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Volume 123 Issue No. 20, February 17, 2021 Kiosk Kaimin Editorial

Cover Design by Feature photo: Valentine’s Day market Griffen Smith The Montana Kaimin is a weekly independent student What happened to testing newspaper at the University of Montana. The Kaimin office 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 close contacts, Curry? language word, “Qe‘ymin,” that is pronounced kay-MEEN and Montana Kaimin Last semester, it seemed like Curry Health a close contact should get tested. A student means “book,” “message” or “paper that brings news.” Center would test every COVID-19-symp- who has many roommates should get tested. tomatic student as well as students who are That is how the virus can be identified and EDITORIAL STAFF NEWSROOM STAFF close contacts. If you called the health center stopped. And in a community full of people and reported symptoms, more likely than not, who live in communal spaces, it’s more than EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NEWS REPORTERS COPY EDITORS you would find yourself in the alley behind necessary. Erin Sargent Jacob Owens Zandria DuPuis the health center waiting for a nasal swab COVID-19 testing is something the Univer- Mariah Thomas Alicia McAlpine @montanakaimin within the week. At the beginning of this sity and Missoula County can regulate and BUSINESS MANAGER Grace Carr Luke Nicholson semester, UM doubled down and instituted control. We watched UM significantly beef Cassandra Williams Allie Wagner a free voluntary testing program open to all up testing infrastructure, too. They can test 80 DESIGNERS students for two weeks. people a day, and could do even more with SPORTS EDITOR SPORTS REPORTERS Isabella Musgrove But we are now in week six of spring the help of the UM Genomics Core. Jack Marshall John Orzechowski McKenna Johnson semester, approaching the one-year marker Yet Curry is likely doing fewer tests than MaKayla O’Neil of our University’s response to the pandemic, in recent months. To be fair, there have been NEWS EDITOR ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS Olivia Swant-Johnson @MontanaKaimin and Curry’s resources seem to be spread thin. fewer UM-related cases over the past two Mazana Boerboom Clarise Larson Tests are only being given to those who are weeks than there were on Oct. 4, 2020. Curry Meghan Jonas CARTOONIST visibly symptomatic—and less time is being also said it stockpiled tests over winter break, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Haley Yarborough Cooper Malin given to contact tracing. Students who have according to pervious Kaimin reporting, and Alex Miller For comments, corrections or letters to come into contact with a positive person no spike has been reported through the first MULTIMEDIA STAFF OFFICE ASSISTANTS might simply be told to wait it out over the five weeks of school. So the testing capacity FEATURES EDITOR Liam McCollum Christine Compton the editor, contact 10-14 days they might be contagious, or until should be there to do more. Addie Slanger Matt Tryan Maura Lynch [email protected] symptoms appear. But if we want to keep Some universities, like the University of Zach Meyer or call (406) 243-4310. battling this virus, we should not back down Michigan, test asymptomatic students every MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Antonio Ibarra Olivares ADVISERS from the higher level of vigilance invested in week. UM has not surveillance-tested for Claire Shinner Sarah Mosquera Geoff McGhee For advertising opportunities, contact contact tracing and surveillance—for all close over a month. At a time when everyone feels Lukas Prinos Jason Begay contacts. a little off from the cold, and people congre- DESIGN EDITOR Kennedy Delap [email protected] or A test is not everything. Curry’s pharmacy gate indoors, Curry should offer more testing Griffen Smith call (406) 243-6541. is doing the important work of vaccinating opportunities to us, the students. people in the Missoula community. And So why can’t we get a close-contact test? DIGITAL EDITOR/COPY CHIEF wearing a mask or two is theWeek most effective of 2/15/21 - 2/21/21 Andrea Halland way to stop the spread of the virus. But a coronavirus test is still an important - Griffen Smith | Design Editor tool. It gives us a picture, if limited, as to how KAIMIN COMIC COVID-19 travels through a community. It also helps identify infection clusters and Like it? Hate it? Wish we were dead? Email warn of potential outbreaks. us your opinions at A student in a residence hall who becomes [email protected]

SUDOKU Edited by Margie E. Burke Difficulty: Easy HOW TO SOLVE: 9 7 Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and 5 2 each set of 3 by 3 boxes must 1 6 contain the numbers 1 to 9. Answers to Last Week’s Sudoku: 8 7 4 7 1 8 2 9 5 3 6 4 6 1 9 5 2 6 7 3 8 4 1 6 3 8 4 1 5 9 2 7 2 9 1 2 9 6 3 4 1 7 5 8 John Turner, the owner of Turner farms, watches Liberty the Suffolk sheep as she stands beside her 9 3 2 8 7 8 3 5 6 2 1 9 4 “miracle” lamb on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Valentine’s Day Farm Market. The lamb, named Queen Mary, is 5 1 4 9 8 7 3 6 2 a miracle because her father, Zeke, is a Black Welsh Mountain Sheep; a much smaller sheep than Liberty, 7 1 3 2 7 1 9 4 6 8 5 Turner said. KENNEDY DELAP | MONTANA KAIMIN 5 4 6 1 6 5 2 3 8 4 7 9 COOPER MALIN| MONTANA KAIMIN Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate 8 4 9 7 5 6 2 1 3 2 February 17, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 17, 2021 3

Week of 2/15/21 - 2/21/21

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

14 15 16 17 18 19 Yer a blockbuster film, Harry 20 21 22 Briefs: Masks, vaccines and online learning 23 24 25 26 Gianforte drops statewide mask mandate to Missoulians, with around 6,000 fully Those are; “Children, Youth and the Pan- previously might have gone out of state to 27 28 29 30 31 32 immunized. At the statewide level, more demic,” “Mental Health and COVID-19,” finish their degrees. 33 34 35 36 On Friday Feb. 12, Gov. Greg Gianforte than 50,000 people have had both doses of “Dispraportionate Impacts on Specific Jim Caringi, professor and chair at the withdrew Montana’s mask mandate, put the vaccine and nearly 130,000 have had the Populations,” “Fallout: Politics, Remote School of Social Work, said UM is one of 37 38 39 40 into effect by former Gov. Steve Bullock first dose. Work and Loneliness,” “Coping Resilience the last schools in the country to create an last year. An executive order signed by The county also held another vaccine and Health” and “Vaccines, Variants, and online MSW program, and he has been 41 42 43 Gianforte states: “Individual responsibility clinic on Monday out of the former Lucky’s Understanding Pandemic.” getting questions about it since he started 44 45 46 47 remains Montana’s best tool to combat the Market in the Southgate Mall, where For an added cost, and depending on teaching here. He said he has high hopes for spread of COVID-19. Montanans are en- they administered around anoth- pre-approval by the licensing the program, as well as confidence in Wiley, 48 49 50 51 52 couraged to wear masks and should follow er 200 doses. (MB) board, it can count toward which will provide technical and course 53 54 55 56 57 58 the best industry practices adopted by any six hours of the Montana’s development support. business they visit to slow the spread of the ‘Psychology of the Pan- Board of Behavioral “I have the best colleagues, I have sup- 59 60 61 virus.” demic’ online course Health and Board of port from the administration, our dean, the This executive order does not change the Psychologists’ Con- provost. The president is behind this,” he 62 63 64 right of businesses or local governments to The University of tinuing Education said. “So I think we can do it.” 65 66 67 require masks, and Missoula County plans Montana has released requirements. (MB) Caringi said that curriculum develop- to uphold its own mask mandate for now. ment and hiring are ongoing, and the school Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate a no-credit online ACROSS (Mazana Boerboom) New online Master of will start accepting applications soon. He course, “Psychology 1 In this way 67 Small particle 30 Concert Social Work program said the program will accept students in the of the Pandemic” on 5 Bailey of "Hello, keyboard ALEX MILLER Missoula vaccination updates summer, spring and fall semesters and will Moodle, which is mainly Dolly!" DOWN 31 Intentions [email protected] OLIVIA SWANT-JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN led by UM faculty mem- The University of Mon- eventually provide the option to complete a 10 Bubbly drink 1 Small sample 32 Easy run Missoula County remained in the first bers Dr. Bryan Cochran and tana’s School of Social Work master’s degree online in one summer. 