A a Look Into Covid-19-Era Basketball at Um

MONTANA KAIMIn

NEWS REMEMBERING ROBERT GREENE BIZZARE BALL A A LOOK INTO ARTS FEEL AGAIN WITH COVID-19-ERA BASKETBALL AT THE GIGGLE BOX UM SPORTS MEET UM GOLF’S TIKTOK STAR Story by Jack Marshall and John Orzechowski

Photos by Jack Marshall

Volume 123 Issue No. 16, January 20, 2021 Kaimin Editorial Feature photo: The Giggle Box New Montana House bills discriminate against transgender people On Monday, the first floor of the Capitol tistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines building in Helena was crowded, a line out gender dysphoria as “a medical diagnosis the door of the courtroom as lobbyists testi- based on a persistent, marked difference be- fied against House Bills 112 and 113: Bills that tween a patient’s expressed or experienced discriminate against young gender-noncon- gender and the gender others would assign forming people. Both bills are being intro- the patient causing clinically significant duced by Kalispell Republican John Fuller. distress or impairment.” This quote is also HB112, the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” cited in the bill. would barr transgender women from Health care providers’ jobs in caring for competing on women’s public school sports their patients should not be hindered by teams. The bill cites “inherent differences,” as government overreach. Denying minors reasoning, including chromosomal, hormon- who experience gender dysphoria poten- al and physiological. It also cites that sex tially life-saving treatment for a medical classification in sports, “allows for the ‘full condition that causes significant distress or development of the talent and capacities of impairment is wrong. our Nation’s people,’” according to the draft The bill’s name, “The Youth Health Pro- The “So Fresh” room at The GiggleWeek Box, Missoula’s of 1/18/21 first interactive - 1/24/21 art museum. The room is filled with of the bill. tection Act,” flagrantly disregards any harm plastic flamingos and bright colors, with a lemonade stand photo opportunity spot, along with chairs and Why do biological sex classifications in that would come from the bill’s implemen- benches. The Giggle Box, started by Tanya Lee and Logan Foret, has turned an old department store into an sports affect the integrity of the American tation. escape. Read more about the museum on page 14. CLAIRE SHINNER | MONTANA KAIMIN people? Above all, why would it be the Nationally, as of 2018, LGBTQ+ youth government’s place to decide this? Being are four times more likely, and questioning transgender is not a choice. However, how an youth are three times more likely, to attempt athlete wants to compete is. suicide than their straight peers. Nearly half The bill insists that allowing people not of young transgender people have seriously biologically born female to compete against thought about talking their own lives. One cisgender women would be unfair, citing a quarter of transgender youth have made a study of female and male Olympic perfor- suicide attempt. SUDOKU Edited by Margie E. Burke mances since 1983. Although the study found This also perpetuates the belief gen- Difficulty: Easy that people across the study’s performances der that treatment can wait until gender HOW TO SOLVE: improved overtime, “women’s performances non-conforming youth are of legal age, and 9 6 5 Each row must contain the at the high level will never match those of that the government can override a legal numbers 1 to 9; each column must men.” guardian’s decision to help their child on contain the numbers 1 to 9; and Public school sports are not comparable to their child’s behalf. 7 9 each set of 3 by 3 boxes must Olympic level athletics. A transgender high These radical bills serve only to legally contain the numbers 1 to 9. schooler is not intending to dominate the allow discrimination and government over- 5 field of the gender they identify as because each into the personal lives and decisions of of a supposed biological advantage. Instead, Montana’s gender-noncomforming people. Answers to Last Week’s Sudoku: public school sports are another club or group For a party that opposes government inter- 8 9 8 7 3 2 6 4 9 5 1 or activity, a way for students to express who vention and preaches the necessity of per- they are and develop character. sonal autonomy (second amendment rights, 3 7 4 6 1 4 5 9 7 3 2 8 They compete on the team of the gender anyone?), these bills seem contradictory to 9 2 5 3 1 8 6 7 4 they identify as because they are that gender. the very core of Republican values. 7 1 8 3 It’s a simple matter of respect. The consistent So why, in the midst of a pandemic, is it 2 9 1 4 5 3 8 6 7 dysphoria-inducing experience of being the priority of Montana’s conservative right 4 3 6 7 8 1 2 9 5 misgendered is one thing, but having your to strip away the autonomy and chance at 1 6 4 3 athletic achievements credited to someone equal opportunity for young gender noncon- 7 5 8 9 2 6 4 1 3 who is not truly you is another, more painful forming people? 7 8 4 3 4 9 1 7 2 5 8 6 experience. 1 6 2 8 3 5 7 4 9 The latter bill, HB 113, would bar health Note: This piece was written by an all-cisgen- 2 9 care providers from providing medications der editorial board. 5 8 7 6 4 9 1 3 2 and medical procedures for the treatment Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate of gender dysphoria in minors, for so-called Like it? Hate it? Wish we were dead? “Youth Health Protection.” It would also es- email us your opinions at tablish a civil penalty (a fine of “not less than [email protected] $500 or more than $50,000,”) for health care providers providing the prohibited treatment. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Sta- montanakaimin.com January 20, 2021 3

Week of 1/18/21 - 1/24/21

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

14 15 16 17 18 19 2000s one-hit wonders Briefs: National Guard, vaccines and anti-trans legislation ALEX MILLER MAZANA BOERBOOM ty.” The bill is being opposed by several health according to the National Guard website. And be finished with 1A by the end of January and 20 21 22 [email protected] [email protected] care organizations, including the Blue Cross the DCist reported that the highest number of it established a COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution 23 24 25 Blue Shield, Montana Medical Association and National Guard members to occupy D.C. since Team last Thursday to help coordinate the effort others. More than 400 health care providers the Civil War was after Martin Luther King Jr. and establish a mass vaccination site. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Montana anti-transgender legislation signed a letter opposing the bill, reporter Jackie was assassinated, and even then it was only 34 35 36 37 38 Coffin said in a tweet. 13,000. Law students hold conversation on race and Two bills targeting transgender rights went The Kaimin is following this story and privilege to the Montana legislature on Monday. HB 112, 39 40 41 will update online as information becomes Montana COVID-19 vaccine distribution entitled “Save Women’s Sports Act,” would available. moving forward The Montana Black Law Students Associa- 42 43 44 require “public school athletics teams to be tion (BLSA) is hosting “An Overdue Conversa- designated based on biological sex.” The bill 45 46 47 48 49 Montana National Guard goes The COVID-19 vaccination tion on Race and Privilege” on Thursday from would require sports teams to be classified as to D.C. for inauguration process in Montana is moving 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. The conversa- 50 51 52 53 male, female or co-ed and that teams desig- forward as over 50,000 doses tion will be centered on the United States’ legal nated for women be closed to people of the 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 Gov. Greg Gianforte sent 150 have already been distributed systems and professions, according to the event “male sex.” The bill cites the “hormonal” and members of the Montana Nation- to health care workers across description on Griz Hub. They intend to model “chromosomal” differences in men and women 61 62 63 al Guard to Washington, D.C. to the state. All staff and residents the conversation after the “We’re Not Really and describes physiological advantages of men assist security for