Montana Kaimin, February 10, 2021

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This Newspaper is brought to you for free and open access by the Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM) at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Montana Kaimin, 1898-present by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. MONTANAMONTANA KAIMINKAIMIN DDatingating inin thethe pandemic LoveLove inin the time of coronacorona StoryStory byby ClariseClarise LarsonLarson DesignDesign byby MaKaylaMaKayla O’NeilO’Neil

NewsNews ReviewReview SportsSports NoNo moremore FooFoo fighters fighters keepkeep GrizGriz basketball basketball plasticplastic bagsbags itit consistent consistent splitssplits VolumeVolume 123 123 PagePage 6 6 PagePage 12 12 PagePage 14 14 IssueIssue No. No. 19, 19, FebruaryFebruary 10, 10, 2021 2021 Kiosk Kaimin Editorial

Cover Design MaKayla O’Neil The Montana Kaimin is a weekly independent student newspaper at the University of Montana. The Kaimin office A stepping-stone toward ‘personal responsibility’ and the University of Montana are located on land originally FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA inhabited by the Salish People. Kaimin is a derivative of a Salish There is an apparent air of irony floating residents from what the lawsuits claim to be responsibility and away from impractical The suggested solution: Two masks. What language word, “Qe‘ymin,” that is pronounced kay-MEEN and For comments, corrections or letters to in from Helena: “Big government bad, big caused by negligent care. government mandates,” Gianforte said in the now, Greg? means “book,” “message” or “paper that brings news.” Montana Kaimin the editor, contact government will save economy.” It is not up to this editorial to decide the address. It is unfortunate how extremely politicized [email protected] But it’s all about personal responsibility, legality of this suit, but SB 65 could potential- So the hill to die on has been established: a simple precautionary step has become, but right? ly make this case—and cases like it—moot, Masks vs. personal responsibility. Masks act here we are. Coronavirus spreads primarily EDITORIAL STAFF NEWSROOM STAFF or call (406) 243-4310. The newly patched-up Senate Bill 65—or leaving these families in pain and without like hand sanitizer for your face, personal through droplets released through breathing, the “COVID-19 Liability Bill”—that has made answers. responsibility is the tire fire that spreads masks stop those droplets. Personal respon- EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NEWS REPORTERS COPY EDITORS @montanakaimin For advertising opportunities, contact its way to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk would But the stepping-stone aspect of this bill COVID-19 with wanton, reckless abandon. sibility is taking out the trash, not putting Erin Sargent Jacob Owens Zandria DuPuis prohibit any forms of legal action against is undeniable. The statewide mask man- Mask mandates have worked. According another person’s life into the hands of people Mariah Thomas Alicia McAlpine [email protected] or call (406) 243-6541. businesses revolving around the coronavirus. date enacted by former Gov. Steve Bullock to a study conducted by MIT in August: Had who can’t take out the trash, but will be BUSINESS MANAGER Grace Carr Luke Nicholson This bill is like a prequel: The real storyline is could be gone. Soon, or at least according to there been a nationwide mask mandate in damned if they have to wear a mask. Cassandra Williams Allie Wagner the imminent removal of the statewide mask Gianforte’s mask mandate rollback checklist. April, deaths would have been 40% lower in DESIGNERS @MontanaKaimin mandate. A bill like SB 65 protecting businesses from June. In a report released by the CDC Feb. SPORTS EDITOR SPORTS REPORTERS Isabella Musgrove And just like many prequels, the bill isn’t COVID-19 liability is a major box about to be 5, using data gathered from March to Oct. – Alex Miller Jack Marshall John Orzechowski McKenna Johnson necessarily horrible—it’s just not that great. checked off on that list. 2020, hospitalization rates from COVID-19 Arts & Culture / Opinion editor MaKayla O’Neil There have been a handful of lawsuits in In his State of the State address on Jan. 28, decreased by over 5% when mask mandates NEWS EDITOR ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS Olivia Swant-Johnson Montana leveled against businesses through- Gianforte remarked at how large of a step were implemented. Mazana Boerboom Clarise Larson out the pandemic; ranging from the foursome forward toward “personal responsibility” SB But guess what, gang? There is now an Like it? Hate it? Wish we were dead? Meghan Jonas CARTOONIST of restaurants in Kalispell, to a few against 65 is. even more contagious variant of COVID-19 email us your opinions at ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Haley Yarborough Cooper Malin nursing homes in the state. The nursing home “I look forward to getting SB 65 to my from the U.K. that is tearing its way through [email protected] Alex Miller lawsuits, specifically against the Whitefish desk so we can take that critical step toward the U.S. And it is most prevalent in Florida, MULTIMEDIA STAFF OFFICE ASSISTANTS Care and Rehabilitation Center, are directly getting Montana safely open for business, a state with little to no restrictionsWeek in place of 2/8/21 - 2/14/21 FEATURES EDITOR Liam McCollum Christine Compton linked to the COVID-19 related deaths of moving towards incentives and personal regarding mask usage. Addie Slanger Matt Tryan Maura Lynch Zach Meyer MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Antonio Ibarra ADVISERS Claire Shinner Sarah Mosquera Geoff McGhee Lukas Prinos Jason Begay DESIGN EDITOR Kennedy Delap Feature Photo: First Friday Griffen Smith DIGITAL EDITOR/COPY CHIEF SUDOKU Edited by Margie E. Burke Andrea Halland Difficulty: Medium HOW TO SOLVE: 4 9 5 3 Each row must contain the KAIMIN COMIC numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and 9 2 6 each set of 3 by 3 boxes must 3 1 5 7 contain the numbers 1 to 9. Answers to Last Week’s Sudoku: 2 5 8 1 4 5 6 2 9 7 8 3 7 1 2 9 3 5 8 7 6 1 4 8 7 6 4 1 3 2 9 5 9 3 5 7 2 9 1 8 4 6 6 9 6 8 3 5 4 1 2 7 4 1 2 7 6 8 3 5 9 5 8 5 8 4 1 7 6 9 3 2 4 7 1 3 7 3 1 9 4 2 5 6 8 Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate 6 2 9 8 3 5 4 7 1

Viewers take in Zootown Community Art Center’s First Friday art gallery in on Feb. 5. Patricia Thornton, the gallery director, said First Fridays before COVID-19 “were like gangbusters,” bringing in over 1,000 viewers compared to only 30 now. KENNEDY DELAP | MONTANA KAIMIN COOPER MALIN| MONTANA KAIMIN