14 Second to none 2 Big to-do 33 Sow's chow Oh, movie theaters. We miss your stale buttered popcorn Pearl” written all over you. We know you hate small tier of Phase 1B as of Monday, Feb. 15. This Dr. Rachel Severson. Course regis- plans to begin a fully online master’s “I don’t want us to just produce an online 15 Sharpshooter 3 1977 Alan O'Day 34 Finish a drive? and soda scent. Yes, theaters are open again, but they’re talk, and so does Captain Jack Sparrow. Who wouldn’t includes all people over the age of 70 and tration is now open to anyone interested program next fall, in partnership with MSW program,” he said. “I want us to be Oakley hit, "____ Angel" 36 Chef's need just kind of weird now, like seeing an old lover hanging want to drink rum and fight zombie pirates instead of people of color. As of the county’s weekly and can be taken at the learner’s own pace. Wiley Education Services. The program the best, period, in the country. That’s my 16 German 4 Clothing line? 38 Left-handed out with a less attractive version of yourself. So what if chatting about the weather? Monday update, more than 20,000 dos- It costs $100 and includes access to videos, will expand the current master’s program, goal.” (Alicia McAlpine) automaker 5 Footnote word Beatle we stroll down money-makin’-movies-lane and compare LEO (JULY 23–AUG. 22): You’re loud and obnox- es of the vaccine had been administered links and interviews discussing six topics. opening opportunities for students who 17 Fountain fare 6 Place in a crypt 39 Essential ourselves to beloved movies, you know, for science. ious—in the best way—Leo. You know what block- 18 Plum or apricot, 7 Soon, to a poet 42 Hugh Laurie AQUARIUS (JAN. 20–FEB. 18): Ever the unique buster franchise is also loud and obnoxious? “The Fast e.g. 8 Skin infection series friend of the group, ya just stand out so much Aquarius. and the Furious.” That’s right, you’re the equivalent of 20 TV show 9 "School Daze" 43 Comedian Carvey And what stands out more than R-rated blockbuster 40 reels worth of Vin Diesel grunting at the camera. opener, often director 46 Birdwatcher's “Deadpool?” Let’s just hope you don’t suffer the same fate VIRGO (AUG. 23–SEP. 22): A sophisticated person 22 Cattle catcher 10 Word before lure as Wade Wilson. You know—getting burned alive, gaining can only fit with a sophisticated blockbuster, Virgo. Blotter: Disorderly juveniles, alarmed grannies and gunshots 23 Something to lend reef or snake 47 "I swear!" incredible regenerative abilities and having to wear a red And that simple math points in one direction: “Casino 24 Vigor's partner 11 Composer's 48 Rigatoni, et. al. suit 24/7, with the occasional crocs exception. Royale.” That’s right, you get to be the suave, debonair 25 Lament loudly creation 51 Ill-suited GRACE CARR MONDAY 02/08: AVOID THE FROSTBITE We appreciate our grandmas for their PISCES (FEB. 19–MARCH 20): Pisces, you’re so Agent 007. But instead of a license to kill, you have a 27 Descend 12 Kauai keepsakes 52 Midler of music [email protected] baking skills, warm hugs and sometimes, intuitive and intelligent. But sometimes you’re too smart license to overwork yourself. 30 1942 flick "My 13 Type of sax 53 "Excuse me …" UMPD released a public safety notice their brutal honesty. So, we should an- and go over people’s heads, just like “Inception.” We know LIBRA (SEP. 23–OCT. 22): Libra, you have this ___ Sal" 19 GM's birthplace 54 Went on horse- Monday evening warning University swer the phone when they call to check it’s high-brow and cool, but maybe tone it back with the uncanny ability to see all sides of an argument, but Between Feb. 4 and 10, UMPD report- 33 Go bad 21 Like some grins back staff and students of a Winter Weather in on us. Otherwise they might call the dream-within-a-dream that’s having a dream. reserve judgement. That’s what we like to call fence-sit- ed three crimes on and around campus. 35 Handel specialty or twins 55 Van Gogh flower police. ARIES (MARCH 21–APRIL 19): Competition and ting. That’s exactly what Donny in “The Big Lebowski” Disorderly conduct took the cake as the Advisory in effect for the Missoula and 37 Kilauea flow 26 On a trip, maybe 57 Garden tool commitment—that’s what you do, Aries. So does Nicolas did. Don’t be a Donny. only crime reported this week. Bitterroot Valleys. The email was sent 38 Small variety 28 Make-up artist? 58 Part of Ringo's Cage, especially in “National Treasure.” He’s a trailblazer SCORPIO (OCT. 23–NOV. 21): We’re hard on you just before frigid temperatures and in- THURSDAY 02/11: GREEK ROW GUNSHOT (var.) 29 Furry one, in kit who committed so hard he stole the gosh darn Declaration FRIDAY 02/05: UNGOVERNABLE YOUTH tense wind chill hit the area. To any out- 40 Seductress internet slang 60 Schedule abbr. Scorpio, it’s true. But sometimes you deserve it. But of Independence! Definitely don’t do that. of-staters posting on social media about UMPD officers responded to the Greek 41 Roof projection you know who didn’t deserve their fate? Jack, when the below-zero temperatures, get used to TAURUS (APRIL 20–MAY 20): You have a certain Rose just let the motherfucker freeze when she clearly Officers responded to Bannack Court Row area just past midnight on Thursday 43 Not too bright Answers to Last Week’s Crossword: Friday afternoon when a verbal argu- it. Invest in a heated blanket, some wool when a caller reported a single gunshot 44 Pricing word affinity for blue people, Taurus. And no, not those tiny had enough space on her floating door in “Titanic.” S T A C K H E S E V A N S ment involving a juvenile was reported. socks and lots of hot chocolate to warm and screaming. Officers checked the 45 Uncontrollable Smurfs, we’re talking about the Na’vi, the big blue stars of You’re Rose. L U C R E E A T S A L O N The teen was warned and released, but the body and soul. neighborhood, but found nothing nota- 48 Cry softly James Cameron’s “Avatar.” They are reliable, trustworthy SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22–DEC. 22): If there’s a I N C O G N I T O P L A T O and ambitious, like you, Taury. So go ahead and paint path, you sure as hell go off it, Sag. “Mad Max: Fury problems continued Tuesday, Feb. 9 in ble. No crime was reported. 