the inauguration of “long term care facilities,” Strangers”playing cards and answer the ques- 64 65 66 in sports including stronger bones, larger hearts of President Joe Biden on Wednesday. such as nursing homes, should be tion: “How can we do better?” The Montana and more testosterone as justification for the 67 68 69 They were a part of around 25,000 members vaccinated by the end of the month. BLSA is also holding a scholarship fundraiser bill. of the National Guard from around the country While Missoula is still in stage 1A of vaccination for Black law students at the University of Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate HB 113 is entitled “Youth Health Protection ACROSS who went to the U.S. capital, just two weeks (healthcare workers, emergency responders, Montana Alexander Blewett III School of Law. OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON| MONTANA KAIMIN Act” and prohibits the medical treatment of 1 Got a perfect 65 Pint-sized 26 Whoopi's Oscar after a mob stormed the building for the first law enforcement and residents and staff of long As of Monday, it had raised $485 of its $10,000 Oh, the 2000s. Many a music career was gender dysphoria in minors. It would create score 66 Bygone despot film time since 1814. The National Guard has been term care facilities), some parts of the state have goal. According to ABA statistics on the Enjuris launched in this decadent era. But many also all the feels on a rough day. That’s you. a civil penalty for health care providers who 5 Divvy up 67 Where Bill met 27 Top scout at every presidential inauguration since George moved on to the 1B stage (Native Americans website, Black law students made up less than crashed and burned-hard. Bust out your LEO (JULY 23–AUG. 22): Your heart burns white issue such treatment. The bill’s stated purpose 10 Judge's order Hillary 29 Hot-dish holder Washington, though the size of troops being and people of color at higher risk, people 70 8% of incoming law students in 2019, and iPod Shuffles and get ready for a trip down hot with a blinding passion, Leo. Just like that is to protect minors “from any form of pressure 14 Wild hog 68 Heeds a 31 Strictly business sent to D.C. this year is unprecedented. There and older and anyone age 16-69 with qualifying ethnic and racial minorities only made up 12% memory lane, because who doesn’t love being to undergo irreversible medical procedures to 15 Cashless deal command 32 Heavy metric deep passion that Fountains of Wayne have for were 7,800 National Guard members at former health conditions). Missoula County plans to of law students in Montana. compared to a poorly written song. change sex prior to attaining the age of majori- 16 Put in a position 69 ____ and now weight “Stacey’s Mom.” But less creepy, and without President Donald Trump’s inauguration, 17 "So what ___ is 33 Frozen rain AQUARIUS (JAN. 20–FEB. 18): You’re quite the fantasizing about your girlfriend’s mom. You new?" DOWN 35 Set boundaries humanitarian, Aquarius. And what makes sad do you. 18 "Crying" singer 1 Bead anagram 37 Egg cells college-aged people feel happy? Dogs. “Who VIRGO (AUG. 23–SEP. 22): Virgo, you’re logical 20 Info bank 2 Pepsi or RC 40 Garden of the Let the Dogs Out?” You did. You let all those and practical all the dang time. And that’s 22 _____ of truth 3 Locale of a Gods state fluffy bastards out and we love you (and the dope. You’re *drum roll* “The Reason” that so 23 Sitter's headache bygone wall 44 Parodied Baha Men) for it. many of us nutjobs stay sane. We could never Blotter: Stolen bikes, drunken nights and copper roofing Rider's handful Gloomy, in poetry Explosive sound 24 4 46 PISCES (FEB. 19–MARCH 20): Picture me forget all you’ve done for us, but we already GRACE CARR 26 "Gosh!" 5 Rock layers 48 Narrow side vacant buildings was rolled up and abandoned this, my friend: The duality of your sign is forgot Hoobastank ever existed. [email protected] 28 Night flier 6 Major-leaguers streets there mid-heist. The culprits caused about $800 perfectly represented by Shwayze’s breezy LIBRA (SEP. 23–OCT. 22): 30 Consecrates 7 Cake section 51 Trough diners College is about tune “Corona and Lime.” They go together worth of damage. But the roof by itself, if it with oil 8 Wedding words 53 Mower's path striking the perfect balance of binge drinking, were able to be removed, “would be worth sev- 34 Frank or Joe of 9 Airport building 54 Rather sugges- like peanut butter and jelly. Just don’t get eating and being late to class. What better way Between Jan. 7 and Jan. 13, UMPD reported eral thousand dollars as scrap copper,” UMPD kids' books 10 Playfully eccen- tive Coronavirus and Lyme disease, those two DO to personify this, Libra, than Asher Roth’s six crimes on and around campus. Disorderly Lt. Brad Giffin said. UMPD had no suspects. 36 Spanish flower tric 55 Bluish hue NOT go together. classic “I Love College.” You know you love conduct was the most common crime, second 38 Word in a Paul 11 Greet the day 56 ____ and void ARIES (MARCH 21–APRIL 19): You’re the going into debt to gain 30 pounds. to bike theft from an outside location. WED: NO MASK, NO SERVICE Newman prison 12 Chipping choice 58 Pitch-black definition of “Party Like a Rockstar,” Aries. SCORPIO (OCT. 23–NOV. 21): I hate to do this film title 13 Circus structure 59 Hollywood Blvd You bust onto the scene with panache and to you, but it’s happening. You, my devious SAT: WHEN IN DOUBT, SHOUT Gov. Greg Gianforte may be loosening the 39 Leer at 19 One-named sight soak up that spotlight like no other. Hopefully friend, are “Butterfly” by the super good and reins on mask mandates, but the University bus 40 Kind of engineer rocker 60 Bicycle part you won’t end up like the Shop Boyz: definitely not cringe Crazy Town. The song is A resident assistant in Duniway Hall report- Hathaway of Pampered one? Chest protector? station sure isn’t. Officers responded to a call 41 21 62 Irrelevant. what a barbed wire tribal tattoo sounds like. ed someone yelling and screaming outside at the University Village Transfer Station early Hollywood 25 With little effort TAURUS (APRIL 20–MAY 20): You really are Do with that as you will. the building early Saturday morning. Officers Wednesday afternoon of an individual who re- 42 Like some Answers to Last Week’s Crossword: “Beautiful,” Taurus. The sweet, dulcet and SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22–DEC. 22): Sometimes located an intoxicated student outside the east fused to wear a mask on the bus. The unidenti- chances S A R I C A C A O A D A M overplayed tones of James Blunt’s nasally getting a little stoned helps to figure things door of Miller Hall who had locked himself out fied suspect argued with the bus driver and left 43 Cameo shape C L A D A N A C T R I P A voice are somehow calming, like you. of his residence hall. The student was referred 44 Unescorted out, Sag. You know this. That’s why you’re before the police could arrive. No further action R O V E W E L C H E V E R GEMINI (MAY 21–JUNE 20): for student conduct and a law violation for un- 45 Not easily You’re just so “Because I Got High,” by Afroman. Just don’t has been taken. A H E A D W I L E T I R E derage possession of alcohol by consumption. debunked darn busy all the time, Gem. It’s almost like get all apathetic and not clean your room M A L L E T B I R T H S you’re… “Crazy,” by Gnarls Barkley. But Drink responsibly — and legally — folks. WED: STOLEN BIKES 47 Go on and on I B I D E M R A I T A because you got high. 49 Safety device S A S S M U R A N O B E D like the fun kind of crazy. You know, the CAPRICORN (DEC. 23–JAN. 19): Cap, your