2 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 3

Kiosk Kaimin Editorial

2 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 3

Week of 2/8/21 - 2/14/21

Briefs & Blotter The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke Horoscope 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 Briefs: Gun legislation passes, Indigenous Peoples’ Day and entrepreneurship 17 18 19 of color over 16, including some UM students. 2019 legislative session. The previous bill The three classes are: “Build Your Brand and 20 21 22 HB 102 goes to Gianforte’s desk Vaccination efforts are moving forward swiftly, made it through the House, but was killed Network,” running Feb. 22 to April 30, “Bus- The courtship of the signs as the county has administered another 6,000 by a 5-3 vote in the Senate Administration siness Basics I,” running March 15 to April 30, 23 24 25 26 House Bill 102, legislation revising Montana doses from Feb. 1-8, bringing the total to over Committee. The Bullock administration sup- and “Business Basics II,” running March 10 to 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 gun laws, passed through both houses of the 16,000. Those with second doses make up ported Morigeau’s initial bill, testifying on its June 18. To enroll in a class, visit www.umt. Montana legislature last week. The controver- almost 4,500 of those. Montana as a whole behalf. Currently, SB 146 is awaiting a hearing edu/passion. (MB) 35 36 37 38 39 sial bill would bar universities from prohib- has administered over 140,000 doses, as of scheduled for Wednesday. The Kaimin will be 40 41 42 43 iting concealed-carry on college campuses. It Monday. following this bill as it moves through the Former high school student will now head to Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk Last week, UM pharmacy hearing process. (Alex Miller) sues over discrimination 44 45 46 47 for a final signature before being implemented students helped run a vaccine 48 49 50 51 52 into law. clinic for people who don’t Online classes A former Seeley-Swan High School student “The House legislation is excited that 102 have healthcare provid- encourage female has filed a lawsuit against the school for 53 54 55 56 has passed through the legislature so quickly. ers. Dave Kuntz, UM’s entrepreneurship repeated discrimination claims. The student, It was a priority for the House Republicans,” director of strategic Owen Mercado, and his mother filed the 127- 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 said Dylan Klapmeier, communications di- communication, said The University of page lawsuit against the school on Jan. 21 for 65 66 67 rector for the House. When asked if the party there are plans for Montana is launching its participation in and tolerance of discrimina- foresaw any pushback from campuses or the another clinic once three late-enrollment tion based on Mercado’s race, national origin, 68 69 70 public, Klapmeier said he did not. “It’s just UM and the county get Pursue Your Passion gender and disability during the 2018-2019 71 72 73 going to take the public a while to understand more vaccines. classes this semester school year. He’s seeking hundreds of thou- what it does or doesn’t do,” he said. “I don’t (Mazana Boerboom) for women interested sands of dollars in damages. The complaint Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate ACROSS think it’s going to have major impacts on in business and leadership included claims of continuous harassment 1 Longtime 69 Make a scene? 27 Out of fashion college campuses. They still do have the ability SB 146 aims to change both online—through a meme page specific skills, according to a UM News "Unsolved 70 Dwelling place 28 Place to to regulate firearms, they just can’t outright Columbus Day to the high school—and in school by his peers release. The class is open to the public Mysteries" host 71 Wall shelf exchange rings prohibit them.” (Addie Slanger) and not only women, though its aim is to help and teachers. The complaint also included OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN 6 "For ___ a jolly 72 Faux ___ 30 Congregation's ALEX MILLER A bill introduced Jan. 25 aims to change Montana women find their own personal and claims of students using both racist and …." 73 Like some cry Missoula COVID-19 and vaccination updates Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. professional goals and give them the skills to sexual slurs against him, stealing his personal [email protected] 9 Cowgirl Dale numerals 32 Scotty's domain well-written bio and immaculate pics. And then the Senate Bill 146, which is sponsored by Sen. achieve them. A 2020 survey from a past Pur- property and vandalizing his car with a sexual 14 Filthy money on "Star Trek" real you, which is slamming boxes of Franzia talking Missoula County was still in the first tier of Shane Morigeau (D), is not the first attempt at sue Your Passion course showed 60% of stu- slur. Later, Mercado filed for subpoenas, after 15 Polish off DOWN 33 Public spat Can you smell it? Love—and the coronavirus—is in shit about “Bachelor” contestants. Your date is just Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccinations as of Mon- a change of the controversial holiday’s name. dents felt more likely to apply for a leadership evidence was deleted from a meme page. Beauty parlor Meager Lost on purpose 16 1 34 the air. One definitely feels better than the other, but along for the ride. day. This tier includes everyone over 70-years- Morigeau, then a representative for House position, and nearly 50% felt more comfortable Missoula County School District’s response to 17 Undercover 2 Fiddle with a 36 Kind of exercises these days it’s hard to spark a flame with your next CANCER (JUNE 21–JULY 22): You’re kind of a psychic, old and any Native American or other person District 95, introduced House Bill 219 in the with their networking and brand skills. the complaint is due by Friday. (MB) 19 Greek fiddle 38 Topmost point ex from six feet away. No need to fear, though—we’re Cancer. You can see all the bullshit your date-turned- philosopher 3 Oktoberfest 41 Steady look here to help you in your socially distanced courting future lover will get you into. But fuck it, dive on in. 20 Litter cry instruments 43 No longer mint efforts this upcoming Valentine’s Day. LEO (JULY 23–AUG. 22): You’ve probably got some fish 21 Kind of agree- 4 "A Beautiful 46 Type of pudding AQUARIUS (JAN. 20–FEB. 18): Some try their hardest on your Tinder profile. Most likely a poorly written ment Mind" star 49 Staple of hippie to be unique, but you, Aquarius, are just naturally bio too. But in person, man, you’re the best. Socially- 22 Extend, in a way 5 Beer barrel fashion different (for better or worse). So in trying to score a Blotter: Antlers, antiques and an unwanted smooch 23 Pare anagram 6 Next in line? 51 Give the eye distanced online dating must be hard for you, Leo. date you’d naturally do something a little off-kilter, GRACE CARR 25 Set in motion 7 Fit for 54 Open, as a bottle How will everyone know how great you are if they WEDNESDAY 02/03: IS IT LEGAL? CONT... like suggesting hazmat suits on a first date to frolic chief instead of theft because intent to steal and conversing easy. As the driver leaned forward 27 Brake part consumption 56 Greta of old films just stop reading your messages? [email protected] through Stocks. Safety first. keep the property could not be proven. to hear him better, the man took his opportu- 29 Genuine 8 Lifted, in a way 57 Bondsman's VIRGO (AUG. 23–SEP. 22): Virgo, you just get shit done. PISCES (FEB. 19–MARCH 20): Two fish, two hearts. Officers responded to the Sisson Apartments nity to grab her face and kiss her on the cheek 31 Swear (to) 9 ___ de corps money From courting to scheduling dates, you just manage Your love is deeper than the Mariana Trench, Pisces, Between Jan. 28 and Feb. 3, UMPD reported FRIDAY 01/29: PICTURE HEIST when another electric lettuce complaint was through the mask before making his getaway. 35 It might be airtight 10 Card for a 58 Something to the hell out of your life. But then the tequila happens. and it shows in how you look for a partner. Just six crimes on and around campus. Theft was made. UMPD made contact with the baked res- The man has not been identified but the inci- 37 Ground grain sweetie build on And that’s how you and Braxton ended up in Vegas at the most common crime this week. UMPD maaaaybe hold off on discussing wedding plans after Four historical pictures were swiped from ident who admitted to the act. While smoking dent was reported as a simple assault. 39 Mark of a ruler 11 Shepard in space 59 Walked (on) the Little White Wedding Chapel. also released two public safety notices on Feb. two messages on Bumble. We know you found the a locked carpenters’ room in the basement some leafy greens is no longer a state crime, the 40 Shed function 12 Staff member? 61 Pub snacks LIBRA (SEP. 23–OCT. 22): As the master of balance, 2, warning University of Montana staff and one, just slow it down. of Knowles Hall. The frames are worth $100 specifics are slightly more complicated because 42 Clog clearer 13 Winter blanket 63 Musical finale Libra, how does one maintain safe coronavirus students of phone and email scams designed to ARIES (MARCH 21–APRIL 19): total, but the value of the pictures themselves it is still a federal crime. “Universities are con- 44 Playing with a 18 Forget it! 64 Sign of Aries, you fiery ram, you. practices and actively date? Asking for a friend. steal banking information. Your bank info is not sidered Title IV institutions that receive federal full deck Puccini piece foreboding is unknown. A UMPD detective is currently 24 You’re a trailblazer in every meaning of the word. Millions of lonely, single friends. your snap username at that party you shouldn’t speaking with suspects, who could be charged funding,” Giffin said. “To continue to receive 45 Play opener 26 Brazenness 67 Roof stuff That’s right, you did message first on LinkedIn to ask be at, stop handing it out. with burglary. federal funding, they have to abide by the 47 Paris river that guy that wants to be an architect if he can build SCORPIO (OCT. 23–NOV. 21): No. federal statutes.” So as of now, students caught 48 Artificial Answers to Last Week’s Crossword: the life of your dreams with you. No one would even THURSDAY 01/28: JUST A BAD JOKE? TUESDAY 02/02: RIPE FOR THE PICKING are referred for a policy violation, but not a law 50 Linchpin's place L A R K L A T T E W H A T think to do that, except you. A L E E A R R O W A E R Y SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22–DEC. 22): Unconventional you violation. Yeah, we’re confused too. 52 Prefix with born TAURUS (APRIL 20–MAY 20): Why you so classy, or found P O S E S M O K E S T A C K are, Sag. In defying the norms of the new way to date, What may have started as an ill-thought-out A woman reported that the side glass of her S H I P S H A P E T E R S E Taurus? First date walk in the park? Hell no. You’d 53 Highway head- you have opted to get a megaphone and communicate joke ended in a criminal mischief citation when vehicle had been broken at the U Lot by the M WEDNESDAY 02/03: A KISS FOR THE ROAD E A S E L M E N T O R book a reservation at a joint with those tiny little ache outside of your crush’s home. Normal? No. Off the a set of antlers was taken from a vehicle in park- trail. Her purse was also taken from inside the T R A D E A I R B A G candles on the table and low lighting. You’d order that 55 Internet browser beaten path? Yes. ing lot H of Pantzer Hall Thursday morning. vehicle, which may make it difficult to pay for An unsuspecting bus driver received an S P A B E N T S C A R C E cucumber water and wax poetic about your financial 57 Get clean H I N D S T R U T T E A R CAPRICORN (DEC. 23–JAN. 19): When you set your A person stole the property and took it to his damages. “We do encourage people that when unwanted form of affection when a passenger portfolio as your date drifts away. 60 Prime-time hour I N C I T E A N E W A R T mind to something, Cappy, by God do you achieve it. friends’ house to show off the prize. But the they’re leaving their cars locked, if they have gave her a smooch on the cheek. The passenger GEMINI (MAY 21–JUNE 20): Like a true double-sided 62 Chevron P E E L E R T R A M S So go ahead, you can still believe that you will meet jokester’s friend immediately called to report anything of value, to put it in the trunk or some- rode the bus until the end of its route at the competitor I N T I M E D A T E D coin, Gem, you would present yourself in two ways. Dr. McDreamy from “Grey’s Anatomy” and you two the antler theft, and the property was returned where that it can’t be seen,” UMPD Lt. Brad Missoula College. He approached the driver I M A G O D I S S E M B L E 65 Bitter-tasting The Tinder version, which is crisp, clean and has a to its rightful owner. The person involved was Giffin said. No suspects have been identified. to speak with her, but masks do not make D E G E N E R A T E M O A T will start a totally normal life together. 66 Mason's milieu referred for conduct and cited for criminal mis- OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON| MONTANA KAIMIN O M E N T I M E R A N T E 68 Literary device 4 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com L O S T A S I D E L E E R montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 5 News | Panic! At the Plastic News| Leaders of Tomorrow UM Campus Dining backs ASUM effort to ban plastic bags Montana tribal leaders ASUM forms its first student lobbying coalitions MARIAH THOMAS “As it stands, Missoula does not have JACOB OWENS provide 2,000 reusable bags for $2,500, [email protected] inclusionary zoning, but such an ordinance [email protected] but he hopes to find a local vendor with a discuss elevated pandemic needs to stay on the table,” Bornstein stated better bulk rate that they could continue in an email. business with. For the first time, the Associated Students The coalitions will also be focusing on UM Campus Dining facilities will begin Despite the initial cost, Flanagan said of the University of Montana has developed anti-abortion and anti-transgender bills phasing out the use of plastic bags next the sustainability aspects of reusable bags impacts on Natives lobbying coalitions aimed at helping coming through the legislature. Bornstein fall as part of a larger campus initiative. and long term savings are unmatched by interested students gain lobbying experience plans for them to engage with upcoming Byron Drake, the interim director of plastic bags. at the state legislature. bills regarding University funding and Campus Dining, sponsored the Associat- “With a plastic bag ban, we are getting ASUM’s Student Political Action Director HALEY YARBOROUGH increased by $200,000 over the previous long-term Montana University System ed Students of the University of Montana rid of a revolving sort of useless cost for Maggie Bornstein said the coalitions will [email protected] years, despite the crackdown on tourism. renovations and building plans. She said she resolution passed on Jan. 27. The resolu- [Campus] Dining and other UM stores,” be focused on legislation that aligns with But Fyant clarified that the health and plans for the coalitions to start their work tion, SB 53, aims to start a campus-wide he said. ASUM’s five legislative priorities: higher safety of residents is more important this week. phase out of plastic bags beginning with Drake said while plastic bags are rela- COVID-19 continues to devastate tribal education funding, protecting student than the economy. Bornstein said students who join the Campus Dining. tively cheap to buy in bulk, the ban could communities across Montana, despite renters, expanding mental health services, Underlying health conditions play coalitions will have opportunities for “We’re not the first ones out there to eliminate that fee entirely. Though, he tribal leaders’ early implementation of protecting students from discriminatory a major role in the disproportionate professional development by planning have a ban on plastic bags on campus,” added that reusable bags would need to pandemic safety protocols that often legislation and reproductive rights. impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous events during the semester. For the first Drake said. “There’s actually quite a be used repeatedly to reduce the carbon surpassed state and federal restrictions. Bornstein said students are typically an communities. While vaccine rollout is a event, planned for this week, she said few institutions that are doing that, but footprint from their production. According to the Centers for Disease underrepresented group at the legislature, top priority, Fyant said she also hopes students will participate in a letter writing we feel like if that’s something that the He said the compostable plastic Control, Native Americans are killed and their voices often go unheard. students support, we think it’s a good bags found at establishments, such to see more food sovereignty to support campaign with guest speakers teaching by COVID-19 at nearly twice the rate “Even the voice of a few students just idea.” as Rise+Rooted, can break down in a Indigenous people’s health, and to about writing letters to the editor. of white people. And in Montana, shows the tip of an iceberg,” Bornstein said. The resolution’s co-authors, ASUM landfill within four years and were reconnect with Native culture. The coalitions will be open to interested Native Americans are 11 times more Bornstein said she plans for the coalitions Senator Adrianna Medina and Vice recommended by scientists roughly a “I think it’s really important that students as long as the legislature is in likely to die from the virus than white to focus on some bills already coming President James Flanagan, reached out to decade ago. we try to get back to those Indigenous session, Bornstein said. residents, according to a Montana Office through the legislature, including House Drake a few days before the resolution Eva Rocke, UM’s sustainability co- roots,” Fyant said. “I’m hoping to give back and give skills to of Epidemiology and Scientific Support Bill 259, which would restrict inclusionary passed; but the idea of a plastic bag ban ordinator, didn’t help create the res- Kaci Wallette, a chairwoman of those students in these coalitions,” Bornstein study. zoning. Bornstein said inclusionary zoning was born years earlier. olution, but she said she’s always A panel of Montana tribal leaders the Fort Peck tribes, also discussed said. Flanagan ran for office on a sustainabil- supportive of reducing plastic. could tackle Missoula’s affordable housing addressed the role of systemic Indigenous health. Poverty, high rates of Bornstein said anyone interested in a ity platform with ASUM President Taylor “Plastic in general—whether deficits and has been posed as a solution inequalities in COVID-19’s impact on substance abuse, limited healthcare and coalition can email her directly at asum.spa@ Gregory last spring. He first heard of the it’s in the clothing we wear, or before. Indigenous communities in UM’s second crowded households all elevate mental mso.umt.edu. idea for a plastic bag ban in 2018 when the packaging for the food we lecture in a series of Mansfield Dialogues health risk for reservation residents. he sat in on a Sustainability Committee buy or plastic bags—plastics are on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Montana has the highest suicide rate meeting chaired by former ASUM Senator designed to be waste utimately,” in the country. In a typical year, Native Morgan Corkish. she said. Cora Neumann, a public health expert American youth die by suicide at nearly Corkish said the committee gath- Rocke said the resolution’s and the founder of “We Are Montana,” twice the rate of their white peers, ered research in 2018 that would later incentivized and phased ap- mediated the discussion with questions according to the CDC. With COVID-19 support the case for UM to implement proach will help its successful about vaccine rollout, mental health driving people into isolation, Wallette the ban. implementation. and systemic issues undermining the “When the year started we all She said two ways to make COVID-19 response. said she worries Native youth suicides thought, ‘Oh, we can get this done it stronger are eliminating the “Indigenous leaders have stayed ahead will spike. in a year, it would be easy,’ and word “ban” because of its of the curve,” Neumann said. “The loss “We’ve been trying to address this then, you know, you start talking negative connotations, and in these communities is not for the loss suicide pandemic before COVID even to people and realizing how slow making the UM Bookstore a of leadership.” hit,” Wallette said. things move,” she said. “So when I left focal point in the initiative. Shelly Fyant, a chairwoman of the During a pandemic, this feat is there, I knew we had built a pretty solid Medina said they have Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, particularly difficult. Wallette said since case that someone could then take to the OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN not reached out to the bookstore yet be- featured on the panel to discuss her schools opened, 29% of Fort Peck’s higher-ups.” cause of the initial focus on Campus Din- response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 cases are 14 to 20-year-olds, The resolution references other univer- really seriously,” Drake said. “We think it’s ing, but the goal is for the entire phase out while 62% of COVID-19 related deaths how to develop a successful rollout. Fyant helped form a unified command sities that have implemented similar bans, a good direction to go, but how do we get to be complete within a year and a half. are 55 and older. The ASUM resolution suggests charging system with Lake County, which enacted including the University of Oregon and there?” She said a successful implementation of She said Fort Peck continues to customers for a plastic bag or giving dis- social distancing measures at the North Carolina State. Flanagan said a key to the ban’s imple- a plastic bag ban at UM would display the make efforts to mitigate mental health counts to those who bring a reusable one. beginning of the pandemic. The next step for Flanagan and Medina, mentation is ensuring there’s infrastruc- power of student-led initiatives and could issues with small, socially distanced Drake said Campus Dining hasn’t de- “I realized early on that ‘Wow, we’re a the current chair of the Sustainability and ture in place, such as the reusable bags help with retention rates. cided how it will encourage the phase out, sovereign nation, we need to do this, we community and telehealth events. Zero Waste Committees, is to start imple- distributed at freshman orientation each “If this gets implemented, this kind of “Suddenly everyone is a public health but it starts with educating customers on year. He and Medina are looking at fund- need to take action,’” Fyant said. menting the ban with these higher-ups. shows that students are able to run this leader,” Neumann said. “From a parent the shift in the following months. ing options for an initial purchase of a few Fyant helped tackle community spread Medina said she’s attending the ongoing campus in a way that they want to, in a to a teacher to a shop owner. Everyone “We don’t want to do anything that thousand reusable bags to help create an from out-of-state visitors by only issuing Winter Plastic Free Action Camp run by way they want to see this campus in the who joins the effort to protect the wider messes with them, but at the same time we initial supply. recreation permits to local Flathead OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN the Post-Landfill Action Network to learn future,” Medina said. community really is a healthcare hero.” also take the idea of a ban on plastic bags Flanagan said one possible vendor could reservation residents. Fyant said revenue