49 Very long time M E O W O R A L R E N E W TUESDAY 02/09: CALL YOUR GRANDMA yourself blue from head to toe and find a Home Tree to Road” is certainly an unconventional blockbuster, the Craighead Apartments. The teen’s 50 Suds source R E A P B E G I N protect. mom was “having trouble with him 53 Met highlights P A D R E A L A T T E S T and most certainly your spirit film. But do be warned: being a little ungovernable and disorder- Officers made a student welfare check 56 Roy Rogers A L I B I M E A L I N C H GEMINI (MAY 21–JUNE 20): You’ve got some real Huffing silver spray paint and screaming about going ly,” Lt. Brad Giffin said. He was warned around 4 p.m. when a grandmother was ingredient S T O R A G E P L U N G E R “glass half-full” energy, Gem. And so did M. Night Shya- to Valhalla is not considered niche or cool. and released again, and his mom said unable to reach her grandson for two 59 Shrewd bargain S A N E A N T E S E I N E malan when he made “The Last Airbender.” But it made a CAPRICORN (DEC. 23–JAN. 19): Capricorn, she “has him in some programs that she days. They made contact and the student 61 Flat floater E R S A T Z A X L E N E W lot of money, so it was good. Right? Right?! why are you always so pessimistic? It’s very Thanos thinks are going to help,” Giffin said. said he would call his grandmother back. 62 Cut, maybe T I E U P E D G E CANCER (JUNE 21–JULY 22): How do you feel about of you. But if you do get a magical gauntlet with the 63 Hardens, as clay B A T H E N I N E A R C O water, Cancer? And pirates? And Johnny Depp? Because ability to alter the very fabric of the universe, don’t start OLIVIA SWANT- JOHNSON| MONTANA KAIMIN 64 Troop group A C R I D C O U R T R O O M you’ve got “Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black snapping those fingers. 65 Flat-topped hill I R O N Y A C T A B O D E 66 On one's toes L E D G E P A S R O M A N montanakaimin.com February 17, 2021 5 4 February 17, 2021 montanakaimin.com News | Uncertain future News | Terrific trifecta Senate bill aims to ditch Columbus Day UM-based podcast finds success behind a unique trio JACK MARSHALL ALEX MILLER thing,” Morigeau said. “But I have pause [email protected] [email protected] for concern because this was the commit- tee that killed it last time, and some of the Mountaineers, musicians, artists, scientists JACOB OWENS same people are still there.” and many other interesting people have [email protected] The committee held a hearing on the bill last Wednesday, and over two dozen been interviewed by University of Montana people spoke in support of the bill. professor Justin Angle as a part of his podcast, The deeds of a long-dead Italian ex- Republican Chair Doug Kary was a vice “A New Angle.” plorer have been celebrated in the U.S. for chair of the committee in 2019. Kary said “This is ‘A New Angle’ and I’m your host, over 80 years. he has not decided how he will vote on the Justin Angle,” he says at the beginning of But in Montana, Senate Bill 146 aims to bill, but he has spoken with some Native every podcast while an electric guitar plays an remove Columbus Day from the docket of Americans, other than those who testified upbeat riff in the background. state holidays and replace it with Indige- at the hearing, to inform his decision. Angle has been doing the podcast remotely nous Peoples’ Day. “I do want to get a feel from across the since the start of the pandemic, but before Seven other states — Alaska, Hawaii, state and across the different tribes as to that he recorded in a state-of-the-art studio in Maine, New Mexico, South Dakota, what’s what because I know we see a very ELLA MUSGROVE | MONTANA KAIMIN the Gallagher Business Building. A picture of Vermont and Oregon — have already jaded spectrum when we see it at commit- two grizzly bears snarling at each other hangs replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous tee,” he said. in the studio Angle used in non-pandemic Peoples’ Day, while Alabama and Oklaho- Kary said he does not expect the bill to reason for celebration on a day that has stand in your own truth and be confident times. By interviewing his guests through a ma celebrate both holidays. make it through the committee, but that historically caused pain. in who you are, and I think a lot of Native computer, Angle has been able to keep the Montana Sen. Shane Morigeau wrote doesn’t mean he won’t vote for it. “When you think about it, it’s kind of people are like that.” podcast moving forward. and sponsored the bill. This is not the Aislyn Baker, the president of the Kyiyo disheartening to still know that that day Morigeau hopes the bill will make it “He’s such a great interviewer,” said Jeff is still happening,” Baker said. “I know through committee, but the loss in 2019 first time he has brought this issue up in Native American Student Association at Meese, who serves as the podcast’s auditory it’s not a big thing, but it’s the meaning still remains fresh. the legislature. Morigeau brought forth a The University of Montana, said her group experience manager. behind it that kind of hurts.” “I’m not holding my breath,” Morigeau similar bill in 2019, but it was killed in the organizes an annual powwow and helped In each episode’s credits, Meese is referred Baker said she will be angry if the bill said. “I’m hoping that they keep an open Senate’s State Administration Committee. with UM’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day activ- to as the “master of all things sound,” as he doesn’t pass, but she won’t be devastated. ear and mind to learning about the horrific As of Monday, Feb. 15, SB 146 was in that ities last year. is in charge of sound quality and editing “We all know what that day represents tragedies that came along with him [Co- very same committee. Baker said an Indigenous Peoples’ Day the podcast’s audio. Graduate student and and how it all goes,” she said, regarding lumbus], and how that sends a message to “I thought we had a lot of great support would help bring unity to Indigenous producer A.J. Williams also helps make up the Columbus Day. “I’m not too twisted up people of color that ‘you’re inferior.’” last time and recognition of doing the right people across Montana. It would create a trio that puts on the podcast. about it just because you kind have to “We’ve been trying to maintain having a guest on every week,” Williams said. “We’re still trying to expand our audience.” Angle started the podcast in 2018 for one of University of Montana associate professor of marketing and host of “A New Angle” podcast Justin Angle in Studio 49 on the third floor of the College of Business, his business classes. He realized students were Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 25, 2020. Angle said the podcast originally started as a project for an online class and blossomed with the more people he interviewed. UM enrollment continues to drop for spring semester more likely to listen to a podcast than read Angle said, “Podcasts present conversations that people can learn from. There is no shortage of interesting people we can learn from in a college community.” something he assigned. DANIEL DUENSING | MONTANA KAIMIN ERIN SARGENT the next semester. said UM hopes to see a rise in enroll- Brad Hall, UM’s tribal outreach spe- The idea of “A New Angle,” he says, was to talk to “cool people doing awesome things in [email protected] “The Office of Enrollment Management ment following the recession caused by cialist, said the increase in Native student as a media technician. He has also done sound every day,” Williams said. and around the great state of Montana.” has been spending a lot more time talking COVID-19, similar to the one Missoula enrollment can be attributed to program- for National Geographic, the BBC, PBS, A&E Thanks to the efforts of the trio, the podcast with high school students virtually,” College saw during the Great Recession ming at UM tailored to recruiting from Along with running the podcast, Angle The University of Montana reported a and other high-level production companies. gets hundreds of downloads per episode, Kuntz said. in the late 