MON: COP THAT COPPER A bicycle was stolen sometime between 50 Alex Haley saga P L U M M E T T O T A L E D call-a-friend-in-the-middle-of-the-night-for-a- ability to maneuver through the physical and Not as much Monday and Wednesday outside of Building G 52 I S M A R C H E R L E N S cigarette-because-you’re-drunk crazy. emotional planes is impressive. So impressive OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN 54 Ill will CANCER (JUNE 21–JULY 22) Some people sell their old clothes or become at the University Villages. This is not UMPD’s N O M A D H O S T E L : Hey Cancer, what that you would go “A Thousand Miles” for 57 Setting for many DoorDash drivers to make a little extra cash. first case of bike swiping this semester. A bike A G E N T S H E E D E D are emotions like? Feeling all the time must be anyone, just like Vanessa Carlton would. shootouts A N T E O R A L K R O N A Others are getting more creative. UMPD was taken outside of Pantzer Hall sometime pretty draining, kind of like Daniel Powter’s That’s your theme song, no take backs. 61 Blue-green gem L O I N R E N A L G L U T officers responded to an incident in the Fort during winter break. Once again, there are no “Bad Day.” Yeah, that seminal anthem about Missoula area, where the copper roofing of two 63 Pro's foe G O O D M A N N Y E C R U suspects and no justice for the missing bicycles. 64 Extremist sect A N N A S T A K E N E E M 4 January 20, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 20, 2021 5 News | Obituary News | Moving Forward Scholar, mentor and friend: Robert Greene, 1975-2020 Pharmacy students assist in COVID-19 efforts MEGHAN JONAS GRACE CARR Smith said. “It’s important that we stay on [email protected] [email protected] top of information we have and adapt to patients’ needs.” Professor Robert Greene, acclaimed Rus- Smith also finds it comforting to know sian scholar, longtime chair of the history de- Third-year pharmacy student Kinsey that other students at UM are trusting partment and a friend and mentor to many, Smith administered her first COVID-19 pharmacists-in-training like her to give the died Dec. 18, 2020. He was 45. His death was vaccine at the Curry Health Center Friday vaccine. caused by complications related to prostate morning. COVID-19 has infected over 500 students cancer, which Greene battled while simul- “I really appreciated the opportunity to since fall semester started, and that number taneously teaching classes, starting research be involved,” Smith said. “It’s important continues to grow as students return for the projects, writing letters of recommendation being able to be involved in this crucial spring semester. As of Monday, there were and ensuring that his mentees were pre- [and] critical part of healthcare.” nine new COVID-19 cases tied to UM and pared to enter a world without him. The 22-year-old joined The University 370 active cases in Missoula County. Greene was born Jan. 16, 1975 in Saraso- of Montana’s pharmacy program in 2018. Yet as cases climb, Smith is thankful that ta, Florida to parents Phyllis (Saas) Greene Smith said immunization training began she and other pharmacy students have and Kelly Greene. He graduated from the on her first day of school, and she had been given the opportunity to be a part of University of Rochester in 1997 with a B.A. administered her first flu shot within two the solution and show what pharmacists in History and Russian Studies. He received weeks of starting at Skaggs School of can do. She said she appreciates all the his M.A. in History from the University of Pharmacy. pharmacy department has done to train Michigan a year later. Now that UM is a distribution and her and her fellow classmates in a safe and Greene joined faculty at the University of administration hub for the Moderna effective manner. Montana in 2006 after earning his doctorate vaccine, pharmacy students had to This is Smith’s last semester before in history from the University of Michigan. complete additional online training specific her rotations begin in May. Rotations He taught popular courses on Soviet, Russia, to the COVID-19 vaccines. According allow students like Smith to work in University of Montana third- and Eastern European history, and introduc- to Smith, there is an increased need for community pharmacy practice and hospital year pharmacy student Kinsey tory courses like Western Civilization and volunteers, giving students like her the pharmacies, uniting classroom learning Smith smiles for a portrait in Intro to Historical Methods. chance to put their skills into action. Greene taught everyone from freshmen with day-to-day clinical practice. front of University Hall. Smith Smith said gaining hands-on experience to graduate students to retirees at UM’s “There’s a sense of reward that all the administered her first COVID-19 during a modern public health crisis has Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. His hard work we put in is paying off,” Smith vaccine with the Curry Health better prepared her for a career and made classes taught at the learning institute were said. “It feels like it’s finally time to spread Center on Jan. 15, 2020. LUKAS her more adaptable. consistently standing-room only, as lifelong our wings.” PRINOS | MONTANA KAIMIN “Everything is changing every day,” students crowded together. Greene was awarded the Cox Family Award for Teaching Excellence by UM in 2012, highlighting his devotion to his students and his work. The impact of Greene’s devotion was highlighted when, shortly after his death, University of Montana professor Robert Greene. Greene, acclaimed Russian scholar and longtime chair of the history department, died on Dec. MonTEC, UM receive grant funding for Women’s Business Center both the University of Montana’s Depart- 18, 2020 from complications related to prostate cancer. CONTRIBUTED ment of History Facebook page posted a ALICIA MCALPINE who helped write the grant, said there were nity-minded culture. video in memory of Greene. The video, Greene, who was widely acclaimed for within the world. before cracking a joke and moving on. [email protected] also many matching donors and supporters. “A lot of what an Indigenous entrepreneur featuring photos of Greene while Steely Dan his written works detailing the Russian Or- “In a town as rife with good vibes as Greene, despite living in a pandemic that These included the City of Missoula, Clearwa- will want to do is give back to their community, played, was a hit. It was soon flooded with thodox devotion to saints and relics, might Missoula, Robert was skeptical and grouchy. left educators in a lurch, and despite his di- Montana Technology Enterprise Center ter Credit Union, and several who provided so very often we approach things with a differ- comments from students and colleagues of have been surprised to learn that his former It was beautiful,” Patrick O’Connor, former agnosis, chose to dive further into his work (MonTEC) and the University of Montana have letters of support, from Sen. John Tester to the ent mindset,” Plummer said. “Being able to pro- Greene’s, as they wrote about his intelli- students spoke of him as if he was their very graduate student and professor, said. “He and his role as a mentor. received grant funding to create a space for cities of Shelby, Bozeman and others. vide a new means of economy in tribal society, gence and his humor. But most of all, they own patron saint, leading them through the gave life there dimension.” Instead of forc- According to Kennedy, Greene was writ- female small-business owners to network, grow Sullivan said the center would provide a new means of wealth creation, is huge.” wrote how Greene cared about the people, mountains and valleys of life. ing feigned positivity on those around him, ing letters of recommendations for former and improve the financial standing of their such services as advising on business models, In Great Falls, Jason Nitsche directs the re- especially students, who walked into his “How does one even begin to approach Greene validated people’s dread without students up until the day he died. On his last businesses. financing and budgeting classes, and advice on gional Small Business Development Center and life. The department also held a memorial this?” wrote Ronan Kennedy (UM class of letting them live there. He let them vent, phone call with him, Kennedy tells the story Thanks to a Small Business Administration marketing principles and canvassing models, is Vice President of the Great Falls Development over Zoom Sunday, and more than 70 people 2019) in the first line of a memorial pub- helped them laugh and then showed them a of Greene waking himself up twice, fighting grant of over $1 million over five years, the new adding that they would also be asking specif- Authority. He said he thinks the new center will attended. lished on the College of Humanities’ web- way through the obstacles they were facing. through severe pain, to ensure Kennedy Women’s Business Center will be established ically what people need. She also said most of be a great asset to the