6 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 7 News | Panic! At the Plastic News| Leaders of Tomorrow UM Campus Dining backs ASUM effort to ban plastic bags Montana tribal leaders ASUM forms its first student lobbying coalitions MARIAH THOMAS “As it stands, Missoula does not have JACOB OWENS provide 2,000 reusable bags for $2,500, [email protected] inclusionary zoning, but such an ordinance [email protected] but he hopes to find a local vendor with a discuss elevated pandemic needs to stay on the table,” Bornstein stated better bulk rate that they could continue in an email. business with. For the first time, the Associated Students The coalitions will also be focusing on UM Campus Dining facilities will begin Despite the initial cost, Flanagan said of the University of Montana has developed anti-abortion and anti-transgender bills phasing out the use of plastic bags next the sustainability aspects of reusable bags impacts on Natives lobbying coalitions aimed at helping coming through the legislature. Bornstein fall as part of a larger campus initiative. and long term savings are unmatched by interested students gain lobbying experience plans for them to engage with upcoming Byron Drake, the interim director of plastic bags. at the state legislature. bills regarding University funding and Campus Dining, sponsored the Associat- “With a plastic bag ban, we are getting ASUM’s Student Political Action Director HALEY YARBOROUGH increased by $200,000 over the previous long-term Montana University System ed Students of the University of Montana rid of a revolving sort of useless cost for Maggie Bornstein said the coalitions will [email protected] years, despite the crackdown on tourism. renovations and building plans. She said she resolution passed on Jan. 27. The resolu- [Campus] Dining and other UM stores,” be focused on legislation that aligns with But Fyant clarified that the health and plans for the coalitions to start their work tion, SB 53, aims to start a campus-wide he said. ASUM’s five legislative priorities: higher safety of residents is more important this week. phase out of plastic bags beginning with Drake said while plastic bags are rela- COVID-19 continues to devastate tribal education funding, protecting student than the economy. Bornstein said students who join the Campus Dining. tively cheap to buy in bulk, the ban could communities across Montana, despite renters, expanding mental health services, Underlying health conditions play coalitions will have opportunities for “We’re not the first ones out there to eliminate that fee entirely. Though, he tribal leaders’ early implementation of protecting students from discriminatory a major role in the disproportionate professional development by planning have a ban on plastic bags on campus,” added that reusable bags would need to pandemic safety protocols that often legislation and reproductive rights. impact of COVID-19 on Indigenous events during the semester. For the first Drake said. “There’s actually quite a be used repeatedly to reduce the carbon surpassed state and federal restrictions. Bornstein said students are typically an communities. While vaccine rollout is a event, planned for this week, she said few institutions that are doing that, but footprint from their production. According to the Centers for Disease underrepresented group at the legislature, top priority, Fyant said she also hopes students will participate in a letter writing we feel like if that’s something that the He said the compostable plastic Control, Native Americans are killed and their voices often go unheard. students support, we think it’s a good bags found at establishments, such to see more food sovereignty to support campaign with guest speakers teaching by COVID-19 at nearly twice the rate “Even the voice of a few students just idea.” as Rise+Rooted, can break down in a Indigenous people’s health, and to about writing letters to the editor. of white people. And in Montana, shows the tip of an iceberg,” Bornstein said. The resolution’s co-authors, ASUM landfill within four years and were reconnect with Native culture. The coalitions will be open to interested Native Americans are 11 times more Bornstein said she plans for the coalitions Senator Adrianna Medina and Vice recommended by scientists roughly a “I think it’s really important that students as long as the legislature is in likely to die from the virus than white to focus on some bills already coming President James Flanagan, reached out to decade ago. we try to get back to those Indigenous session, Bornstein said. residents, according to a Montana Office through the legislature, including House Drake a few days before the resolution Eva Rocke, UM’s sustainability co- roots,” Fyant said. “I’m hoping to give back and give skills to of Epidemiology and Scientific Support Bill 259, which would restrict inclusionary passed; but the idea of a plastic bag ban ordinator, didn’t help create the res- Kaci Wallette, a chairwoman of those students in these coalitions,” Bornstein study. zoning. Bornstein said inclusionary zoning was born years earlier. olution, but she said she’s always A panel of Montana tribal leaders the Fort Peck tribes, also discussed said. Flanagan ran for office on a sustainabil- supportive of reducing plastic. could tackle Missoula’s affordable housing addressed the role of systemic Indigenous health. Poverty, high rates of Bornstein said anyone interested in a ity platform with ASUM President Taylor “Plastic in general—whether deficits and has been posed as a solution inequalities in COVID-19’s impact on substance abuse, limited healthcare and coalition can email her directly at asum.spa@ Gregory last spring. He first heard of the it’s in the clothing we wear, or before. Indigenous communities in UM’s second crowded households all elevate mental mso.umt.edu. idea for a plastic bag ban in 2018 when the packaging for the food we lecture in a series of Mansfield Dialogues health risk for reservation residents. he sat in on a Sustainability Committee buy or plastic bags—plastics are on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Montana has the highest suicide rate meeting chaired by former ASUM Senator designed to be waste utimately,” in the country. In a typical year, Native Morgan Corkish. she said. Cora Neumann, a public health expert American youth die by suicide at nearly Corkish said the committee gath- Rocke said the resolution’s and the founder of “We Are Montana,” twice the rate of their white peers, ered research in 2018 that would later incentivized and phased ap- mediated the discussion with questions according to the CDC. With COVID-19 support the case for UM to implement proach will help its successful about vaccine rollout, mental health driving people into isolation, Wallette the ban. implementation. and systemic issues undermining the “When the year started we all She said two ways to make COVID-19 response. said she worries Native youth suicides thought, ‘Oh, we can get this done it stronger are eliminating the “Indigenous leaders have stayed ahead will spike. in a year, it would be easy,’ and word “ban” because of its of the curve,” Neumann said. “The loss “We’ve been trying to address this then, you know, you start talking negative connotations, and in these communities is not for the loss suicide pandemic before COVID even to people and realizing how slow making the UM Bookstore a of leadership.” hit,” Wallette said. things move,” she said. “So when I left focal point in the initiative. Shelly Fyant, a chairwoman of the During a pandemic, this feat is there, I knew we had built a pretty solid Medina said they have Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, particularly difficult. Wallette said since case that someone could then take to the OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN not reached out to the bookstore yet be- featured on the panel to discuss her schools opened, 29% of Fort Peck’s higher-ups.” cause of the initial focus on Campus Din- response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 cases are 14 to 20-year-olds, The resolution references other univer- really seriously,” Drake said. “We think it’s ing, but the goal is for the entire phase out while 62% of COVID-19 related deaths how to develop a successful rollout. Fyant helped form a unified command sities that have implemented similar bans, a good direction to go, but how do we get to be complete within a year and a half. are 55 and older. The ASUM resolution suggests charging system with Lake County, which enacted including the University of Oregon and there?” She said a successful implementation of She said Fort Peck continues to customers for a plastic bag or giving dis- social distancing measures at the North Carolina State. Flanagan said a key to the ban’s imple- a plastic bag ban at UM would display the make efforts to mitigate mental health counts to those who bring a reusable one. beginning of the pandemic. The next step for Flanagan and Medina, mentation is ensuring there’s infrastruc- power of student-led initiatives and could issues with small, socially distanced Drake said Campus Dining hasn’t de- “I realized early on that ‘Wow, we’re a the current chair of the Sustainability and ture in place, such as the reusable bags help with retention rates. cided how it will encourage the phase out, sovereign nation, we need to do this, we community and telehealth events. Zero Waste Committees, is to start imple- distributed at freshman orientation each “If this gets implemented, this kind of “Suddenly everyone is a public health but it starts with educating customers on year. He and Medina are looking at fund- need to take action,’” Fyant said. menting the ban with these higher-ups. shows that students are able to run this leader,” Neumann said. “From a parent the shift in the following months. ing options for an initial purchase of a few Fyant helped tackle community spread Medina said she’s attending the ongoing campus in a way that they want to, in a to a teacher to a shop owner. Everyone “We don’t want to do anything that thousand reusable bags to help create an from out-of-state visitors by only issuing Winter Plastic Free Action Camp run by way they want to see this campus in the who joins the effort to protect the wider messes with them, but at the same time we initial supply. recreation permits to local Flathead OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN the Post-Landfill Action Network to learn future,” Medina said. community really is a healthcare hero.” also take the idea of a ban on plastic bags Flanagan said one possible vendor could reservation residents. Fyant said revenue

