1. Thoughts on the Class AA proposal to eliminate divisionals for basketball and volleyball?
John Letasky: As a sports person, I don’t particularly support it. However, if the reason is due to funding issues and necessary school budget cuts, there isn’t much room for argument.
Jeff Welsch: With financial challenges increasing and public education being undermined by certain groups, I believe this is just the beginning of such changes.
Jake Iverson: This is another consequence of society not prioritizing investment in education.
Chris Peterson: While I understand the reasons behind it, it’s still unfortunate for the kids involved.
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Briar Napier: It’s unfortunate, but in an unwinnable situation where education costs continue to grow and long travel isn’t going away in Montana, it may be the best course of action.
2. How much stock do you put in the state Gatorade awards?
John Letasky: I believe they are quite prestigious. The Gatorade award is notable, and it seems that the selection committee usually makes the right choice. Even if there’s disagreement, it sparks good conversations among sports fans.
Jeff Welsch: Given the high number of stories we write mentioning “Gatorade,” it’s clearly a masterful marketing strategy. I wonder if the winners receive a lifetime supply of Gatorade in their preferred color?
Jake Iverson: Joe Mauer, a past winner of a nationwide award, is set to enter Cooperstown in a few weeks. That speaks volumes about the credibility of such awards.
Chris Peterson: While I appreciate the award, I believe there is room for improvement in the selection process.
Briar Napier: The Gatorade award is often associated with recognizing top-tier players in a sport, and the banner that 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: Off the top of my head, I can’t recall a more intense finish locally. I would have loved to witness that game to experience the excitement and unpredictability of those final moments. A walk-off deuce is truly unbelievable.
Jeff Welsch: I remember my college team, Arizona State, blowing an eight-point lead to UCLA with just nine seconds remaining back in 1979, so yes, I can relate to such wild finishes.
Jake Iverson: On a different note, how about the Billings Mustangs allowing their cross-state rival Missoula PaddleHeads to score 7 runs in the top of the 9th last Friday? It was a major momentum shift in the Pioneer League.
Chris Peterson: Scoring twelve points in nine seconds is quite remarkable. It’s reminiscent of Reggie Miller’s scoring outburst in a matter of seconds to beat the Knicks at the Garden.
Briar Napier: As a Mizzou alum, I’ve experienced my fair share of chaotic football losses, so this question brings back some 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: Names like Jess Lockwood and Lisa Lockhart have a nice ring to them in the rodeo world.
Jeff Welsch: It’s hard to top the intensity of Tuff Hedeman facing off against his rival bull Bodacious. Also, no name embodies rodeo quite like Flint Rasmussen.
Jake Iverson: Try saying the name J.B. Mauney without feeling like you’re a rodeo announcer. It just doesn’t work in a casual conversation setting.
Chris Peterson: The name Bushwacker, a famous bull, fits perfectly for the rodeo scene.
Briar Napier: Kaique Pacheco stands out to me, especially with his nickname “The Ice Man,” which is one of my favorites in the sport.
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: While I can’t claim it was the absolute best, the recently closed Bull Mountain Grille in Billings served a fantastic Swiss mushroom burger. It’s a shame to see such a local gem close its doors.
Jeff Welsch: During our travels for the “Backroads & Byways of Montana” guidebook, we encountered over 100 joints claiming to have the best burger. One standout was the humble Park Grove Bar & Grill near Fort Peck.
Jake Iverson: Throughout my journey on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail, the best burger I had was at BW’s in Hysham (with Vaquero’s in Wibaux as a close contender). But for a burger with great ambiance, I’d opt for a pepperjack Stang Burger at Dehler Park any night.
Chris Peterson: Naps in Hamilton or any Five Guys location would be my top choices for the best hamburger in Montana.
Briar Napier: The bone marrow butter burger from Stacked in Billings reigns supreme. I also have to give a shoutout to the BBQ bacon burger at Hell Creek Bar in Jordan; it’s so good that I’d return to teeny Garfield County just for it.