1. Thoughts on the Class AA proposal to eliminate divisionals for basketball and volleyball?
John Letasky: As a sports enthusiast, I have mixed feelings about it. If it’s due to financial constraints and budget cuts in schools, then there may not be much to argue about.
Jeff Welsch: Given the increasing financial challenges and the threat to public education, I believe this could just be the beginning of such changes.
Jake Iverson: This is just one of the many consequences of society’s neglect of investing in education.
Chris Peterson: While I understand the reasoning behind it, it’s still unfortunate for the students.
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Briar Napier: It’s regrettable, but given the continuous rise in education costs and the inevitability of long travel in Montana, it might be the most practical decision.
2. How much stock do you put in the state Gatorade awards?
John Letasky: I consider them quite prestigious. The Gatorade award is a significant honor, and it usually seems that the deserving candidate wins. Even if there are disagreements, it makes for good sports discussions.
Jeff Welsch: Given the frequency of stories we publish featuring “Gatorade,” it’s evident they have mastered the art of marketing. Do the winners receive a lifelong supply of the color of their choice?
Jake Iverson: Back in 2001, Joe Mauer won a national award, and soon he will be inducted into Cooperstown. That speaks volumes about the credibility of such awards.
Chris Peterson: While I appreciate the award, I believe the selection process could be improved.
Briar Napier: This award is typically associated with top-tier athletes in a sport, and 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: Off the top of my head, nothing comes close locally. It would have been an exhilarating game to witness, experiencing the highs and lows and the sheer craziness of the moment. A walk-off win by two points is simply unbelievable.
Jeff Welsch: I recall my college team, Arizona State, squandering an eight-point lead to UCLA in the final nine seconds back in 1979, so yes, I’ve witnessed similar dramatic finishes.
Jake Iverson: On a less positive note, how about the Billings Mustangs allowing the Missoula PaddleHeads to score 7 runs in the top of the 9th inning last Friday? A game-changer in the Pioneer League.
Chris Peterson: Scoring twelve points in nine seconds is truly remarkable. Reminds me of Reggie Miller scoring eight points in a matter of seconds at the Garden to defeat the Knicks.
Briar Napier: As a Mizzou alum, I’ve witnessed my fair share of bizarre and chaotic losses in football, which brings back some painful 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 resonate well in the rodeo world.
Jeff Welsch: It’s hard to beat Tuff Hedeman facing off against his arch-rival bull Bodacious, but names like Flint Rasmussen epitomize the essence of rodeo.
Jake Iverson: Saying J.B. Mauney’s name feels like you’re announcing a rodeo event. Try it. It just doesn’t work in a quiet conversation.
Chris Peterson: The name Bushwacker, a famous bull, seems perfectly suited for the rodeo.
Briar Napier: Kaique Pacheco, known for being “The Ice Man,” has one of my favorite nicknames 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: Although I wouldn’t call it the best, the Swiss mushroom burger from the recently closed Bull Mountain Grille in Billings was outstanding. It’s a shame to see such a local gem close down.
Jeff Welsch: During our travels for the “Backroads & Byways of Montana” guidebook, we encountered over 100 eateries claiming to have the best burger. One that stands out is the Park Grove Bar & Grill near Fort Peck.
Jake Iverson: While exploring the Southeast Montana Burger Trail, the best burger I had was at BW’s in Hysham (Vaquero’s in Wibaux is also impressive). For a burger with great ambiance, I’d go for a pepperjack Stang Burger at Dehler Park any day.
Chris Peterson: I’d recommend Naps in Hamilton or any Five Guys for a top-notch burger experience.
Briar Napier: The bone marrow butter burger at Stacked in Billings reigns supreme. Special mention to the Hell Creek Bar in Jordan for their BBQ bacon burger that makes me want to revisit Garfield County.