6 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 7 A reporter’s How have you been

search for Some background about myself: I don’t dating during COVID-19? have any social media at all. Like, not even LinkedIn. I like to think of myself as love in old-fashioned, so I have never tried online Social media baby! Sliding into those DMs ating in the pandemic dating. I told myself I’d only get Tinder D if I was absolutely desperate. I’ll let you the time make your own assumptions about my Making eyes at your cute barista emotional state right now. of corona There seems to be this weird stigma that online dating isn’t real, but nothing feels Dating apps: The tried and true method real right now with the pandemic. So, fuck My sex life right now is about equiva- it! I ate the forbidden fruit. Looking at the lent to that of the Pope. Tinder icon on my phone made me feel No dating, I’m taking time to work on myself Not that I’m saying what it sounds like weird. Like, was I really about to do this? I’m saying. It’s just — I could use a good Two glasses of wine later: Hell yes, I was. cuddle. Or someone to talk to. Everyone Thankfully, my roommate claimed to hears those stories about people falling be an “expert” on using Tinder, so I gave in love during their college years, and I him the job of making me look like the guess I always assumed I’d have one of best version of myself. I was going for the my own to tell. “outdoorsy-but-also-down-to-earth” look, And then the fucking pandemic hit. if you catch my drift. I also capitalized Now, most nights I play “Call of Duty: on the fact that my roommate had a dog, Zombies” while sipping on wine with my which I’ve heard is a big hit on Tinder. two roommates, who are happily in love. I chose pictures of me climbing, mixed Story by Clarise Larson I have transformed from being a third with pictures of my roommate’s dog and a wheel into a non-sexual partner in their few portraits. Design by MaKayla O’Neil relationship. It’s weird. Before I knew it, my account was live So I decided that for the sake of their and the first person appeared. I didn’t relationship, and the fact that Valentine’s know how the swiping worked, so I Day is coming up, I was going to get my- wasted all of my super likes with the first self a damn date. couple of people on accident. Not off to a I wanted a real date, or as real as I great start. could get right now (six feet apart and Between nervous screaming and small in a COVID-19 safe environment). The breakdowns generating questions of mor- problem is, I go to all my classes virtually. al ambiguity, I got my first match: Alex. It’s hard to feel sexual tension between A few seconds later, another one. And me and my classmates through the screen. another. Trust me, I’ve tried. Not going to lie, I was feeling like a Life over this past year has been turned damn queen. Did I see multiple exes POLL CONDUCTED FEB. 7 ON THE upside down since the pandemic hit, MONTANA KAIMIN INSTAGRAM whilst on the app? Bet your ass I did. and love and romance have not escaped COVID-19’s wake. Nationwide, people to cultivate meaningful relationships,” linings. Many who are dating right now have reported feeling more lonely than Dadmun said. “I think that friendships are letting the process be gradual—out ever. Dating apps like Tinder and Bum- can absolutely be very meaningful re- of necessity—and there can be a lot of ble have seen record numbers join since In the midst of all the excitement, lationships, it doesn’t have to be dating benefits to that. March of 2020. Humans aren’t meant to though, I decided to take a breather and or intimate relationships, just as long “The decrease in social options has be alone for this long, but in a time when put my phone down. I wanted to hear as people are having those meaningful made it more difficult for people to con- solitude generally means safety, love and what the experts had to say about love in connections.” nect,” Dadmun said. “I have seen success, romance have been forced to adapt. the pandemic. According to Dadmun, dating is possi- but people just have to be intentional I wanted to see if I could adapt as well, Mark Dadmun—a mental health coun- ble, even now. And if done safely, it can be about how and where they are going to and find myself a hot date during a pan- selor at Curry Health Center—said that, a very healthy experience. Dating safely connect, because there are ways to do it demic. My solution was something I never regardless of intentions, finding connec- and responsibly during COVID-19 can and do it safely.” thought I would do: download an app tion during the pandemic is important for give people more time to get to know each For the relationships that started before designed to create sexual tension through mental health. other and slow down the process. It helps the pandemic, Dadmun explained that a screen. “We are social beings, so it is important build trust. The pandemic’s impact, while each will respond to the pandemic differ- SARAH MOSQUERA | MONTANA KAIMIN Tinder, bitches. isolating and frustrating, still has its silver ently.

8 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 9 A reporter’s How have you been

8 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 9 “I’ve seen the pandemic certainly strain Though, I won’t be sleeping with anyone “Nope,” Emily said, simply. relationships, sometimes to the point of anytime soon—not as long as the pandem- “I dated two people. I went on dates breaking up, while some relationships ic is still chugging along. with each of them,” Abby said. have really flourished,” he said. “There As social creatures, we are hardwired have certainly been a lot of breakups, but to connect with others socially, said Nora at the same time, a lot of people have felt Uhrich, a Clinical Psychology Doctoral a deeper connection.” Student at UM. After the date, I can’t say I found true Dadmun has seen people grow emotion- Bryce and I set the date. We exchanged “Having positive social connections love. Rather, speaking for both Wyatt and ally by themselves. Being alone doesn’t numbers and were texting for a few days, hey ;) are harder during the pandemic, but so myself, we each found a new friend more always need to be seen as sad, he said. which I thought was fun. important for anxiety, depression, even than anything else. Feeling isolated sucks, “It’s a spectrum. Some people it’s been And then I got the text: He bailed. immunity. Social connection is just a posi- and this silly journey for love landed me very hard, and some people feel they have Did I question my existence? Yes. Did tive feedback loop,” Uhrich said. with a much more philosophical conclu- grown more in the pandemic than they I cry? Hell no. The bad bitch in me is It doesn’t matter the kind of connection, sion than I ever expected. have at other times. For some people, this strong, and I wasn’t about to let some whether it’s online or socially distanced, It’s okay to be alone. It’s okay to date. has been a time of growth, some have internet boy make me sad. hi, socially just that it’s happening. Social connec- Whatever people choose to do, know that done some significant self-exploration.” I decided to play some sad boi music, tions with other people—friends, family it’s valid. What is going on in the world is If people have a hard time being isolat- looking out my window pretending I was distanced members, co-workers, romantic relation- insane, and self-forgiveness is everything. ed, a good thing to do is to try and trust Bella Swan to make myself feel better. ships—are important not only for our Not finding someone on Tinder is okay, that the situation is temporary, despite That’s when I happened to see my up- mental health, but our physical well-being but I guess some things never change. All how it may feel, Dadmun said. He empha- stairs neighbor, Wyatt, walk past outside. date? <3 too. Relationships that are healthy can I had to do was walk up a flight of stairs sized the importance of reaching out in Though I have never actually had a buffer our stress levels, and we know the to find someone who is kind and gave me times of loneliness. “We have therapists conversation with him, he seemed nice pandemic is causing a lot of stress, Uhrich a big smile during our date. who want to help.” and cute, and I’m nice and cute, so that’s said. I might be old-fashioned and just in The pandemic can be a great time to enough in common for me. When it comes to dating, don’t be hard need of some courage, but I’m just one deepen connections in existing relation- I was not going to accept failure on my on yourself, she continued. silly perspective among many. Tinder was ships as well, Dadmun said. During times part, dammit. I wanted a date, no matter “I think it’s important to normalize the fun, and I intend to keep at it throughout like this, people can actually feel more how I got it. Also, it was kind of comfort- Sounds fun! global stress and anxiety this pandemic the pandemic. connected. If the pandemic is making ing knowing that he was a real person has caused. No one is [unaffected], and In the past week, I probably smiled someone feel extremely isolated, there is and seemingly nice guy—not just a profile I’ll bring the acknowledging this is affecting the world. more at my phone and talked to more peo- help on campus, he continued. picture on a screen. Practicing self-compassion right now can ple than I ever have. “You are going to keep forming rela- I texted his roommate, got his number be powerful during the pandemic. Seeking More than anything, it just feels good tionships. You know, it’s important to be and asked the man out. To my surprise, he masks counseling can be great as well,” she said. to have conversations with people who patient because it is a process. It takes was down. Actually, he even said he was Dating during the pandemic has been aren’t my mom or my roommates. time to form a connection, but people excited. I couldn’t believe it was that easy, fun for me, but it’s weird not being able to Regardless of where it is, finding con- absolutely do over time.” but I wasn’t about to question it. feel that physical connection. Uhrich said nection during the pandemic is every- Since this would be my first actual date that can be a good thing. thing. I may not have found the love of in lord-only-knows-how-long, I went “We can think about the values that we my life on this dumb journey to find a all-out. Outside our apartment complex, have in our personal and general life. We Valentine, but I sure didn’t stop smiling I set out my $10 coffee table because Great, I’ll can ask ourselves what we are looking for while I was doing it. Waiting for responses from potential after measuring it, it was approximately in a potential partner. It’s very possible to And that my friends, is what it’s all dates, my patience was tested to the max. 6 feet wide. We sat outside in folding have fun and do that safely,” Uhrich said. about. During the first two days on the app, chairs with the tasteful sounds of French bring the “Let’s just put it out there: It’s more there wasn’t a second I wasn’t cradling café music playing from my roommate’s laborious than it was before, but it’s my phone, awaiting the sound of that speaker and cars speeding down Higgins. hand definitely possible. It might be harder, Tinder is great, magical ding. I even cooked real food—none of that SARAH MOSQUERA | MONTANA KAIMIN but it also might be a unique opportunity Then: A seductive “hey ;)” from a boy ramen shit. to bond with someone,” Uhrich said. “I don’t get me named Bryce. He seemed cute, and I asked The date itself was like any other first sanitizer! It was nice knowing that neither of us good, so I appreciated his kind gesture. think that we have this opportunity to be wrong, but I guess him out for a socially distanced date. date: Awkward, but fun. We had a lovely had been on a date in a long time. He There wasn’t a question as to whether unique and creative and figure out what Simple as that. time talking about how weird it is to be liked my pasta, and I liked his jacket. His or not we were going to hug at the end one wants in a relationship and dating.” some things never To my surprise, he wanted the same on a date, our classes and how strange the favorite color is blue, and so is mine. We of the date, like I’ve done so many times I wondered how my fellow UM thing. Or at least, I thought he did. situation was. didn’t move from our respective lawn before the pandemic. We both knew the students had been handling love and change. He lives Though I had my date set up, I kept go- It was pretty comical sitting outside our chairs, but I felt closer to him by the end risk that entailed. romance at this time. I strolled around the right above me ing back on the app. I convinced myself it apartment, knowing that our roommates of the date. It feels good to have someone interested Oval, asking students the same question: was purely for educational purposes, but were watching us through the window. The whole thing only lasted an hour, in you, and to be able to see them in per- Have you been dating during the pan- and all I needed to I kept matching with people. I had about Neither of us could hold eye contact be- partly because it was getting cold, but son. Tinder is great, don’t get me wrong, demic? 10 conversations going at one time—all cause we were so nervous, but that made also because I could not stop blabbing and but I guess some things never change. He “I didnt even date before the pandem- find was the cour- of them extremely innocent. I felt I was a great conversation about how many I felt bad for the guy. He was sweet and lives right above me and all I needed to ic,” Maggie said. age to ask him out. just texting a bunch of friends, not people social skills we have lost thus far into the kind the whole time, even finishing his find was the courage to ask him out. I’ll “Um, kind of,” Carly said, laughing. who potentially wanted to sleep with me. pandemic. entire plate of pasta I made. It wasn’t that blame the coronavirus. “No,” Kelton said.