state, tripling the impact Students close to Greene often spoke site. For students like Kennedy, Greene was And when Greene gave a compliment or finished his graduate school applications. in Missoula, making it the second in the state the services would be free or low-cost, to help of the Bozeman location. And that’s not his only about him with a quiet religious fervor. a friend, a teacher, a mentor, and someone laughed at someone’s joke, they knew they Greene, even at the very end of his life, nev- after Bozeman. The Missoula center will partner ease the burden on entrepreneurs. reason for supporting the project. Greene was a lifesaver, a career director, a they saw on a near daily basis as they navi- had earned it. er stopped putting others before himself. with advisers in Great Falls and Fort Belknap, “Money is very tight when you’re trying to “The thing that excites me most about being mentor and a respected professor. He taught gated through the world. Greene preserved In the year and a half between Greene’s Greene is survived by his sister, Ashley; who will help provide additional outreach in start something, or you’re playing around with able to stand up a new women’s business them about Eastern Europe, the power of a spirit of goodness in those around him by diagnosis and his death, he continued to his aunt, Joanne Saas; and his cat, Vera, their respective communities. an idea,” she said. center and create more resources for female propaganda or the works of Tolstoy. But preserving it within himself, Kennedy wrote. teach. At the end of fall semester, when his who would make frequent appearances in The grant was a collaborative effort, led by In the case of Fort Belknap, executive director entrepreneurs in the state of Montana is because most remember him best as a giver of sage The loss of Greene was not just the loss of a speech became slurred as a side effect of his Greene’s classes. the UM Director of Women’s Entrepreneur- of Montana Native Growth Fund Tonya Plum- I hope, at some point when my daughter is advice both academic and personal. teacher, but the loss of a source of goodness new medication, he apologized to students ship and Leadership Morgan Slemberger, in mer says that outreach to Native entrepreneurs old enough, she’ll have opportunities here,” partnership with Jason Nitsche and Tonya looks different than to non-Natives, due to the Nitsche said. “So she doesn’t leave me when Plummer. Americorps VISTA Mary Sullivan, limited resources on reservations and a commu- I’m old,” he laughed. 6 January 20, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 20, 2021 7 BIZARRE University of Montana game schedule BALL Cardboard cutouts of former University of Montana softball players sit in the stands of Dahlberg Arena on Jan. 9. Cutouts of many different athletes from across Griz Athletics take the place of fans in the arena. of Montana’s biggest advantages in the More and more cardboard cutouts of Big Sky Conference. In 2018-19, the last athletes have been added to the gym, in- time the numbers were released, the Griz cluding the entire Griz softball team, which ranked second in the conference for atten- was added before a recent Lady Griz game. dance. When the Griz go to the free throw line, Story by Jack And the noise can play to UM’s advan- the cutouts remain as silent as the rest of tage. In the last two seasons UM played the gym. No sneakers squeak on the gym with a crowd, the team won 12 home Marshall floor and no chants emanated from the games and lost three in each season. But bench. this season, the Griz have won two of six Every brick off the rim rings out like a and John home games. gunshot echoing through the stands. Whis- tles seem more shrill than normal. Orzechowski In the south wall stands Saturday, there were 15 or so people—family members “It’s a little bit of and partners rocking maroon and gray and masks. If they spread throughout the are- Photos by Jack everything. There is a na, each party could probably have their lot of safety, we obviously own seating section to themselves. The coaching staff have been adapting Marshall wear masks and we travel to the COVID-19 changes along with their teams. Though, not all the changes are in certain ways. But there’s unwelcome. some luck because there’s Both sets of coaches now enjoy wearing leisure wear instead of the usual formal A look into concerts, with “MONTANA” emblazoned in the stands. No more than 20 fans were its COVID-19 plan, a testing plan where two teams that can cancel suits and loafers of a season before. This in black print. present, less than 1% of a normal crowd at players and staff are tested three times season, they’re sticking with sweatpants COVID-19-era These wristbands? The passes? They’re Dahlberg Arena. a week during the season is suggested. a game at the end of the and sneakers. essential for entrance. Just a UM student The men’s team was playing Whitworth, So far, the protocol seems to be working. day right? It only takes one UM and Whitworth had just finished ID won’t cut it this year. a Division III school, on an early afternoon Montana is one of only 10 Division I men’s warming up, and it was time for the na- Basketball at UM Last semester, all fall sports were post- in January. It was easy to hear echoes in basketball teams that hasn’t canceled a to have it canceled.” tional anthem. A band recording with no Walking through the doors of the Adams poned because of COVID-19, beginning the deafeningly-silent arena. It was even game. -Travis DeCuire vocals echoed throughout Dahlberg. Center feels like walking through a ghost with the fan favorite (and most lucrative) easier to remember an alternate reality, of a While a lot of work has been put in by Then, a hype video—set in a somehow town. Posters line the walls—posters of football, until this spring. Now, UM Ath- time not so long ago when a crowd of fans UM to make sure no season cancellations the bench, team members discussing plays that were a lot louder than expected,” said more-empty Dahlberg than this one— players and teams, yes, but also COVID-19 letics has a unique opportunity to work roared in support. Only squeaking sneak- happen, UM head coach Travis DeCuire and joking in huddles. UM guard Cameron Parker, who received a played on the jumbotron. Claps from the overtime creating an accelerated basketball ers, basketball dribbles, player conversa- still isn’t ruling out luck playing a role in “That was fun,” a Whitworth player said technical foul in UM’s home game against bench accompanied starting lineups. protocols and mask reminders. The park- When a good play happens for either season: back-to-back games, scheduling tion and loudspeaker music disrupted the the seasons success. during a timeout after his team went on a Northern Colorado. “We definitely have to As both teams huddled up before tip-off ing lot might as well have a tumbleweed team, the only cheering comes from the knowing there could be cancellations at quiet venue. “It’s a little bit of everything,” DeCuire scoring run against the Griz. watch what we say.” and the TV broadcasts went to commercial rolling through it—a Saturday afternoon team’s own bench. any moment and risking team-wide quar- There is no courtside seating for fans; said. “There is a lot of safety, we obviously “Apparently we’re not allowed to yell From time to time, coaches or play- break, UM employees walked onto the gameday scene that Griz Nation would In place of fans are cardboard cutouts in antines. All of this while pushing for a Big they must sit in the upper levels of the wear masks and we travel in certain ways. ‘travel,’” a Whitworth coach told his players will shout expletives. Already once court and wiped down the padding on the have deemed unimaginable only a year the stands. Some are kids, some are elderly Sky Conference tournament as similar to bleachers. Masks are required for everyone But there’s some luck because there’s two ers in a different huddle. this season, a Northern Colorado coach bottom of the basketball hoops. ago. supporters and one is a Griz fan’s beloved any other season as possible. in the arena except for the players on the teams that can cancel a game at the end of Had there been fans in the arena, these received a language-use warning midgame When the game started, all of the—ad- “Any symptoms in the last 48 hours?” pomeranian. UM