2000s, though the expected rise Native communities and partnering with works as an associate professor of marketing 7.3% drop in enrollment between spring “What’s been most satisfying for me is to and its Instagram page has over a thousand He said UM is trying to communicate hasn’t happened yet. tribal colleges. He added that each UM in the College of Business. semester 2020 and spring semester 2021 hear the feedback from our listener base,” followers. Montana Sen. Jon Tester, Montana to incoming students that they can come “We just haven’t seen that same bump at department can promote their programs to Angle got a degree in finance at the in census numbers released last week, Meese said. Gov. Greg Gianforte, Pearl Jam bassist Jeff to the University and feel safe while our two-year career offerings,” Kuntz said. Native American students who might be University of Pennsylvania, where he continuing UM’s decade-long downward Williams was a student in the Ament and New York Times columnist they study in whatever way they’re most “That’s a trend, it’s true across the country, interested. participated in collegiate rowing. trend. environmental journalism graduate program Maureen Dowd have all made appearances on comfortable with, whether it’s in person, and I don’t think anybody has a strong “That’s a huge opportunity to get more He then moved to San Francisco where he Across all programs, UM is now report- when she saw a call for producers. She wanted the podcast. remote, hybrid or a combo, as they contin- answer to why that is yet. It’s something students in there, because the interest worked as a bond trader, at one point pulling ing a total of 9,500 students, the first time experience with podcasting and already Inspired by the success of the podcast, ue their education in the pandemic. we are continuing to look into.” is there,” Hall said. “It’s a matter of us off a $100 million trade. He also spent time the University has dropped below 10,000 had a radio and documentary production Angle has decided to launch a new six-part At the end of fall semester 2020, UM re- UM’s silver linings? Enrollment is up in providing the access and support that coaching high school and collegiate rowing in students since 1989. background, so she signed up. series called “Backfire.” It will investigate ported a freshman class of 1,833 students, graduate programs by 1.5%, and at the Al- those students need once they enter these California and Pennsylvania. David Kuntz, UM’s director of strategic She helps promote the podcast on social what wildfires mean for Montana and the rest down nearly 300 from the year prior. In- exander Blewett School of Law by 4%. Re- programs.” Angle completed a master’s degree and a communications, attributed the contin- media and gathers information on the guests of the West. state freshman numbers this semester are tention rates, which count the number of Kuntz said the retention numbers and doctorate in business administration at the ued drop in enrollment numbers to the for Angle, all from home. Since she started her The new podcast will be released by down, but out-of-state first-time freshman students who stay enrolled from semester UM’s renewed interest in improving University of Washington before landing a job nationwide drop in college admissions due graduate program, she has been fully remote Montana Public Radio on Feb. 23. New enrollment is on the rise, with UM report- to semester, are at 88% across the board. on-campus lifestyle as students slowly as a professor at UM in 2012. to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said UM’s and has not set foot on campus. episodes of “A New Angle” release every ing a 36% increase. And Native American student enrollment return to in-person instruction is leaving Around half a year into the podcast’s life, transition to virtual recruitment could “Normally I would work from the Tuesday and can be found on most streaming Missoula College also reported a drop has risen dramatically, with a 20.3% rise him “cautiously optimistic” about UM’s Meese began helping out. Meese has worked potentially help find solutions moving into Rattlesnake and get to look at [Mount] Jumbo platforms. in enrollment, a steep 21% decrease. Kuntz between spring 2020 and spring 2021. fall 2021 student head count. in the business building since it opened in 1996

6 February 17, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 17, 2021 7 A virtual Big Sky

ALEX MILLER to Gregg and her team that the festival would line-only looked to be the best choice. Hawes-Davis. Live festivals are in one place, so CONTRIBUTED | BIG SKY FILM FEST [email protected] endure. CARES Act money, distributed by the Na- the question of geolocking—or putting regional “As a producer, it’s just not my way to back tional Endowment for the Arts, helped keep the access locks on a film—never really came up A Chester- When Texas’ massive music and arts festival, away and not do anything,” Gregg said. lights on. The $50,000 grant was used purely prior to going virtual. Hawes-Davis said that The man behind the orange The life cycle of the festival would normally for operating costs. Other grants the festival filmmakers want to show their work to an audi- South by Southwest, was canceled last March— flavored like Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry reigned One of those friends was fellow filmmaker for the first time in more than three decades— have begun in May. When the month came and received helped to equip them with servers ence that will understand it, and not just throw ALEX MILLER went, Gregg and her team briefly toyed with powerful enough to host a virtual event. it around to any festival they can. supreme. But a film by Frederick Wiseman, Kier Atherton, who helped Weibush during festival organizers around the country could see [email protected] “Titicut Follies,” captivated him. the summer of 2019, acting as the director of that 2020 was going to be difficult. the idea of shutting down. In June, though, they As the summer progressed, the festival But most filmmakers requested their films twist opened up submissions for films. received nearly 1,800 film submissions. The not be geolocked, giving their work a chance to “It was a film that I had to track down a VHS photography for the filmmaker. At that time, Missoula’s Big Sky Film Festival It can take nearly two years for eight minutes “Opening the call was a commitment to amount was just under the record set for the be seen by a much larger audience. copy of in college,” Weibush said. “I found a The pair met at the Big Sky Film Festival had just finished its best year. The relief that ALEX MILLER of film to see the light of day. dusty old copy in the library because the film a few years ago and hit it off right away. The came from the conclusion of months of organiz- doing something,” Gregg said. “We had to have festival last year, which had nearly 2,000. Ten of the 50 short films feature work by the festival in some form.” Out of all those submissions, organizers and Montana State University students, part of [email protected] Director Ryan Weibush takes his time to had been banned in the ‘60s, and was difficult duo spent nearly a week in Chester. Atherton ing such an event was supposed to be enjoyed make his films, but when you’re a one-man to find ever since then.” handled the filming while Weibush did inter- with relaxation, finally taking a breath. But then A party needs money to keep going, and programmers could select only 75. a program MSU and the festival have been It would be more than okay to assume show, time is your best friend. Wiseman’s film examined the lives of the views and wove himself into the small town. COVID-19 happened. What was supposed