10 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 11 “I’ve seen the pandemic certainly strain Though, I won’t be sleeping with anyone “Nope,” Emily said, simply. relationships, sometimes to the point of anytime soon—not as long as the pandem- “I dated two people. I went on dates breaking up, while some relationships ic is still chugging along. with each of them,” Abby said. have really flourished,” he said. “There As social creatures, we are hardwired have certainly been a lot of breakups, but to connect with others socially, said Nora at the same time, a lot of people have felt Uhrich, a Clinical Psychology Doctoral a deeper connection.” Student at UM. After the date, I can’t say I found true Dadmun has seen people grow emotion- Bryce and I set the date. We exchanged “Having positive social connections love. Rather, speaking for both Wyatt and ally by themselves. Being alone doesn’t numbers and were texting for a few days, hey ;) are harder during the pandemic, but so myself, we each found a new friend more always need to be seen as sad, he said. which I thought was fun. important for anxiety, depression, even than anything else. Feeling isolated sucks, “It’s a spectrum. Some people it’s been And then I got the text: He bailed. immunity. Social connection is just a posi- and this silly journey for love landed me very hard, and some people feel they have Did I question my existence? Yes. Did tive feedback loop,” Uhrich said. with a much more philosophical conclu- grown more in the pandemic than they I cry? Hell no. The bad bitch in me is It doesn’t matter the kind of connection, sion than I ever expected. have at other times. For some people, this strong, and I wasn’t about to let some whether it’s online or socially distanced, It’s okay to be alone. It’s okay to date. has been a time of growth, some have internet boy make me sad. hi, socially just that it’s happening. Social connec- Whatever people choose to do, know that done some significant self-exploration.” I decided to play some sad boi music, tions with other people—friends, family it’s valid. What is going on in the world is If people have a hard time being isolat- looking out my window pretending I was distanced members, co-workers, romantic relation- insane, and self-forgiveness is everything. ed, a good thing to do is to try and trust Bella Swan to make myself feel better. ships—are important not only for our Not finding someone on Tinder is okay, that the situation is temporary, despite That’s when I happened to see my up- mental health, but our physical well-being but I guess some things never change. All how it may feel, Dadmun said. He empha- stairs neighbor, Wyatt, walk past outside. date? <3 too. Relationships that are healthy can I had to do was walk up a flight of stairs sized the importance of reaching out in Though I have never actually had a buffer our stress levels, and we know the to find someone who is kind and gave me times of loneliness. “We have therapists conversation with him, he seemed nice pandemic is causing a lot of stress, Uhrich a big smile during our date. who want to help.” and cute, and I’m nice and cute, so that’s said. I might be old-fashioned and just in The pandemic can be a great time to enough in common for me. When it comes to dating, don’t be hard need of some courage, but I’m just one deepen connections in existing relation- I was not going to accept failure on my on yourself, she continued. silly perspective among many. Tinder was ships as well, Dadmun said. During times part, dammit. I wanted a date, no matter “I think it’s important to normalize the fun, and I intend to keep at it throughout like this, people can actually feel more how I got it. Also, it was kind of comfort- Sounds fun! global stress and anxiety this pandemic the pandemic. connected. If the pandemic is making ing knowing that he was a real person has caused. No one is [unaffected], and In the past week, I probably smiled someone feel extremely isolated, there is and seemingly nice guy—not just a profile I’ll bring the acknowledging this is affecting the world. more at my phone and talked to more peo- help on campus, he continued. picture on a screen. Practicing self-compassion right now can ple than I ever have. “You are going to keep forming rela- I texted his roommate, got his number be powerful during the pandemic. Seeking More than anything, it just feels good tionships. You know, it’s important to be and asked the man out. To my surprise, he masks counseling can be great as well,” she said. to have conversations with people who patient because it is a process. It takes was down. Actually, he even said he was Dating during the pandemic has been aren’t my mom or my roommates. time to form a connection, but people excited. I couldn’t believe it was that easy, fun for me, but it’s weird not being able to Regardless of where it is, finding con- absolutely do over time.” but I wasn’t about to question it. feel that physical connection. Uhrich said nection during the pandemic is every- Since this would be my first actual date that can be a good thing. thing. I may not have found the love of in lord-only-knows-how-long, I went “We can think about the values that we my life on this dumb journey to find a all-out. Outside our apartment complex, have in our personal and general life. We Valentine, but I sure didn’t stop smiling I set out my $10 coffee table because Great, I’ll can ask ourselves what we are looking for while I was doing it. Waiting for responses from potential after measuring it, it was approximately in a potential partner. It’s very possible to And that my friends, is what it’s all dates, my patience was tested to the max. 6 feet wide. We sat outside in folding have fun and do that safely,” Uhrich said. about. During the first two days on the app, chairs with the tasteful sounds of French bring the “Let’s just put it out there: It’s more there wasn’t a second I wasn’t cradling café music playing from my roommate’s laborious than it was before, but it’s my phone, awaiting the sound of that speaker and cars speeding down Higgins. hand definitely possible. It might be harder, Tinder is great, magical ding. I even cooked real food—none of that SARAH MOSQUERA | MONTANA KAIMIN but it also might be a unique opportunity Then: A seductive “hey ;)” from a boy ramen shit. to bond with someone,” Uhrich said. “I don’t get me named Bryce. He seemed cute, and I asked The date itself was like any other first sanitizer! It was nice knowing that neither of us good, so I appreciated his kind gesture. think that we have this opportunity to be wrong, but I guess him out for a socially distanced date. date: Awkward, but fun. We had a lovely had been on a date in a long time. He There wasn’t a question as to whether unique and creative and figure out what Simple as that. time talking about how weird it is to be liked my pasta, and I liked his jacket. His or not we were going to hug at the end one wants in a relationship and dating.” some things never To my surprise, he wanted the same on a date, our classes and how strange the favorite color is blue, and so is mine. We of the date, like I’ve done so many times I wondered how my fellow UM thing. Or at least, I thought he did. situation was. didn’t move from our respective lawn before the pandemic. We both knew the students had been handling love and change. He lives Though I had my date set up, I kept go- It was pretty comical sitting outside our chairs, but I felt closer to him by the end risk that entailed. romance at this time. I strolled around the right above me ing back on the app. I convinced myself it apartment, knowing that our roommates of the date. It feels good to have someone interested Oval, asking students the same question: was purely for educational purposes, but were watching us through the window. The whole thing only lasted an hour, in you, and to be able to see them in per- Have you been dating during the pan- and all I needed to I kept matching with people. I had about Neither of us could hold eye contact be- partly because it was getting cold, but son. Tinder is great, don’t get me wrong, demic? 10 conversations going at one time—all cause we were so nervous, but that made also because I could not stop blabbing and but I guess some things never change. He “I didnt even date before the pandem- find was the cour- of them extremely innocent. I felt I was a great conversation about how many I felt bad for the guy. He was sweet and lives right above me and all I needed to ic,” Maggie said. age to ask him out. just texting a bunch of friends, not people social skills we have lost thus far into the kind the whole time, even finishing his find was the courage to ask him out. I’ll “Um, kind of,” Carly said, laughing. who potentially wanted to sleep with me. pandemic. entire plate of pasta I made. It wasn’t that blame the coronavirus. “No,” Kelton said.