fans had the option to This Saturday was game day, and card- court and the referees. Each seat on the the day right? It only takes one to have it conversations may have stayed private. from the referees. mittedly few—eyes in the arena focused the security officials at the front table ask. buy a cutout with any picture they wanted board cutouts watched as a skeleton crew bench is six feet apart from the others. canceled.” Technical fouls are a lot easier to receive in Foul language isn’t the only result of a on the court. UM’s bench began its chants Then, a temperature check. If passed, the at the beginning of the season for $35, as of fans, mainly family members of players, In the NCAA’s “Core of Principle of Where there once was the crowd noise, the quiet arena. silent Dahlberg. of “DE-FENCE, DE-FENCE, DE-FENCE.” security monitor hands out a blue wrist- long as it came without advertising. band, similar to the ones at waterparks or enjoyed some basketball socially distanced Resocialization of Collegiate Basketball,” this Saturday heard only the murmuring of “I kind of said some things [last game] Crowd noise has historically been one The Griz are now in charge of cheering for montanakaimin.com January 20, 2021 9 8 January 20, 2021 montanakaimin.com Fans in the University of Montana student section show support for the Griz sporting signs of the players’ heads during a game against Eastern Washington University in Dahlberg Arena on Feb. 6, 2020. Players from the University of Whitworth talk during a timeout in a game at the University of Montana on Jan. 9. The University of Montana won the game 84-67. DANIEL DUENSING| MONTANA KAIMIN themselves, since the UM spirit squad is no west sideline; the middle third dedicated halftime show isn’t happening in Dahlberg have started before 6 p.m. press conference that it just isn’t feasible to teams. The Lady Griz were scheduled to bad regular season record, it is likely they bers who emerged from the locker room. longer allowed at games. to the scorer’s table, which is surrounded Arena. No cheerleaders, no dance team One of these early tipoffs, a men’s game create a plan for a visiting player who has play Whitworth the same day as the men, would have to play a top ranked team in “Good game,” one of UM’s custodian by a glass wall on every side except the and definitely not UM’s favorite backflip- against Northern Colorado on Jan. 2, even tested positive. but Whitworth canceled, becoming the the NCAA tournament. said to the players. back. ping mascot Monte. The few spectators began at 9 a.m. It was the earliest game The fact that UM is playing a Division fourth game this season the Lady Griz had When Saturday’s game ended in a 84-67 DeCuire emerged from the locker room Every stoppage of play was followed by enjoy only the (sometimes wildly inconsis- start in school history. III team like Whitworth mid-way through to miss. victory for the Griz, Whitworth’s coach and began a post-game interview with “I kind of said some three seconds of feet shuffling on hard- tent) music playing over the loudspeaker “Felt like practice,” said DeCuire after the season is also abnormal. This season, If a team doesn’t play 13 games in the congratulated his players, audible in the UM’s radio announcer. Inside the locker things [last game] that wood for everyone to hear. Official time- for entertainment. the early game. UM senior guard Micheal nearly half of UM’s non-conference games 2020-21 season, it won’t be eligible to play quiet. room, a few UM players hopped onto a outs took the 10 players who were current- When the music stops and the second Steadman said the morning game felt like are scheduled against lower division oppo- in the NCAA tournament, so the Lady Griz “Awesome job,” he said. “We just got so Zoom call for some post-game questions were a lot louder than ex- ly on the floor to a circle of six chairs in the half begins in the early afternoon quiet, one of the club basketball tournaments he nents, compared to last season, where only scheduled to play a different non-Division much better.” with the media. middle of the floor 10 feet away from the the arena noise continues to amplify the attended in high school. one-fifth of the non-conference games saw I team the day after. Both teams shuffled off the court in rela- When both interviews finished up, pected. We definitely have socially distanced bench where the coach dueling teams. The early games are part of the corona- lower division teams. Not only do these games allow the Griz tive silence and the cleaning process began DeCuire headed back to the locker room to to watch what we say.” can be indistinctly heard drawing up plays. The fact that the game is even being virus strategy. In the NCAA’s COVID-19 Montana is using this lower division teams to meet their mandatory minimum again. A UM Athletics employee sanitized join the Zoom call. The second the mini huddle broke, played on an early Saturday afternoon is testing plan, teams are able to decide team to gain important practice. Normally, playing time, they help boost the record of the court with a backpack canister and a After answering a few more questions, the Griz would’ve had a Maroon and Silver Montana in the event the teams make the spray gun, like a pest control officer pre- DeCuire left the Zoom. The media fol- -Cameron Parker cleaners ran over with rags and sanitizer reason for pause. whether they will provide testing and scrimmage as well as 11 other games before NCAA tournament. UM’s men’s team has paring to wipe out a wasp nest. lowed, leaving only one custodian in the and wiped down all six chairs. All of the Last season, 14 of UM’s 15 home games quarantine options for visiting teams. Most it started conference play. This season, the won six games this year, but without these Normal post-games at UM include mass- arena, dragging a mop around by his water cups used during the timeout are tipped off at 6 p.m. or later, to help ac- of the Big Sky Conference teams, including Griz played just one game before confer- lower division matchups it would only es of children playing basketball on the waist. On this Saturday afternoon, the bench thrown away, no refills. commodate fans who worked during the UM, have decided to start games early and ence play started. have three wins on record. If the Griz win court, but this Saturday the only basketball could be heard loud and clear. At halftime, while TV and radio broad- weekday. allow for the visiting team to return home The practice is important for the Griz the Big Sky Conference Tournament with a players were a few Whitworth team mem- Each bench took up around a third of the casts are recapping the first period, a This season, all five of UM’s home games and test there. DeCuire mentioned in a

montanakaimin.com January 20, 2021 11 10 January 20, 2021 montanakaimin.com Arts | Reviews Arts | Opinion Local band smoochie hits us where it hurts on ‘XOXO’ The breach of the U.S. Capitol was white supremacy in action MEGHAN JONAS but this first track, “apart,” hits us where it JORDYNN PAZ [email protected] hurts without spitting in our eye. [email protected] “honey honey” continues on this slightly melancholy ride of love, but this time with Local musicians Adam Holden and drums and a rhythm we subconsciously Editor’s Note: Jordynn Paz is UM’s Quint Bishop have joined forces to create find ourselves swaying with. The energy on program coordinator for American Indian smoochie, a new sad-boi indie duo. this track is just slightly higher with a dash Student Services and a recent UM graduate. You may be thinking, why do we need more *spice.