funding was a concern. The live version of Doug Hawes-Davis, the short film program- collaborating on for a few years. director Ryan Weibush’s short film, “The “I’m a slow filmmaker,” Weibush said. patients of the Bridgewater State Hospital for Research had been done prior to hitting the to be a spring of enjoying the success of 2020 the festival costs around $200,000 to operate. ming director, chose 50 from that batch for the Dennis Aig, professor and director of the Orange Candidate” (2020), is about former Weibush has directed five films, with his the criminally insane, a corrections facility in road to Chester, but Atherton said that when turned into a question of whether or not the Running the festival virtually will be cheaper, short film section. Hawes-Davis said he basi- Master of Fine Arts filmmaking program at President Donald Trump. most recent documentary short, “The Orange Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The state ordered they arrived everything became an organic festival would return for 2021. tallying at nearly $150,000. But the cheaper cally binge-watched films, and choose the ones MSU, said that the films were made over the But thankfully, in a world that is slowly Candidate,” making its premiere at the 2021 Big the film to be censored, arguing that Wiseman process. “Every week and month after that it was like: cost comes with a tradeoff; Gregg expects the that were best suited for a Missoula audience. course of three years. weaning from nonstop Trump coverage, that Sky Film Festival. His newest work explores the had not received permission to put the lives of “When you work with a new director, they ‘Okay it’s really bad now, but we’re starting festival will make half the revenue than what it “People think you’re finding the best,” “It’s good exposure for beginning filmmak- particular orange candidate is nowhere to be high-profile mayoral campaign that took place the patients on display. The film had such an always have a new style that you don’t have to understand more, and maybe by February would in a normal year. Hawes-Davis said. “But really, you’re finding ers to get their films shown to general audienc- found. The film does, however, delve into a in Chester, Montana in 2015. The idea first came impact on Weibush, he had his students watch experience with,” Atherton said. “I really [2021] it’ll be better, and we’ll be back to nor- And the normal revenue stream—donations the best for the audience.” es, to get feedback, to get used to explaining quieter aspect of the 2016 election cycle. to him in 2017. it for his History of Documentaries class. enjoyed Ryan’s style.” mal,’” said Rachel Gregg, executive director of and philanthropy—was hard to come by with Hawes-Davis was uncertain what would their films to a broader public than just their Weibush’s near eight minute short fol- The director, originally from Ohio, came Weibush’s first film was shot for a contest Weibush returned in the summer of 2020 to a the Big Sky Film Festival. an economy ravaged by the pandemic. happen with the festival. Would directors hold professors,” Aig said. lows the small Montana town of Chester’s to Montana in 2015. He said his wife — who when he was a teenager. He described the pro- changed Chester. There was a new mayor and The festival set a submission record for itself Month after month passed, and the virus their films back? Would the audience adapt to With the outpouring of films and support, tumultuous 2015 mayoral campaign, which attended UM — and a job brought him to cess as “just some kids with a video camera.” the pandemic was in full effect. On this trip, in 2020, with nearly 2,000 films submitted and did not slow down. Gregg watched as other an online event? Would film festivals survive? Gregg said she feels optimistic about both featured incumbent Noel Walston facing a Missoula. He had previously worked for PBS in However, he didn’t win. instead of staying at the town’s lone AirBnB, audiences jammed tightly into venues like the festivals canceled or pivoted. The Big Sky Film Gregg was worried about how many films the present and the future of the Big Sky Film Festival won’t be the first online cinema event they would receive, but Hawes-Davis was more Festival. challenge from an outside candidate with Cleveland assisting in documentary produc- “No we didn’t [win]. It was rigged,” Wei- Weibush camped out. Documentary film, Wei- Wilma. But this year’s version is set to have a tion. Weibush began teaching a documentary bush said, chuckling. bush said, is another casualty of the pandemic new look. The Big Sky Film Festival will be held in Missoula, with the Roxy’s Montana Film optimistic. In many cases, filming had already “Let’s do the things that we can do really money to burn. film course at UM. Flashes of the filmmaker’s influences can be in its approach and style. entirely online from Feb. 19-28. Its website is the Festival having gone totally virtual in October ended as the pandemic struck, leaving time to well, and only commit to those things,” Gregg The actual filming took place in the sum- During his time at UM, which lasted from seen in his newest offering, “The Orange Can- “It’s tough for a documentary filmmak- new movie theater, and with a simple click tick- 2020. The Sundance Film Festival offered a finish post-production work before submissions said. “Not try to change the world by doing the mer of 2019, but the small town of Chester, 2016 to the spring of 2020, Weibush worked didate.” The short revolves around one dry joke er now. With fictional stuff, people are just et holders gain entrance into the virtual cinema. hybrid event, but remained mostly online. opened up. best virtual event you’ve ever participated in.” which sits at nearly the top of the Hi-Line, sporadically on music videos and some free- of a twist—which you’ll just have to watch to pretending that the pandemic doesn’t exist,” Gregg held out hope that by now things From those festivals that stayed alive, she “I figured that a lot of stuff would come be- remembered the events of five years ago like lance editing projects, but his primary job was find out. Weibush paid for the film’s production Weibush said. “You can’t really do that with a would be back to “normal” in time for the an- learned how to change from an in-person event cause it’s either already done, or was later in the The Montana Kaimin reviewed the “Made in they were yesterday. to focus on his role as a professor and adviser. himself. documentary, because you’re not being very nual festival’s return. But she was also prepared to going totally online. process and had already been shot,” Hawes-Da- Montana” short film section of the Big Sky Film The mayoral race was not all it seemed, His passion for film is something he’s tried “The good thing [about] when you’re super truthful if you’re not doing that.” for the worst-case scenario: Canceling the event The decision to go fully virtual was not an vis said. “Post-production is something you can Festival. Along with the reviews are brief interviews and neither is this film. But, to find out to instill in his students. Weibush’s influenc- low-budget, you’re just asking friends for help,” altogether. easy one. First, the team thought it could pull do in a crisis.” with directors, discussing topics like their introduc- what’s really going on, you’ll just have to es come from the MTV era, where directors Weibush said. But as 2021 crept into view, it became clear off a hybrid live-and-online event, but as health The virtual element of the 2021 festival tion into film, participating in a virtual premiere and watch “The Orange Candidate.” and safety concerns grew, the pivot to on- provided a surprising turn of events for more.