10 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 11 Arts| Reviews Arts | Digital auction MAM builds on small-town connections for annual art auction ‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ is not as magical as advertised MEGHAN JONAS HALEY YARBOROUGH [email protected] are prowling in the forest outside of Alfea. lack of diversity. The 2004 Nickelodeon car- woods, it’s easy to see why the show is ap- [email protected] Using fire magic, Bloom kills more than toon “Winx Club” did better at diversifying pealing. But this storyline is tiresome. Rather An auction is like a sporting event—the a few of the creatures without batting an its cast than this modern melodrama. Musa than offering a fresh, creative adaptation of electricity in the atmosphere is palpable, eyelash. and Terra, who were portrayed as East Asian the cartoon, “Fate: The Winx Saga” falls into with pieces featured that could cost as “Fate: The Winx Saga” is a fantasy retell- And this is where the issues begin. and Latina in the cartoon, are whitewashed typical teenage tropes that not even magic ing of “Mean Girls,” except less funny, more Bloom is the ultimate “Mary Sue” char- versions of the characters in the live-action can fix. much as February’s rent. dramatic and clichéd enough to rival any acter. For those who haven’t scoured the production. But in a digital world, anything is typical teen melodrama. internet for fanfiction, a “Mary Sue” is a typ- There’s also the exhausted archetype of possible. An adaptation of the Iginio Straffi Italian ical female protagonist who is an idealized the supportive Black friend, which Aisha The Missoula Art Museum’s annual cartoon “Winx Club,” the Netflix series extension of the creator. She is usually excep- embodies. Bloom’s recklessness is often art auction, also known as “MAM’s Big replaces the childish fun we grew up with as tionally talented, possesses rare abilities and mitigated by Aisha’s level-headedness (fire Night,” is taking place entirely online on kids with a dark storyline full of sex, drink- lacks realistic character flaws. Bloom is the and water). Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event, ing and pining teenagers. epitome of this. She is witty and beautiful The relationships in this series are half- which also features raffle items, meal “Fate: The Winx Saga” follows Bloom with a tragic backstory involving the loss of baked. Everything is about Bloom. Her opin- deals and an exclusive digital album (Abigail Cowen), a spunky and pretty Cali- her parents and unusual fire powers that she ions transcend others’ concerns, to the point highlighting songs from local musicians, fornian who enrolls at the prestigious fairy harnesses with ease. where every character is talking at each has grown into more than just an art school, Alfea, after discovering her powers. This role is not exclusive to a singular other, not with each other. It’s like a bunch of auction. In the Winx universe, fairies rule a place character. “Fate: The Winx Saga” has its brick walls talking to one another. Carey Powers, marketing and called the Otherworld and attend schools fill of tropes. There’s the Regina George of “Fate: The Winx Saga” has its merits. The communications coordinator at the like Alfea. Each fairy controls a particular el- Alfea, Stella (Hannah van der Westhuysen), writing is serviceable and the actors do a museum, said that the necessary decision ement, and in Bloom’s case, it’s fire. Bloom’s who still appears one-dimensional despite commendable job with the material they to move the event online was made back fairy friends—water fairy Aisha (Precios being “misunderstood.”Sky (Danny Grif- were given. Even though Bloom remains a in October. Mustapha), earth fairy Terra (Eliot Salt) and fin)—Bloom’s love interest, and formerly relatively clichéd character, Abigail Cowen mind fairy Musa (Elisha Applebaum)—all “It’s hard to emotionally move away Stella’s boyfriend—is the tall golden boy flirt portrays her in an awkward-yet-conflicted from the electricity that comes from being know how to control their powers, unlike who sees Bloom all alone, swooping in to be performance that makes “Fate: The Winx Bloom. at a live auction,” Powers said. her knight in shining armor. Saga” more watchable. But moving the event online comes But Bloom conveniently arrives at a time Musa and Terra have more nuanced sto- With fairies playing beer pong, partying with the added bonus of free admission of crisis, when creatures called Burned Ones rylines, but that doesn’t mitigate the show’s and engaging in more than magic in the CONTRIBUTED for participants, allowing people who aren’t art collectors or the uber-wealthy to experience something they may have never had the opportunity to see. The auction is the museum’s biggest For locked-in Foo Fighters, consistency is key fundraiser of the year, and the event has ALEX MILLER Adele (he co-wrote “Hello”—this man the kit, Taylor Hawkins, is having the Foo Fighters, like Tom Brady, do what been a Missoula mainstay since 1975. After makes hits, people). The sound of the time of his life on this record. Barn burn- they know and stick to their arena-sized, the recession in 2009, the museum had to [email protected] The Missoula Art Museum is hosting its annual auction. Bidding is open online until 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. There are artists from all around the West and some record is tighter and more to the point ers like “Holding Poison,” “Cloud Spot- Grohl-powered guns. Time and again adapt, pinching pennies and putting its from Virginia, Louisiana and New York. “This is our first time taking the whole event online, but we’re very excited about it,” said Missoula Art Museum Marketing than their first go-round with Kurstin on ter” and “Love Dies Young” sound as if they have managed to put out albums money where it mattered most—back into and Communications Coordinator, Carey Powers. ZACH MEYER | MONTANA KAIMIN Author’s Note: I have a Foo Fighters-in- “Concrete and Gold,” which might come Hawkins is a caged animal, pounding his that will dominate radio airwaves and the community. Powers, who joined staff spired tattoo, but I promise to say whether or with a longer working relationship. drums trying to burst from confinement. commercials. at the museum a year and a half ago, says not this album is good or bad. And that sonic tightness is up-front and The standout of the record is most Let’s hope next time around they try that the auction has always had to grow Like a well-built highway, the Foo center on the opener “Making a Fire.” The certainly “No Son of Mine.” The song is something new. and change with the times. sponsoring the event are all in-state. Local restaurants—Biga Pizza, James Fighters are always straight and to the ‘70s rock-flavored track comes fully load- another blending of bands that inspired “At its heart, [the auction] is a time Sponsors include local arts organizations Bar, Marianna Forrest Catering, Rumour point. ed with “nana-na-nas” and an arena-sized the Foos, with a meaty chug opening the for the public and the museum to come such as the Montana Repertory Theater, and Sushi Hana—have exclusive discounts With their 10th studio album “Medicine riff from guitarist Chris Shiflett. Grohl’s tune a-la-Metallica, and a verse straight together and support contemporary art Missoula Broadcasting Company and and menu options to pair with MAM’s Big at Midnight,” Dave Grohl and Co. have 14-year-old daughter, Violet, contributed from Motörhead’s playbook. and artists,” Powers said. multiple art galleries, including the Radius Night, including 20% discounts or a three- added another consistent effort to their backing vocals as well. But still nothing The band manages to take those outside All of the 125 artists who submitted and Relic galleries. course meal. catalogue. But if you’re looking for rein- too adventurous for the Foos. parts, put them through their Foo com- their art for the auction were accepted, The museum is also partnered with And while some of the options may vention, take the next exit. The only real adventure on the album— puter, and create a song that thrashes. Powers said, citing the difficulty of the the Montana Area Music Association to still be outside a college student’s budget, The Foo Fighters are one of those bands and arguably the worst outing—is the But the thing about most of these songs past year as a driving factor. Of the artists, compile the exclusive album, “Getting splitting a pizza, jumbo salad, tiramisu that do one thing and do it well: Sound title track “Medicine at Midnight.” It’s got is that they’re neither incredible nor bor- 25 were brand new. Thru: A Compilation.” and a bottle of wine from Biga with like the Foo Fighters. And for some, that a pinch of ‘70s Bowie, a dash of Rolling ing. They’re a collection of above average The album features songs from popular roommates sounds close to a college kid’s sound is like a comforting old leather At least three of the artists are graduates Stones in their disco days and a blues solo Foo Fighters material. “Waiting on a local artists, including Bombshell dream. jacket. The classic-rock-meets-punk vibes of the University of Montana: Jasmine Beul akin to Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour. Two War,” is an example of a classic Foo jam. Nightlight, Shakewell, the String Orchestra “Top to bottom, this event is based in that can detour into acoustic ballads, of those three things work great on their It’s an acoustic ballad that slowly builds (BFA, 2017), Jesse Blumenthal (MFA, 2019) of the Rockies, Cory Fay and Brit Arnesen. the strength and resiliency of the different they’re staples of the band. And on this own (disco Rolling Stones sucked), but into an explosive closing. Another re- and Amanda Jaffe (MFA, 1978) are all The compilation is available to stream on aspects of Missoula,” Powers said. “And record, they’re all here. thrown together it’s a haphazard, identi- treading of the soft-to-loud dynamic that featured in the auction. Bandcamp and the digital download is no donation is too small.” The nine-track effort sees the return of ty-less mess. they do so well, but again, nothing new. While many of the artists are located available to purchase for $50. producer Greg Kurstin, most known for For the drummers in the room, it In such a strange clusterfuck of a year, outside of Montana, the businesses his work with The Bird and the Bee and sounds like the Foos’ main man behind it is nice to have some consistency. The CONTRIBUTED 12 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 13 Arts| Reviews Arts | Digital auction MAM builds on small-town connections for annual art auction ‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ is not as magical as advertised MEGHAN JONAS HALEY YARBOROUGH [email protected] are prowling in the forest outside of Alfea. lack of diversity. The 2004 Nickelodeon car- woods, it’s easy to see why the show is ap- [email protected] Using fire magic, Bloom kills more than toon “Winx Club” did better at diversifying pealing. But this storyline is tiresome. Rather An auction is like a sporting event—the a few of the creatures without batting an its cast than this modern melodrama. Musa than offering a fresh, creative adaptation of electricity in the atmosphere is palpable, eyelash. and Terra, who were portrayed as East Asian the cartoon, “Fate: The Winx Saga” falls into with pieces featured that could cost as “Fate: The Winx Saga” is a fantasy retell- And this is where the issues begin. and Latina in the cartoon, are whitewashed typical teenage tropes that not even magic ing of “Mean Girls,” except less funny, more Bloom is the ultimate “Mary Sue” char- versions of the characters in the live-action can fix. much as February’s rent. dramatic and clichéd enough to rival any acter. For those who haven’t scoured the production. But in a digital world, anything is typical teen melodrama. internet for fanfiction, a “Mary Sue” is a typ- There’s also the exhausted archetype of possible. An adaptation of the Iginio Straffi Italian ical female protagonist who is an idealized the supportive Black friend, which Aisha The Missoula Art Museum’s annual cartoon “Winx Club,” the Netflix series extension of the creator. She is usually excep- embodies. Bloom’s recklessness is often art auction, also known as “MAM’s Big replaces the childish fun we grew up with as tionally talented, possesses rare abilities and mitigated by Aisha’s level-headedness (fire Night,” is taking place entirely online on kids with a dark storyline full of sex, drink- lacks realistic character flaws. Bloom is the and water). Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event, ing and pining teenagers. epitome of this. She is witty and beautiful The relationships in this series are half- which also features raffle items, meal “Fate: The Winx Saga” follows Bloom with a tragic backstory involving the loss of baked. Everything is about Bloom. Her opin- deals and an exclusive digital album (Abigail Cowen), a spunky and pretty Cali- her parents and unusual fire powers that she ions transcend others’ concerns, to the point highlighting songs from local musicians, fornian who enrolls at the prestigious fairy harnesses with ease. where every character is talking at each has grown into more than just an art school, Alfea, after discovering her powers. This role is not exclusive to a singular other, not with each other. It’s like a bunch of auction. In the Winx universe, fairies rule a place character. “Fate: The Winx Saga” has its brick walls talking to one another. Carey Powers, marketing and called the Otherworld and attend schools fill of tropes. There’s the Regina George of “Fate: The Winx Saga” has its merits. The communications coordinator at the like Alfea. Each fairy controls a particular el- Alfea, Stella (Hannah van der Westhuysen), writing is serviceable and the actors do a museum, said that the necessary decision ement, and in Bloom’s case, it’s fire. Bloom’s who still appears one-dimensional despite commendable job with the material they to move the event online was made back fairy friends—water fairy Aisha (Precios being “misunderstood.”Sky (Danny Grif- were given. Even though Bloom remains a in October. Mustapha), earth fairy Terra (Eliot Salt) and fin)—Bloom’s love interest, and formerly relatively clichéd character, Abigail Cowen mind fairy Musa (Elisha Applebaum)—all “It’s hard to emotionally move away Stella’s boyfriend—is the tall golden boy flirt portrays her in an awkward-yet-conflicted from the electricity that comes from being know how to control their powers, unlike who sees Bloom all alone, swooping in to be performance that makes “Fate: The Winx Bloom. at a live auction,” Powers said. her knight in shining armor. Saga” more watchable. But moving the event online comes But Bloom conveniently arrives at a time Musa and Terra have more nuanced sto- With fairies playing beer pong, partying with the added bonus of free admission of crisis, when creatures called Burned Ones rylines, but that doesn’t mitigate the show’s and engaging in more than magic in the CONTRIBUTED for participants, allowing people who aren’t art collectors or the uber-wealthy to experience something they may have never had the opportunity to see. The auction is the museum’s biggest For locked-in Foo Fighters, consistency is key fundraiser of the year, and the event has ALEX MILLER Adele (he co-wrote “Hello”—this man the kit, Taylor Hawkins, is having the Foo Fighters, like Tom Brady, do what been a Missoula mainstay since 1975. After makes hits, people). The sound of the time of his life on this record. Barn burn- they know and stick to their arena-sized, the recession in 2009, the museum had to [email protected] The Missoula Art Museum is hosting its annual auction. Bidding is open online until 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. There are artists from all around the West and some record is tighter and more to the point ers like “Holding Poison,” “Cloud Spot- Grohl-powered guns. Time and again adapt, pinching pennies and putting its from Virginia, Louisiana and New York. “This is our first time taking the whole event online, but we’re very excited about it,” said Missoula Art Museum Marketing than their first go-round with Kurstin on ter” and “Love Dies Young” sound as if they have managed to put out albums money where it mattered most—back into and Communications Coordinator, Carey Powers. ZACH MEYER | MONTANA KAIMIN Author’s Note: I have a Foo Fighters-in- “Concrete and Gold,” which might come Hawkins is a caged animal, pounding his that will dominate radio airwaves and the community. Powers, who joined staff spired tattoo, but I promise to say whether or with a longer working relationship. drums trying to burst from confinement. commercials. at the museum a year and a half ago, says not this album is good or bad. And that sonic tightness is up-front and The standout of the record is most Let’s hope next time around they try that the auction has always had to grow Like a well-built highway, the Foo center on the opener “Making a Fire.” The certainly “No Son of Mine.” The song is something new. and change with the times. sponsoring the event are all in-state. Local restaurants—Biga Pizza, James Fighters are always straight and to the ‘70s rock-flavored track comes fully load- another blending of bands that inspired “At its heart, [the auction] is a time Sponsors include local arts organizations Bar, Marianna Forrest Catering, Rumour point. ed with “nana-na-nas” and an arena-sized the Foos, with a meaty chug opening the for the public and the museum to come such as the Montana Repertory Theater, and Sushi Hana—have exclusive discounts With their 10th studio album “Medicine riff from guitarist Chris Shiflett. Grohl’s tune a-la-Metallica, and a verse straight together and support contemporary art Missoula Broadcasting Company and and menu options to pair with MAM’s Big at Midnight,” Dave Grohl and Co. have 14-year-old daughter, Violet, contributed from Motörhead’s playbook. and artists,” Powers said. multiple art galleries, including the Radius Night, including 20% discounts or a three- added another consistent effort to their backing vocals as well. But still nothing The band manages to take those outside All of the 125 artists who submitted and Relic galleries. course meal. catalogue. But if you’re looking for rein- too adventurous for the Foos. parts, put them through their Foo com- their art for the auction were accepted, The museum is also partnered with And while some of the options may vention, take the next exit. The only real adventure on the album— puter, and create a song that thrashes. Powers said, citing the difficulty of the the Montana Area Music Association to still be outside a college student’s budget, The Foo Fighters are one of those bands and arguably the worst outing—is the But the thing about most of these songs past year as a driving factor. Of the artists, compile the exclusive album, “Getting splitting a pizza, jumbo salad, tiramisu that do one thing and do it well: Sound title track “Medicine at Midnight.” It’s got is that they’re neither incredible nor bor- 25 were brand new. Thru: A Compilation.” and a bottle of wine from Biga with like the Foo Fighters. And for some, that a pinch of ‘70s Bowie, a dash of Rolling ing. They’re a collection of above average The album features songs from popular roommates sounds close to a college kid’s sound is like a comforting old leather At least three of the artists are graduates Stones in their disco days and a blues solo Foo Fighters material. “Waiting on a local artists, including Bombshell dream. jacket. The classic-rock-meets-punk vibes of the University of Montana: Jasmine Beul akin to Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour. Two War,” is an example of a classic Foo jam. Nightlight, Shakewell, the String Orchestra “Top to bottom, this event is based in that can detour into acoustic ballads, of those three things work great on their It’s an acoustic ballad that slowly builds (BFA, 2017), Jesse Blumenthal (MFA, 2019) of the Rockies, Cory Fay and Brit Arnesen. the strength and resiliency of the different they’re staples of the band. And on this own (disco Rolling Stones sucked), but into an explosive closing. Another re- and Amanda Jaffe (MFA, 1978) are all The compilation is available to stream on aspects of Missoula,” Powers said. “And record, they’re all here. thrown together it’s a haphazard, identi- treading of the soft-to-loud dynamic that featured in the auction. Bandcamp and the digital download is no donation is too small.” The nine-track effort sees the return of ty-less mess. they do so well, but again, nothing new. While many of the artists are located available to purchase for $50. producer Greg Kurstin, most known for For the drummers in the room, it In such a strange clusterfuck of a year, outside of Montana, the businesses his work with The Bird and the Bee and sounds like the Foos’ main man behind it is nice to have some consistency. The CONTRIBUTED 12 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 13 Sports | Griz basketball Sports | Overcoming injury Griz basketball splits road series at Portland State Ali Monroe is back on the field JACK MARSHALL turnovers, season high. MADISON STONE [email protected] With 30 seconds left in the game, UM still [email protected] lagged by three points. After some dramatic When UM freshman guard Robby defensive plays by both UM and Portland Beasley III caught the ball with just over a State, Beasley hit his clutch 3-pointer to Ali Monroe walks through the dark tunnel second left in UM’s game against Portland extend the game. The Griz outscored the that leads to the turf field of the Washington- State on Feb. 4, Montana was down three Vikings 16-10 in overtime to take the first Grizzly Stadium. She tightens up the laces points. As the scoreboard lit up red and game. on her cleats and begins her stretches before time ran out, Beasley’s 3-point shot found “Everything that could happen, hap- practice. the bottom of the net. Tie game. pened,” said UM head coach Travis Monroe has been playing soccer since she “As soon as [the shot] came off I was like, DeCuire. “But we won, and that’s what is was four years old. She is now a holding ‘All right that looks like it’s going in,’” Bea- amazing about it.” midfielder for the University of Montana sley said in a postgame interview with UM On Feb. 6, the two teams squared off women’s soccer team. However, she hasn’t play-by-play broadcaster Riley Corcoran. again in Portland. After leading by seven in been seen on the field since September of Beasley’s heroic shot helped UM soar to a the first half, UM allowed Portland State to 2019, when she was sidelined by two injuries 70-64 overtime win against Portland State. regain the lead early in the second half. University of Montana guard Robby Beasley III guards a Portland State Univer- that were potentially career ending and the After Portland State took control in the Two days later, UM couldn’t keep its magic sity player during the game on Feb. 4. CONTRIBUTED pandemic. alive and lost at the hands of Portland second round of play, the Vikings never The first time Monroe had been injured State, 61-56. The two-game split gave UM allowed UM to come back to the ballgame, was in September of 2016, when she tore her Despite the loss, sophomore forward away from home, winning only three. Mon- a season record of 8-9, with a 4-6 record in winning by five points. ACL and her meniscus on her left leg. This Derrick Carter-Hollinger shined for UM, tana will be 0-5 when it plays on Saturday. the Big Sky Conference. For one stretch in the second half, the time, in 2019, it was her right leg. scoring 14 points and pulling down four re- Montana has split its last four Big Sky In UM’s first game against Portland Griz didn’t score for over six minutes. UM In a game against the University of bounds. Senior forward Michael Steadman Conference series, losing the second game State, Beasley and fellow freshman guard had fewer rebounds—23—than in any other California Berkeley, she heard a very distinct, added 13 points. of the series three times. Brandon Whitney led the scoring with 14 game this season. hollow popping sound from her knee, one Out of UM’s six conference losses, all of UM’s next games will be against Weber points each. UM made 14 of its first 23 shot attempts she had heard before. them have been by six points or fewer. The State on Feb. 11 and 13 at home. Weber Just minutes into the second half, the in the game and then only converted on “I was just more heartbroken than Griz have lost seven games while playing State has a record of 11-4 this season. Griz trailed by eight points thanks to 24 four of its final fourteen attempts. anything else, because I just knew what that meant,” Monroe said. She was recruited to the University of Montana’s soccer team her junior year of high school, and moved from Edmunds, UM volleyball adapts to wearing masks in game Washington to Missoula in 2018. Her first year at UM, the team walked away as champions of the Big Sky Tournament. JACK MARSHALL getting there.” As a freshman, Monroe was on the field Harper also said that during games, play- [email protected] every minute of UM’s run in the tournament. ers will sometimes pull their masks down for She was voted UM soccer’s newcomer of the a brief period of time to catch their breath. With the return of the postponed Big Sky year. While the ball is in play, the masks stay on. CONTRIBUTED | GOGRIZ.COM Conference volleyball season this spring, the When she got injured, she knew she would Harper hasn’t been slowed down by masks UM volleyball team has already had to adjust have to undergo surgery and spend at least 40 years old. happens again,” Monroe said. “Which is not but she says UM’s winter break helped her at all this season, racking up 51 kills through to the COVID-19 safety protocols requiring nine months recovering, just like the first Monroe continued to go to practice, even necessarily the right mindset to have, but it is recover. UM’s first four matches. She is the only UM on-court masks. time. However, the second recovery was a lot after her injury. Even if she wasn’t feeling a thought that is hard to ignore.” “Because we had a long break, it was really player who had double-digit successful “It’s hard to play with masks on and cheer harder for her. great after a hard treatment day, going to Just when Monroe was nearly healed from helpful. Just letting my body heal a bit more spikes in every one of those matches. at the same time, so we rely a lot on our After the doctors went in and fixed the practice and being with her team brought her injury in 2019, in June of 2020 she felt that and recover and still building up muscle,” So far the UM volleyball team is 1-4 with a bench—and they’re doing an amazing job of happiness. familiar pain in her right knee. she said. 1-1 record at home. torn ACL and meniscus, she was in the keeping the intensity,” said Amethyst Harper, “Ultimately, at the end of the day I think “I think in my mind, it was that all the Monroe has not stepped foot on the field In UM’s most recent games against South- healing process when the University went a sophomore outside hitter. everyone is just there for one another, and I soreness and pain was from the re-tear, so for the UM soccer team in a game since she ern Utah on Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 the Griz lost into lockdown because of the COVID-19 In UM’s back-to-back home games against once that was fixed, I should be fine,” she tore her ACL in 2019. both matches. pandemic. think that is where we’ve had a lot of success Weber State, Griz players wore matching In the match on Feb. 7, UM fell 3-1 to “This past fall was actually pretty difficult and we know the value of working together,” said. The UM soccer team has just begun its maroon masks throughout the match. The Southern Utah while in the match on Feb. 8, of course, everything that was going on with Monroe said. An MRI scan confirmed that her meniscus practices for the Spring 2021 season. benches were also distanced and sanitized the Griz also lost 3-1. Harper had 10 digs in COVID and not being on campus. A whole This is what she loves about soccer, had re-torn and she would have to undergo “Honestly, just being on the field again is during timeouts. the second match against SUU. plate of stuff,” Monroe said. especially the team-family dynamic and the a third surgery to fix it. The doctor told her just so exciting,” Monroe said. “Just being out In the fall, UM players wore neck gaiters “There was pressure in every set really,” said She was not ready to be done with soccer, chance to celebrate successes together. recovery could take up to 10 weeks. there, running around, competing with one rather than masks during practice. This UM head coach Allison Lawerence.” I feel but she knew how long the recovery process She says that she also has support from her After taking a year dedicated to the another, it feels so incredible to be back and spring, Harper said that the volleyball team that we executed really well under pressure.” took and the effects soccer had on her family, especially from her mother and sister, recovery of her knee, with many ups and I’m just more excited for what is to come.” has switched to masks. The Griz will play 16 games this season body. As much as she loved the sport and who have also torn their ACLs, and know the downs, Monroe played her first scrimmage in UM’s season is expected to kick off on “We do practice with masks on now, so it’s before they depart to the Big Sky Conference competing, she also wanted to make sure she recovery process. September of 2020. March 7 at home against Montana State kind of difficult to get used to. I’m definite- University of Montana outside hitter Amethyst Harper jumps up to hit the ball in game against Weber tournament in Greely, Colorado on March 31. didn’t have bad arthritis by the time she was “I never doubted my ability to get back Even after the surgery, she was still feeling University-Billings. ly not still used to it,” she said. “But we’re State on Feb. 1. KENNEDY DELAP | MONTANA KAIMIN to the field, it was just what I would do if it some pain and soreness around her knee,

montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 15 14 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com Sports | Griz basketball Sports | Overcoming injury Griz basketball splits road series at Portland State Ali Monroe is back on the field JACK MARSHALL turnovers, season high. MADISON STONE [email protected] With 30 seconds left in the game, UM still [email protected] lagged by three points. After some dramatic When UM freshman guard Robby defensive plays by both UM and Portland Beasley III caught the ball with just over a State, Beasley hit his clutch 3-pointer to Ali Monroe walks through the dark tunnel second left in UM’s game against Portland extend the game. The Griz outscored the that leads to the turf field of the Washington- State on Feb. 4, Montana was down three Vikings 16-10 in overtime to take the first Grizzly Stadium. She tightens up the laces points. As the scoreboard lit up red and game. on her cleats and begins her stretches before time ran out, Beasley’s 3-point shot found “Everything that could happen, hap- practice. the bottom of the net. Tie game. pened,” said UM head coach Travis Monroe has been playing soccer since she “As soon as [the shot] came off I was like, DeCuire. “But we won, and that’s what is was four years old. She is now a holding ‘All right that looks like it’s going in,’” Bea- amazing about it.” midfielder for the University of Montana sley said in a postgame interview with UM On Feb. 6, the two teams squared off women’s soccer team. However, she hasn’t play-by-play broadcaster Riley Corcoran. again in Portland. After leading by seven in been seen on the field since September of Beasley’s heroic shot helped UM soar to a the first half, UM allowed Portland State to 2019, when she was sidelined by two injuries 70-64 overtime win against Portland State. regain the lead early in the second half. University of Montana guard Robby Beasley III guards a Portland State Univer- that were potentially career ending and the After Portland State took control in the Two days later, UM couldn’t keep its magic sity player during the game on Feb. 4. CONTRIBUTED pandemic. alive and lost at the hands of Portland second round of play, the Vikings never The first time Monroe had been injured State, 61-56. The two-game split gave UM allowed UM to come back to the ballgame, was in September of 2016, when she tore her Despite the loss, sophomore forward away from home, winning only three. Mon- a season record of 8-9, with a 4-6 record in winning by five points. ACL and her meniscus on her left leg. This Derrick Carter-Hollinger shined for UM, tana will be 0-5 when it plays on Saturday. the Big Sky Conference. For one stretch in the second half, the time, in 2019, it was her right leg. scoring 14 points and pulling down four re- Montana has split its last four Big Sky In UM’s first game against Portland Griz didn’t score for over six minutes. UM In a game against the University of bounds. Senior forward Michael Steadman Conference series, losing the second game State, Beasley and fellow freshman guard had fewer rebounds—23—than in any other California Berkeley, she heard a very distinct, added 13 points. of the series three times. Brandon Whitney led the scoring with 14 game this season. hollow popping sound from her knee, one Out of UM’s six conference losses, all of UM’s next games will be against Weber points each. UM made 14 of its first 23 shot attempts she had heard before. them have been by six points or fewer. The State on Feb. 11 and 13 at home. Weber Just minutes into the second half, the in the game and then only converted on “I was just more heartbroken than Griz have lost seven games while playing State has a record of 11-4 this season. Griz trailed by eight points thanks to 24 four of its final fourteen attempts. anything else, because I just knew what that meant,” Monroe said. She was recruited to the University of Montana’s soccer team her junior year of high school, and moved from Edmunds, UM volleyball adapts to wearing masks in game Washington to Missoula in 2018. Her first year at UM, the team walked away as champions of the Big Sky Tournament. JACK MARSHALL getting there.” As a freshman, Monroe was on the field Harper also said that during games, play- [email protected] every minute of UM’s run in the tournament. ers will sometimes pull their masks down for She was voted UM soccer’s newcomer of the a brief period of time to catch their breath. With the return of the postponed Big Sky year. While the ball is in play, the masks stay on. CONTRIBUTED | GOGRIZ.COM Conference volleyball season this spring, the When she got injured, she knew she would Harper hasn’t been slowed down by masks UM volleyball team has already had to adjust have to undergo surgery and spend at least 40 years old. happens again,” Monroe said. “Which is not but she says UM’s winter break helped her at all this season, racking up 51 kills through to the COVID-19 safety protocols requiring nine months recovering, just like the first Monroe continued to go to practice, even necessarily the right mindset to have, but it is recover. UM’s first four matches. She is the only UM on-court masks. time. However, the second recovery was a lot after her injury. Even if she wasn’t feeling a thought that is hard to ignore.” “Because we had a long break, it was really player who had double-digit successful “It’s hard to play with masks on and cheer harder for her. great after a hard treatment day, going to Just when Monroe was nearly healed from helpful. Just letting my body heal a bit more spikes in every one of those matches. at the same time, so we rely a lot on our After the doctors went in and fixed the practice and being with her team brought her injury in 2019, in June of 2020 she felt that and recover and still building up muscle,” So far the UM volleyball team is 1-4 with a bench—and they’re doing an amazing job of happiness. familiar pain in her right knee. she said. 1-1 record at home. torn ACL and meniscus, she was in the keeping the intensity,” said Amethyst Harper, “Ultimately, at the end of the day I think “I think in my mind, it was that all the Monroe has not stepped foot on the field In UM’s most recent games against South- healing process when the University went a sophomore outside hitter. everyone is just there for one another, and I soreness and pain was from the re-tear, so for the UM soccer team in a game since she ern Utah on Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 the Griz lost into lockdown because of the COVID-19 In UM’s back-to-back home games against once that was fixed, I should be fine,” she tore her ACL in 2019. both matches. pandemic. think that is where we’ve had a lot of success Weber State, Griz players wore matching In the match on Feb. 7, UM fell 3-1 to “This past fall was actually pretty difficult and we know the value of working together,” said. The UM soccer team has just begun its maroon masks throughout the match. The Southern Utah while in the match on Feb. 8, of course, everything that was going on with Monroe said. An MRI scan confirmed that her meniscus practices for the Spring 2021 season. benches were also distanced and sanitized the Griz also lost 3-1. Harper had 10 digs in COVID and not being on campus. A whole This is what she loves about soccer, had re-torn and she would have to undergo “Honestly, just being on the field again is during timeouts. the second match against SUU. plate of stuff,” Monroe said. especially the team-family dynamic and the a third surgery to fix it. The doctor told her just so exciting,” Monroe said. “Just being out In the fall, UM players wore neck gaiters “There was pressure in every set really,” said She was not ready to be done with soccer, chance to celebrate successes together. recovery could take up to 10 weeks. there, running around, competing with one rather than masks during practice. This UM head coach Allison Lawerence.” I feel but she knew how long the recovery process She says that she also has support from her After taking a year dedicated to the another, it feels so incredible to be back and spring, Harper said that the volleyball team that we executed really well under pressure.” took and the effects soccer had on her family, especially from her mother and sister, recovery of her knee, with many ups and I’m just more excited for what is to come.” has switched to masks. The Griz will play 16 games this season body. As much as she loved the sport and who have also torn their ACLs, and know the downs, Monroe played her first scrimmage in UM’s season is expected to kick off on “We do practice with masks on now, so it’s before they depart to the Big Sky Conference competing, she also wanted to make sure she recovery process. September of 2020. March 7 at home against Montana State kind of difficult to get used to. I’m definite- University of Montana outside hitter Amethyst Harper jumps up to hit the ball in game against Weber tournament in Greely, Colorado on March 31. didn’t have bad arthritis by the time she was “I never doubted my ability to get back Even after the surgery, she was still feeling University-Billings. ly not still used to it,” she said. “But we’re State on Feb. 1. KENNEDY DELAP | MONTANA KAIMIN to the field, it was just what I would do if it some pain and soreness around her knee,