* This is the song you wished While in school, Paz wrote opinion columns another sad-boi indie duo? I can go to any that dude with a guitar wrote about you for the Montana Kaimin regarding Native college dorm and find a hundred men freshman year (you know, instead of the issues in Montana and beyond. waxing poetic about the human experience. cringey one). It’s a little bit depressing, but And in a scene oversaturated with indie it’s a bop regardless. In years to come, when we discuss bullshit I already gave my heart to, why “prairie” grabs our attention with the insurrection and breach of the U.S. would a new listener tune in to more? samples that sound like the pre-recorded Capitol, we must remember to include the But “XOXO,” released in the bleakness of messages at an airport or train station. a sunless winter and constant crisis, gives events of Black Lives Matter and Standing These samples give listeners an impression listeners heartwrenching catharsis that Rock. of movement and unfamiliarity. But when reminds us of what it’s truly like to be alive. The differences between these events smoochie hits us with some soft guitar, it But like, in a cool way. are the latest and greatest of America’s suddenly feels familiar. This cozy little EP starts off with growing story, told against a backdrop of genocide, Bishop’s production continues to impress silence that eventually merges into a cele- slavery, racism, classism, separation and as he creates layers of depth, each different bration of understated vocals, simple guitar inequality. You cannot tell the truth of from the next. Holden’s lyrics about driving and floating synth. While Holden sings the United States without these things. past someone’s house to see if he’s literally about unrequited love and the desperate You most certainly cannot discuss and figuratively out of time feels personal passing of time, Bishop holds our attention the occupation of the Capitol without without revealing too much. The very end with production that sounds so far from smoochie, comprised of Adam Holden, left, and Quint Bishop, right, sit in their Missoula living room on Jan. of the track sounds like Cinderella’s clock also talking about how it was allowed homemade, we have a hard time fully 16, 2021. The band released their new EP, “XOXO” on Dec. 29, 2020. They recorded the EP in their living room striking midnight. to happen, thanks to our country’s grasping that it was made in Missoula. and mixed and mastered the songs themselves. “There was a fair amount of trial and error. Mainly just me “love lost” is different from the rest. commitment to white supremacy. While the world is crumbling around us, Simple and understated guitar make this and Adam seeing what would work. It was really a learning project scratching itches of what we’ve wanted Water cannons and rubber bullets, sometimes it’s just nice to listen to a love song play like a ripped page from some- to do,” Bishop said. ZACH MEYER | MONTANA KAIMIN sub-zero temperatures and the National song. Especially when that love song has one’s diary. Piano, reminiscent of the Guard, that’s what met the camps in layers of synth, bird calls and the famil- members of smoochie’s folk days, gives and highlights the peace that comes with a labor of love, not a desperate attempt to Cannonball, North Dakota, where iarity of what it is to love something you sad comfort. “love lost” is where smoochie acceptance. gain recognition or to convince others to Indigenous people led the world in a don’t truly have. Maybe it’s the bullshit of finally accepts that the ones they loved are “XOXO” sets itself apart from other sad- love them. It’s beautiful and sad and made movement to protect clean drinking 2020 and the continuing bullshit of 2021, or no longer theirs. It’s painful and healing, boi indie records by not trying to impress all the better by its unassuming honesty. water. The Lakota and Dakota people of maybe we’re growing soft in our old age, us, but impressing us anyway. This EP is OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN the Standing Rock Sioux community rose up and challenged the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline that ran right Both these movements highlight easily did so to “be heard,” to stop a this system. This was not something we through their traditional lands, and had the ways Black and brown people just election process and to protect their chose for ourselves. This was forced on ‘Pieces of a Woman’ is not for the faint of heart the potential to spill oil into the drinking are regarded as violent enough for interests as white citizens. When I say us. Now it is up to us to change it, it falls water of the reservation (it did end up the National Guard, when we are that, I don’t mean protecting their assets on our shoulders to fix. That, to me, is the CLARISE LARSON respect it knowing the time and effort it easy to point out the flaws of a movie that happen to real people. Yet, my head was leaking nearly 400,000 gallons of crude oil simply asking for our humanity to be and their families/people. They did so to greatest injustice of all. [email protected] took to create it overrides my stupid and thrives on them. astronomically more bent from Kirby’s in North Dakota in 2019). acknowledged. While others, who feel protect their whiteness, which to them is As important as it is to declare yourself undeveloped tastebuds. Let me explain. This movie follows a incredible acting than Keanu Reeves could Clean drinking water is a human their own lives are being imposed upon under attack because they are being asked against white supremacy, white allies, The movie, directed by Kornél Mun- plethora of emotions and traumas that ever do (no offense, hot stuff). My Thursday night started with my right, one that supersedes a colonial through masks, are allowed to storm to share the privileges they’ve always I’m asking you to take it a step further. druczó, starts with a quick introduction absolutely have been felt by many people This movie is not entertainment, it is an roommates and I sitting in the living room government that would rather see it the pinnacle of modern democracy with had. Think about your whiteness today. Think to the two main characters of the film, at some point in time. However, no trauma experience; it is a trigger and it is a lesson. ready to watch the new Netflix hit, “Pieces exploited for profit. impunity. I won’t waste my word count trying to about it every day. Think about the world partners Martha (Vanessa Kirby) and Sean follows one linear line. “Pieces of a Woman” is not for the of a Woman.” White Claws in hand, we Black Lives Matter rose up to protect Our country is built on white think about where they’re coming from, you live in due to your whiteness. Let it (Shia LeBeouf). Martha is super pregnant, I can’t judge what the characters did or faint-hearted, it is real life. Or as real as did not know what to expect, except for innocent Black people who are stolen supremacy. Our very system was created and if you expect me to, unfortunately make you uncomfortable, let it make you and ready to pop. Once the film explains acted like. PTSD and trauma can manipu- film allows. It hurts you like life hurts you, a friend’s warning that we might get our from us by this colonial system. solely by white men who wanted to you’ve come to the wrong column. uneasy. Because if it does, you recognize the circumstances, the next 24 minutes fol- late even the strongest of people, as beauti- but that is kind of the beauty of it. shit rocked. Politicians, media outlets and many preserve their own interests—and Please do not ask me to see from their the problem. Now do something about it. lows the couple in a hectic and scary home fully portrayed in the film. With every bone in my body I recom- After watching the movie: Indeed, my birth. The actors did it in one take. The couple’s years of building and mend this movie. Though after watching other Americans repeatedly attempted interests of those like them—not that of perspective because as we’ve seen time shit was rocked. Hell, my shit was abso- The rest is a blur, which could have growth of love shatter within minutes. it, I hurt like I broke some. to diminish BLM, most recently seen in all people. I don’t want to hear that it and time again, be it over masks, Black lutely obliterated. been Mundruczó’s intent. It follows the Sean loses his humor and sobriety. Martha the global protests for George Floyd in doesn’t matter anymore, that “no one lives, children in cages or Indigenous To say that I enjoyed this movie would aftermath of a home birth gone wrong, and turns from a nervous and excited woman June 2020, through a lens of violence, alive ever owned slaves,” because we land, they will not try and see from mine. be an absolute lie. I had to stop the film a trial that might not be the solution they into a person longing for an alternative to anti-Blackness and bullshit like “All Lives still use every one of those founding The thing I find most frustrating more times than I can count because I felt think it is. the life she is now living in. Matter.” documents written in whiteness 400 years about being a Native person, of being physically ill. But this movie is like a fine Now, I refuse to throw my opinion on This isn’t “The Matrix.” You’re watching Black people have the right to live, ago today. a brown person in America, is that me wine: It usually doesn’t taste great, but I the story itself, because it would be too a snapshot of painfully normal events that period. Those who stormed the Capitol so and my people did not ask to be part of

