BUTTE — The word ‘family’ is often heard and emphasized within the Montana Tech football program.
This word can be seen on team apparel and is one of the hashtags used on the Orediggers’ team social media posts.
For the Torgerson brothers — Kody, Kyle, and Levi — it is truly a family affair.
Kyle, a senior, and Levi, a junior, both play as wide receivers for Tech. Kody is the Diggers’ defensive end/edge coach, transitioning from being a wide receiver for the team after medically retiring and joining the coaching staff in 2021.
As Kyle prepares for his final season, the 2024 campaign is expected to be the last time the Torgerson brothers are united in pursuing the same goal as part of the same team.
They are savoring every moment of it.
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“Being out here with these guys is incredibly special. It’s not common to see brothers on the same team, with one being a coach,” Levi shared. “We’re excited about one last ride together.”
Prior to last year, the Torgersons had never been part of the same team. Due to their age differences, no more than two of them were on the same team during their high school athletic careers at Great Falls High.
Levi had not played football at Tech before last season. Injuries in the Diggers’ wide receiver group, including Kyle missing most of the 2023 season, led Levi to join the football team while also playing as a point guard for the Tech basketball team. He had a successful first football season since his senior year with the Bison in 2020, with 28 catches for 428 yards and three touchdowns.
Both Kyle and Levi are entering this season in good health, and with Kody on the sidelines, the three brothers are cherishing the opportunity to be together on a Tech squad aiming for a second consecutive year of making the NAIA playoffs.
“There’s no one else I’d rather be with,” Kyle expressed. “We do everything together both on and off the field, and they both provided a lot of support for me last year. It’s truly special.”
As the eldest, Kody has always taken on the big brother role. Now, he serves as a brother and a coach simultaneously.
“I’m the coach on the field, but off the field, they’re my brothers,” Kody mentioned. “When one of them scores a touchdown or makes a big play, I’m the loudest cheerleader up in the press box.”
“It’s amazing to see my two younger brothers out there.”
Sports have always been at the core of the Torgerson brothers’ close relationship. All three have achieved successes in football, basketball, and track since their high school days.
They have consistently supported each other throughout their athletic journeys, making the effort to attend each other’s games around Montana.
Even now, the trio continues to fuel their competitive spirit by spending leisure time together on the golf course.
“Sports has always been a focal point,” Levi affirmed. “We are fairly competitive in everything we do.”
While the brothers enjoy sharing this chapter of their lives in Butte, perhaps no one relishes it more than their parents, Brion — who once played football at Tech himself — and Tammy.
According to the brothers, their parents never miss a game.
“They are here for about nine months out of the year,” Kody joked.
“They attend every single game. They are our biggest supporters, without a doubt,” Levi added.
Having two Torgersons on the field may pose challenges for opposing teams in 2024. After only participating in the Diggers’ final two games last year, Kyle — a second team All-Conference player in 2022 — is gearing up for his final season.
With Levi heading into his second year with the team following a brief break from football, the two brothers are excited to share the field once more.
“Last year was tough,” Kyle recalled. “Of course, I wanted to be out there with my little brother. But lining up in the slot together has been enjoyable. I believe it enhances our offense.”
Tech’s players and coaches have fully embraced the ‘family’ philosophy. For the Torgerson brothers, the significance runs deeper.
Gavin Derkatch is a sports reporter for the Montana Standard. Follow him on Twitter @GDerkatch or email him gavin. derkatch@406mtsports.com