montanakaimin.com February 10, 2021 15 14 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com Gallery | Losing streak snapped Lady Griz bounce back, break three game losing streak in rout of Vikings

JOHN ORZECHOWSKI Redshirt sophomore forward Carmen nior forward Kylie Frohlich, who led UM Gfeller bringing the score up to 62-41. UM Gfeller, UM’s leading scorer, led the way in scoring in its first game against Portland was able to take its foot off the gas in the [email protected] with 19 points, making 75% of her shots. State, made six of her seven shot attempts fourth and still win by 13. Redshirt junior forward Abby Anderson to score 12 points off the bench. The Lady Griz broke a three-game los- On Saturday, the University of Montana added 12 points to go along with her eight “I’m proud of the depth we showed ing streak and became 8-7 on the season. women’s team cruised to a 76-63 win over rebounds and seven assists. today,” Petrino said. The Lady Griz will travel to Ogden to Portland State, two days after losing by As a team, the Lady Griz shot 51% from While the Lady Griz maintained a small take on the 0-13 Weber State Wildcats on only one point to the PSU. the field. UM kept its fouls low, out-re- lead through the first two quarters, going Feb. 12 and Feb. 14. Aside from the split “Like every team that goes through the bounded and out-assisted the Vikings. up 20-16 at the end of the first and leading series against Montana State, it’ll be the year, you have your challenges and adver- Junior forward Hannah Thurmon, who 38-30 at the half, UM blew the game open first away series since UM visited North- sity, and Thursday was really hard,” head averages around five points per game, hit in the third quarter thanks to nine points ern Arizona on Feb. 14 and 16. coach Mike Petrino said. five triples to score a season high 15. Ju- from Thurmon and seven points from

University of Montana forward Kylie Frohlich pushes past two Portland State University players toward the hoop. Frohlich scored the fourth highest for the Griz with 12 points. CLAIRE SHINNER | MONTANA KAIMIN

University of Montana forward Carmen Gfeller high-fives her teammates after scoring for the University of Montana guard Jordyn Schweyen, left, and forward Abby Anderson, right, jump Griz during the game. Gfeller led the Griz in scoring with 19 points overall. up as the ball falls through the hoop during the first half of the game. CLAIRE SHINNER | MONTANA KAIMIN CLAIRE SHINNER | MONTANA KAIMIN 16 February 10, 2021 montanakaimin.com