12 January 20, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 20, 2021 13 Arts | Enter the laugh cube Sports | Griz Gamer The Giggle Box is the cure for pandemic blues Montana overpowered by Northern Arizona comeback, split series GRIFFEN SMITH The Lumberjacks made five of their own MEGHAN JONAS [email protected] 3-pointers, three of them from forward Nick [email protected] Mains. Mains finished the game with 17 points and four rebounds. Though the Montana men’s basketball team Montana led by as much as 17 in the first Montana’s first interactive art museum, led for a majority of the game, a strong come- half, thanks to a play where freshman guard The Giggle Box, has turned an old depart- back effort by Northern Arizona University Robby Beasely III scored off of a drive while ment store into an escape. While living in took down the Grizzlies 62-58 in Missoula getting fouled. Beasely finished the game with the midst of a pandemic and global crisis, on Jan. 16. Montana, who looked to win its eight points. it’s a spot of joy in an otherwise chaotic first back-to-back Big Sky Conference game, At the end of the first half, Montana upped world. dropped to 2-4 in conference play. its shooting percentage to 53 percent, and led In a touchless society, The Giggle Box, “It’s kind of been the tale of two halves 34-19. started by Tanya Lee and Logan Foret, for us here,” UM Head Coach Travis Decuire Northern Arizona did not give in to the captures every sense. “The Granny Room,” said after the game. “Down for stretches, we Griz, however. After some back and forth at played very good ball on both sides of the ball. adorned with thrifted decor one may find the start of the second half, the Lumberjacks We defended, we rebounded, we held them to at an estate sale, is decked out with levers, scored 12 points to UM’s two, and cut the lead one shot, “ he said. “And we kind of lost that.” knobs, handles and a plethora of other mov- to just one point with 11:36 left in the game. Montana previously played the Lumber- ing pieces. Visitors are encouraged to touch Montana responded to the pressure, jacks on Thursday, Jan. 14, as a part of the new the objects in most rooms as they search for starting with a John Vazquez 3-pointer to Big Sky Conference schedule, where teams hidden scavenger hunt items. restore t a four point Griz lead. However, play two-game series at one location. That first Some of these hidden items are obvious, UM struggled to make shots in the closing game started with a 17-0 Montana run, which like a banana taped to a wall or a clown minutes, not making a single basket in the last set the tone for a 67-56 win. painting hidden behind a mirror. Others are five attempts. In Saturday’s game, both teams started harder to find, meaning visitors can come “At about that eight, nine minute mark, slow. Montana in particular made only three back multiple times without monotony or every small rebound, every extra pass and of its first 12 shot attempts. boredom. taking care of the ball, it’s highlighted a lot After the teams tied it up at eight points University of Montana Associate Head Coach Chris Cobb, left, and Head Coach Travis DeCuire, right, sit to- The Giggle Box opened in March 2020, more than in the first half,” Decuire said. “We each, the Griz turned on the gas, scoring gether Thursday, March 5, 2020, during a game against Northern Colorado. The green ribbons on their sports and was only able to stay open four days were making a couple of mistakes here and 11 unanswered points in three minutes, jackets were for mental health awareness. LIAM MCCOLLUM | MONTANA KAIMIN due to COVID-19. They reopened in Au- there, maybe you didn’t take the shot that highlighted by a Camperon Parker dish to gust, two months after the rest of the mall. you really wanted or get a rebound when we Brandon Whitney behind the right arc for a utes of the game. lost by four points. Because The Giggle Box is the only muse- should have.” 3-pointer. Whitney, a freshman guard, lit up Montana had one last opportunity to win, a The loss ended a weeks-long home stretch um of its kind in Montana, there were no On the other side, Northern Arizona the first half with 12 points, and finished with pick and roll with Michael Steadman, but his for Montana, which will travel next to Sacra- state guidelines to reopen, Foret said. This finished with a run of 12 unanswered points, a game-leading 22 points. shot swirled around the rim before Northern mento State Jan. 21 and 24. caused the pair to evaluate how they could powered by a 3-pointer from Mains with 2:57 As a team, the Griz made eight 3-pointers, Arizona scooped up the rebound. From there The Griz have won six games and lost provide a space for their community while to go. This shot gave NAU a 59-58 lead, its matching the eight 3-pointers it made in its the Griz were reduced to attempting some seven. also keeping everyone safe. So far, they’ve first since going up 8-6 in the first four min- succeeded. first game against NAU. desperation shots, but none fell, and the team Lee and Foret originally intended for The Giggle Box to have a limited run, lasting about six months. Their current plans are to Founders of The Giggle Box, Logan Foret, left, and Tanya Lee, right, sit in the “This is Bananas” room at Missoula’s first immersive, interactive art museum on Jan. 16, close this March, but Foret said, “We’ll be 2021. The Giggle Box opened in March 2020, and was only able to stay open for four days due to COVID-19. CLAIRE SHINNER | MONTANA KAIMIN Opinion: A Brawl of the Wild should be in the two game football season here as long as there’s a need for us.” Lee and Foret estimate that they have JACK MARSHALL fans are left hoping one of the two spring For the sake of these fans, the players created 80% of the art in the museum. The The small group size, which caps at six cial distancing and try to avoid cabin fever. corner, features a mural of a woman with an [email protected] games will be the rivalry game. and anyone else associated with Montana space used to be a Herberger’s, meaning people, means visitors can go through the The guest rooms are some of their favor- afro with painted mixing bowls placed care- If UM and MSU agree to play a pay- football, the teams should make a pay-per- each room had to be built from the ground museum without worrying about crowds ites. “The Trinket Wall,” created by local fully on top. Two metal rods extend from per-view game, they will simply make view Brawl of the Wild happen this spring. up. The only evidence it used to be a depart- or noise levels. In the next few months, The artist and KBGA DJ Coach Shane, is filled the floor on either side. Visitors place their On Jan. 15 UM and Montana State both bank. There have to be crazy football Oh, and the second of the two games ment store is an old dressing room, decked Giggle Box team even plans on providing with items some may see as clutter. But the hands on the rods, touch the metal bowls, announced they would be opting out of fans in Montana who would sell their played could literally be against any team. out with black light and neon paint. noise-cancelling headphones for people closer one looks, the more depth they can and are greeted with samples from Prince the Big Sky Conference spring football car to watch this matchup. If the game is Schedule Montana Tech and only play The Giggle Box’s rooms, bright and who may experience sensory overload, see. They may see a stack of old love letters, songs. Touching one may produce the guitar schedule and instead play a two-game pay-per-view, both schools won’t have to back-up players. This would help young colorful, come as a welcome relief from complete with pandemic-approved plastic a pile of dried orange peels, chains or Pola- riff from “When Doves Cry,” and another schedule still to