8 February 17, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 17, 2021 9 ‘Propagation’ Q&A - Nate Kenney What inspired you to do a profile on an HALEY YARBOROUGH and I actually did my undergrad thesis on ‘Powder Arousal’ avalanche forecaster? decision-making heuristics in avalanche With some stunning visuals of the Gallatin [email protected] terrain. Also, snow is very cool science. GRIFFEN SMITH National Forests, it’s easy to fantasize about It’s a really interesting job. These guys— Skiing for work is a dream for some, the wild backcountry. But this film grounds [email protected] Q&A - Emily Lea they’re out here skiing in avalanche What is it like to have your film premiere but for Gallatin National Forest avalanche you in reality. terrain. It’s one of the most difficult things forecaster Alex Morientha, the job is far from “The most difficult part of this job is when digitally instead of in-person? MEGHAN JONAS to predict. No matter how good you are, For most subjects in this film, staring How long have you been easy, especially when he carries the weight of folks don’t come back alive,” Morientha said. down the face of a snowy mountain is the working on films? [email protected]‘Weep’ Even though “Propagation” was made pre- no matter how much experience you have, Everyone wants their film to get seen. I’m people’s lives on his shoulders. Q&A - Harrison Bach you can only predict, like, a range where best thing since sex. At least, that’s what “Propagation” (2019), a short film direct- COVID-19, it’s more relevant now than ever. just happy it’s getting out there somehow. the danger level is. In the stats of a normal the experts say. I started filmmaking at MSU three years Dramatic, orchestral music booms in as ed by Montana State University graduate With the pandemic not only driving people I’d much rather have it be an in-person What’s it like having a premiere curve, it’s a bell curve of where they think In “Powder Arousal” (2019), director ago when I joined their graduate program in we watch people cry. Some of them seem student Nate Kenney, is another reminder outdoors, but inexperienced out-of-staters kind of thing. There’s something really danger level might be, but somebody Emily Lea looks at the parallels between Science and Natural History Filmmaking. My devastated, others cry silent tears. Some during a pandemic? to do your homework before going into into rugged Montana territory, avalanche great about being able to see a film with can always fall into one of these outliers great skiing and other rewarding activi- background was in geology, so through MSU’s look as if they are about to start wailing and the backcountry. Luckily, Morientha does safety is even more of a priority. other people. I’m just happy people are of skiing on a safe day. I just thought it ties, like sex. But that reward for finding unique program, I now have the opportunity tearing at their clothes, overwhelmed by Though having a premiere during COVID most of that work for you. A brief profile For those getting cabin fever from seeing it. It’s just the reality of this year. was interesting. I have a background in the best snow comes with the risk of to make educational earth science films. grief and loss. is super humbling, it’s odd and a bummer of Morientha gives a glimpse into the daily COVID-19, eager to go wild in the backcoun- psychology—that was my undergrad— misjudging a run and being caught in an But then the music stops and the tears are to not go to the festival. But it’s exciting to tasks of avalanche forecasting, a job too often try during this winter season safely, “Propa- avalanche. gone, as emotions turn off quicker than we know that the films have never been more overlooked. gation” is a must watch. The 10-minute short documentary fea- Why do you like storytelling? expect. accessible. So in a way it’s a shame to not Harrison Bach examines the reasons we tures experts from both MSU’s snow and meet new filmmakers, but on the flip side, as cry and what that outward show of emo- avalanche lab and around the world. They I was raised by a southern family of story- [a] scientific communicator, I’m stoked about tion means to us in “WEEP” (2019). Bach give valuable information on backcountry tellers, so I’ve always enjoyed listening to the the potential that someone might stumble interviews two medical professionals, a skiing, and warn potential adventurers to stories of others and sharing my own. I think it upon my video and learn something new! psychologist and a physician on why people be cautious when choosing where to carve is our most ancient and sacred form of gener- cry, and how societal pressures impact the ‘Life in the Slow Lane’ down a mountain. ational communication, and it saddens me to way we view outward shows of emotion. “If What drew you to this subject matter? Lea utilizes scenic shots of skiers, both hear that less people are telling stories nowa- you cry in public,” one subject says, “you’re What difficulties did you face? in safe and dangerous conditions, as well days. I get so much joy from sharing funny or asking for attention.” CLARISE LARSON Q&A - Kelly Bouma as some more creative shots of models, fascinating anecdotes, but I’ve always enjoyed And some of these tears, the subjects and For the film “WEEP,” I was drawn in by lasers and Montana ski resorts. This film translating dry scientific principles into fun [email protected] doctors say, are fake. the idea of exploring the human body, how demonstrates the dangers of backcountry storytelling. When I raft-guided in Colorado, I The people we saw wail earlier now it works and the spectacle that is the action skiing. loved telling visitors about the geological story Before the pandemic, 84-year-old Lois How has COVID-19 impacted this film? show viewers how to fake cry, manipulat- of crying. Biggest difficulty, not gonna lie, is happening around us, and I received a lot of Chinadle found herself striking out — in ing others to get what they want. The same being able to equally represent the commu- great feedback from it. This was a big reason bowling that is. COVID-19 changed absolutely everything booming orchestra from the beginning plays, nities of the world from Bozeman, Montana. why I applied for MSU’s science filmmaking Chinadle used to be quite the bowler in about the film, beside the main character and by the end, we aren’t sure if they were For this film about crying, I wanted diverse program. her youth. At 84, she still pulls strikes like that is. I didn’t intend to make a COVID- ever genuinely crying at all. perspectives, diverse viewers and diverse it’s her job. film, but we started filming three days participants. Her laugh is raspy after years of smoking, before the lockdown occurred. We were able and the skin on her cheeks crinkle when she to capture footage right when the pandemic smiles. She doesn’t want to be old, but it’s happened, which was very interesting. And