws scoring 12 points in the final nine seconds for a win on June 22?
John Letasky: Locally, nothing immediately comes to mind. That game must have been quite an experience with its dramatic twists and turns. A last-second victory is truly unbelievable.
Jeff Welsch: I remember my college team, Arizona State, blowing an eight-point lead to UCLA with nine seconds left back in 1979, so yes, crazier things have happened.
Jake Iverson: On a different note, the Billings Mustangs allowing the Missoula PaddleHeads to score 7 runs in the top of the 9th inning last Friday was a significant shift in power in the Pioneer League.
Chris Peterson: Scoring twelve points in nine seconds is quite remarkable, reminiscent of Reggie Miller’s quick scoring spree against the Knicks.
Briar Napier: As a Mizzou alum, I’ve witnessed some chaotic football losses, so this question brings back unpleasant memories.
4. Sage Newman just sounds like the name of a star rodeo athlete. What is another can’t-miss rodeo name?
John Letasky: Jess Lockwood and Lisa Lockhart have names that roll off the tongue in the rodeo world.
Jeff Welsch: It’s hard to beat Tuff Hedeman facing off against his rival bull Bodacious, but names like Flint Rasmussen embody the essence of rodeo.
Jake Iverson: Saying J.B. Mauney’s name gives you the feeling of being a rodeo announcer. It just doesn’t work in quiet conversations.
Chris Peterson: The name “Bushwacker” for a famous bull seems perfectly suited for the rodeo world.
Briar Napier: Kaique Pacheco has a memorable nickname in the sport with “The Ice Man”.
5. With the ‘King of Burgers’, Jake Iverson, in this week’s Five on Five, where can you get the best hamburger in Montana?
John Letasky: Although I wouldn’t claim it as the best, the now-closed Bull Mountain Grille in Billings served a fantastic Swiss mushroom burger. It’s a shame to see such local establishments shutting down.
Jeff Welsch: During our travels for the “Backroads & Byways of Montana” guidebook, over 100 places boasted about having the best burger. Standouts include the Park Grove Bar & Grill near Fort Peck.
Jake Iverson: Among the Southeast Montana Burger Trail, BW’s in Hysham and Vaquero’s in Wibaux stood out, but for a burger with an atmosphere, the pepperjack Stang Burger at Dehler Park wins any night.
Chris Peterson: Naps in Hamilton or any Five Guys would be my top picks.
Briar Napier: The bone marrow butter burger from Stacked in Billings reigns supreme for me. And a shoutout to the BBQ bacon burger at Hell Creek Bar in Jordan, a place I’d gladly return to Garfield County for.