be announced. They had worry about fans in the stadium either. players and other reserves gain crucial gloomy Missoula winters. In a time where covers. roids. Each guest piece is a private look into may feature the artist’s iconic vocals. better be playing each other. If the players from both teams were experience with lower at stakes. seasonal depression hits hardest, The Giggle Lee and Foret estimate that 50% of their an artist’s psyche. The pandemic may have halted Lee and The last time we got a Griz/Cat, Cat/ told to quarantine for two weeks so they The University of Montana Athletic Box makes visitors feel like it’s summer- visitors are on the autism spectrum. The One of the most impressive pieces of The Foret’s plans, but it did not wreck them. Griz, Brawl of the Wild or whatever you could play the rivals, it’s fairly likely they Director Kent Haslam said that “A reduced time. One room, adorned with pink plastic team now plans on organizing mixers for Giggle Box is the use of technology. Before If anything, they said, it forced them to be want to call it, was over 13 months ago. would. So many of these players grew up number of games in the spring will give flamingos, has been a recent hit as the sun families with children with autism after it visitors even enter the museum, a TV is set more creative. The Giggle Box has become a When the 2020 fall season was canceled, wanting to play in this game, so why take our team a greater chance of success in the outside waits to make an appearance. was suggested by a parent going through up outside where people can put them- welcome respite for those looking to escape it sucked. It sucked even more to watch it away when it is possible to still have it? fall of 2021.” For people on the autism spectrum, The the museum with their child. selves into a Van Gogh painting or shoot the outside world, even if it’s only for an other college football teams play. Montana fans are tired of hearing A game against a non-Division I oppo- The Giggle Box is safe and accessible, lightning from their hands. There’s no delay, hour. This spring was supposed to bring back Giggle Box has provided an interactive, low Montana State fans crow “We’re back-to- nent (or just a really bad Division I oppo- Foret said, and provides an experience so people can see their outline in fantastical “The part of the brain that creates stress this highly anticipated football matchup pressure environment where they are able back-to-back-to-back state champions.” nent) would certainly help UM achieve people may not be comfortable experiencing environments in real time. is also the part we use to create,” Lee said. when the Big Sky originally scheduled a to fully enjoy themselves. Montana State fans want to add another this goal. otherwise. Especially as people practice so- “Dearly Beloved,” a Prince-inspired “You can’t be stressed and create.” March 27 game. Instead, Montana football “back” to that statement. JACK MARSHALL | MONTANA KAIMIN 14 January 20, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January ,20 2021 15 Sports | TikTok Star From goose to ghost: How a UM golfer went viral on TikTok JACK MARSHALL [email protected]

During winter break in Butte, Montana, UM sophomore and Griz golf team member Tricia Joyce decided to film a video of herself dancing in her backyard, like she had so many times before. She uploaded the video—a ghost-like version of herself dancing around a frozen version of herself—to TikTok. If you’ve been on the app at all in the past month, you’ve seen it. “I can go on and on for days yeah, I do the most,” belts out artist Championxii in the song Joyce used, called “BOO!” Right as the beat drops in the song, Ghost Joyce and Dancing Joyce combine. “I’m a shooter, I might shoot ya’,” the song continues as the instrumental part of Michael Jack- son’s “Billie Jean” plays in the background. Thanks to perfect execution and one-of-a- kind dance moves from Joyce, the video was an instant hit on her TikTok account, where she goes by the name “Goosey J.” “It had 20,000 likes, which it was a lot for me,” Joyce said. “I set a timer for one minute and didn’t look at my phone. I came back and it had 25,000.” Joyce called her mom to celebrate the NAT BRANCACCIO| MONTANA KAIMIN success of the video, which now has over 42.3 million views and over 7.3 million likes. “It was crazy, I still can’t really comprehend it,” she said. If every single person in California viewed one of Joyce’s videos, it still wouldn’t have as many views as that one. The success of the video also helped her gain over 371,000 University of Montana sophomore Tricia Joyce sits inside the Ranch Club indoor facility. Joyce is on the women’s golf team and created a TikTok that went viral and followers on her account, where she primarily received over 42.3 million views. EMMA SMITH | MONTANA KAIMIN posts videos of herself dancing. “So clean,” commented one TikTok user single golf tournament she entered, including Most of her videos were getting a couple thou- “YES QUEEN,” Egbo commented on a later on Joyce’s video. “Everyone gonna be doing the Montana Class A State Tournament. sand views, but in April, one of her videos video. this tomorrow,” added TikTok user Bobby “It was one of my biggest goals in high really gained traction on the app. In June of 2020, Joyce and Egbo teamed Coleman, who has over 1 million followers on school to be able to do that,” Joyce said regard- Over 35,000 people liked and 405,000 peo- up to film a dance video on Joyce’s account the app. ing her state championship. ple viewed the video of Joyce doing a dance that garnered over 14,000 views. “He’s super Coleman was right. Since then hundreds of After her successful high school campaign, called “The Drip” in the same backyard where supportive,” Joyce said about Egbo. users have recreated the dance Joyce creat- Joyce chose to commit to the University of she uploaded her ghost video. In the end of 2020, Joyce uploaded the viral ed, tagging the videos #ImAGhost. Videos Montana to play golf. Impressed by the result of this video, Joyce video that sent her to an incomprehensible under the #ImAGhost label got a combined In her freshman year at UM, she was kept uploading videos and the fans came level of fame. The video has been included in 6.3 billion views, and they were at one point named All-Academic Big Sky Conference. She pouring in. YouTube dance compilations that also have the most trending videos on TikTok, which also helped UM finish first at the Pat Lesser “This is SMOOTH,” commented the thousands of views. has 800 million users. Joyce’s video is the top Harbottle Invitational in the fall. Her best Chicago Bulls mascot Benny on one of Joyce’s Joyce still uploads to TikTok, and the num- video on the #ImAGhost hashtag. showing of the fall season was at the Battle at videos. ber of people following her only continues to Joyce began dancing when she was in ele- Old Works, where she shot 70 in the second By June of 2020, Joyce had gained over increase. Three of the videos she posted after mentary school at the dance studio right down round and finished in a tie at 26th. 10,000 followers on the app. Among these her viral one have already recieved over a the road from her house in Butte. When she hit Just as she was getting ready to finish out followers was Josh Egbo, a former UM football million views apiece. fourth grade, she stopped dancing and began her freshman year with a solid spring cam- player and TikTok star. She is also preparing for the UM golf sea- golfing, because there was a golf course right paign, the spring season was canceled due to Egbo, who goes by Poof Daddy on TikTok, son, which will start on Mar. 11 in St. George, by her house, too. the coronavirus. has over 2.2 million followers and has had Utah, at the Lady Thunderbird Invitational. While she attended Butte Central High At this point, Joyce had downloaded videos that gained over 18 million views. The UM golf team is slated to attend four School, she played golf as well as basketball TikTok, thanks to some encouragement from “You deserve the hype honestly,” Egbo invitationals before it competes in the Big Sky and tennis. In her senior year, she won every her golf teammates, and was posting regularly. commented on Joyce’s first popular TikTok. Conference tournament on Apr. 19.

16 January 20, 2021 montanakaimin.com