not too bad when she’s got good company we were able to see how Lois decided to of fellow elderly friends and a bowling ball react to what was going on which was very in hand. special. And then, the pandemic hit. “Life in the Slow Lane” (2020), directed What inspired you to share this story? by Kelly Bouma, follows Chinadle’s journey through the pandemic—from once having Lois. She is quite the character. The film a beaming social life to now being socially was actually supposed to be about her isolated in rural Montana. Chinadle must reuniting with her old bowling buddies, but, learn to cope with isolation after 84 years of COVID has changed everything. The film a healthy social life. we created is unique in that it has a begin- The film shows isolation at its most ning and middle, but no end, similar to the ruthless level. Lois was once one of the most pandemic. It’s special because although the happy-go-lucky people of her age, ready to film was a different idea than we originally start truly living again. had in mind, it still carried the same themes. Now, life seems to have come to a halt, though the aging continues despite her not wanting it to. It’s hard to live life well when life seems to have stopped existing in rural Montana during the pandemic.

CONTRIBUTED | BIG SKY FILM FEST CONTRIBUTED | BIG SKY FILM FEST CONTRIBUTED | BIG SKY FILM FEST

10 February 17, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 17, 2021 11 ‘The Rivers That Shape Us’

GRIFFEN SMITH MEGHAN‘Bitterroot’ JONAS [email protected] ‘Breathe’ [email protected] Q&A - Adam Meeks CLARISE LARSON if it was also the answer to physical and meta- Rivers are abundant in Montana, where ry. The documentary focuses on Montanan [email protected] physical issues like stress and pain? there are 700,000 miles worth of water- Chris Ennis, a sales representative for the Adam Meeks asked his mother, “Can What’s your history as a director? Breathing. It is the first thing people do when Bodznick lies with her eyes covered and a ways. Many of these rivers are wild and outdoor brand ArcTeryx, and his support for you tell us how you and dad met?” How did you get your start? they enter the world, and the last thing they do teddy bear cradled in her arms. She breathes in untouched by humans, though few are the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act, a bill Through his film “Bitterroot” (2020), when they leave it. But what about the breath- and out just like she has done so many times protected. that would protect an additional 300 miles of Meeks and his parents—Maryellen and I studied filmmaking at NYU, which ing in between? before. At first her hands clamp. Fear is trying In “The Rivers that Shape Us” (2020), di- wild riverspace. Raymond—process their lives in the provided a remarkable foundation and an Director Chrissie Bodznick explores the ways to escape her body, according to the breathing rector Erin Hermsen discusses the economic, After the release of the film, Sen. John Bitterroot Valley, mixing beautiful shots irreplaceable set of collaborative relation- in which breathing can heal and create self facilitator watching over her. social and environmental importance rivers Tester sponsored the bill into the U.S Senate, of an idyllic life with heart wrenching and ships. I wrote a script my senior year and awareness when done consciously, in her film Slowly, her hand grabs the teddy bear tighter, have in a six-minute miniature documenta- but it is yet to pass. bittersweet stories of a life gone by. was awarded a production grant to make “Breathe” (2020). and tears stream down her face, turning into Meeks ties together the past and the it, and I think the experience of directing Bodznick—the main character of the docu- deep sobs, then into a soft smile. present as audiences view black-and- that film (which is also set in the Bitterroot mentary—and experts bring the audience on Bodznicks’s exploration of a mundane ne- white family photos on an empty black Valley) gave me just enough confidence and a journey of self discovery, taking a look at the cessity shows that while breathing is the most background, seemingly through an momentum to keep going. science behind breathing. simple thing to do, when practiced intentional- old-fashioned slide projector. The edges Breathing is subconscious and easy. But what ly, its waves crash hard and wide. CONTRIBUTED | BIG SKY FILM FEST ‘Sweetwater’ blur as the story of Maryellen and Ray- mond’s love fractures, and their idyllic How does it feel to be having a ISABELLA MUSGROVE life is left in the realm of memories. premiere during a pandemic? [email protected] Q&A - Richard Barker Meeks’ parents speak with familiar- ity, nostalgia and love about their lives In “Sweetwater” (2019), Richard “Rhett” together, even as their paths diverge. The I’ll definitely be missing the community Barker takes audiences on a journey through Tell me about your film, “Sweetwater” memories of their past remain blissful- festival experience, and I know we were ‘Years Gone By’ the wetlands of Sweetwater Creek, from and what inspired you to make it? ly untainted by the hardships the years holding out hope for a chance to return to brought them. Missoula with this film. But, above all, I’m HALEY YARBOROUGH ‘The Grove’ Gainesville, Florida, through the coexisting tremendously grateful to be able to pre- nature and city. The film is about walking from the outflow of “Bitterroot” is gentle and nostalgic, [email protected] HALEY YARBOROUGH miere such a personal, Montana-set film at Q&A - Grace Weikert There’s a stark contrast between nature a creek that starts in the middle of Gainesville, softly lulling us into dreams of yester- this festival and within this community (vir- [email protected] and the surrounding urban environment Florida, and ends in a nature preserve. I went year and the ones we keep in our hearts here, demonstrating the complexities of the forever. tual or not). I have the utmost admiration Along the shores of Vermont lie the sleepy to undergrad at UF [the University of Florida], Why did you get into filmmaking? Aspen trees play a fundamental role in landscape, while simultaneously emphasiz- for the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival beach towns of Greenbackville and Franklin and I’ve been going to this creek for a long time the health of Montana ecosystems. But with ing humanity’s impact on nature. finding ways to adapt and carry on. City. With fewer than 500 residents—most because it was near my house. I realised two conifer trees encroaching across Montana While showing one of Sweetwater Creek’s of whom are seasonal visitors or retirees— I got into filmmaking mainly as a means to things: I didn’t know where [the creek] started, land, these groves are suffocating. many crevices, Barker finds a soda can that it’s hard to imagine that these were once explain scientific stories. A lot of my friends and that it had to start within the city limits. Montana State University graduate he said hasn’t been produced since the bustling hubs for harvesting the esteemed weren’t in bio and biochemistry, so in order So [the film] was kind of a very mild, but fun, student Marit Ehmke’s “The Grove” (2020) 1980s. Chincoteague Oyster. to explain to them what I was doing, I version of the Explorer documentaries — where explores Cross Cut Mountain volunteers’ “Trash sticks around here for a long “Years Gone By” (2020), a film directed by would take photos or videos. And that was you started in one place and tried to find the efforts to let these aspens breathe. time,” he said, showing the audience glass, Montana State University graduate student a visual means of explaining things better to headwaters of some river. I decided to make a At only three-and-a-half minutes, this film plastic and metal embedded in the creek’s Grace Weikert, explores how over-exploita- them. film like that, but about this creek that connects is short, but that’s all it needs to convey the habitat. Here, nature’s tranquility is fully tion, poor land management, rising sea the natural area. importance of this work. After a summer of intertwined with the danger humanity con- levels and increasingly severe storms turned What inspired you to make cataclysmic fires, aspens may be the key to tinues to present, as Sweetwater flows on. these cities into ghost towns. “Years Gone By?” What got you into filmmaking Black and white photos of a community maintaining healthy wildlife habitat, wild- in the first place? thriving off a booming industry commem- I went to school for my undergraduate fire control and accessible recreation trails. orate these towns’ shared histories. But this degree at the University of Pennsylvania, “Wildfire behavior changes when you film is much more than a commemoration— have a diverse forest,” said Peter Brown, the Watching croc-hunter documentaries when I and there’s a field station there called the it’s a warning. stewardship director of Gallatin Valley Land was a kid. There was a block of Jeff Corwin, Shrinkage Teak Bay Field Station. Through- Aerial footage of the shoreline, dotted Trust. Steve Irwin and then The Most Extreme on Dis- out the summers of my undergrad expe- with the remnants of infrastructure “washed Thinning out conifers is one way that covery Channel every weeknight when I was rience, I had two classes down there and away with the tide,” encapsulates the dan- these volunteers are working to reduce wild- in elementary school, and I religiously watched eventually became their photo/video intern gers of many contemporary environmental fires and provide accessible trails for people that. And knew from when I was about 9 years for the summer. Greenbackville and Franklin issues. hiking through Gallatin Valley land. It’s also old that filmmaking was part of what I wanted City, which are featured in the film, were “Their stories are critical to where we see essential for maintaining farmland during to do. areas of interest that we’ve studied for years. ourselves in a hundred years,” says Sean It’s just a fascinating story I took advantage wildfire season. Cornell, professor at Shippensburg Universi- of when I was an undergraduate, and then While the scenes of swaying aspens feels CONTRIBUTED | BIG SKY FILM FEST ty, in the film. I started explaining it to people out here. So peaceful, this film presents pressing issues CONTRIBUTED | BIG SKY FILM FEST While “Years Gone By” revolves around kind of just this story that I grew up around, that are far less idyllic. But “The Grove” of- these small coastal towns, it’s a micro ex- but didn’t really fully appreciate it until I fers hope that, with volunteer efforts, aspens ample of a macro problem. One that warns stepped away from it. will thrive in the generations to come. what many communities may look like in the future. CONTRIBUTED | BIG SKY FILM FEST

12 February 17, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 17, 2021 13 Sports | Softball is back Opinion | Marshall Law Grand slams and new trophies: The weekly UM sports recap Volleyball

The first of two back-to-back matches Opinion: Sports fans need the FCS in the against Montana State was hard fought for the UM Volleyball team, but it ended in a competitive 3-2 loss on Jan. 14 in Missoula. The teams were playing for the new new NCAA football video game “Main Line Trophy,” a volleyball-only trophy that features a bronze bell with UM JACK MARSHALL and MSU’s logos engraved on it. [email protected] The first set was a balanced effort between the two teams. Montana main- tained control throughout most of the set, Without a doubt, the best sports video place was because of a lawsuit regarding but only by a few points at a time. UM’s games ever are the NCAA football games. this. largest lead came when it jumped out to a There are still people posting gameplay The players who sued Electronic Arts— five-point advantage, 21-16. videos to YouTube even though the last the producers of NCAA Football—got With five kills, Peyten Boutwell helped version was released in 2013. around $15,000 each according to Bleacher the Griz win the first set 25-21. But that last game, NCAA Football Report. During this lawsuit, it was The next set proved more difficult for 14, had a huge flaw: it didn’t include revealed that Electronic Arts makes $80 Montana, but the Griz kept it competi- Division I FCS (or Division I-A) teams like million a year off of the NCAA football tive even after falling behind 14-11. UM Montana and Montana State. And with game. brought the score to 23-24 before a bad FBS teams like Michigan and Alabama The opportunity for UM players to serve handed the win to MSU. The third being featured in previous NCAA games, make money is there as long as the FCS set proved to be the most difficult, as Mon- the next games had better include them. is added to NCAA Football. If there are tana was blown out 25-9. The first reason this should happen no FCS teams, it will still be possible to Montana dominated the fourth set, is for the devoted fanbase found in FCS add teams like Montana to the game, but jumping ahead 19-12 and eventually football. Over 23,000 fans on average no money will go toward the university winning 25-20. In the fifth set, a 2-0 run attending Montana games alone, and 10 or its athletes, because the team would put Montana up 15-14, but since a team more schools in the FCS average over technically be fictional. must win by 2 points, the Griz had to keep 15,000 fans in a given game. Adding FCS to the game could also help playing. MSU went on a 3-0 run and took The 2020 FCS championship game the dreams of many athletes come true. the set 17-15, and the game 3-2. (John reeled in 2.7 million viewers and was There are 157 players per team in FCS Orzechowski) broadcasted on ABC. football, which has 76 different schools According to ESPN, 1.5 million copies —so up to 11,932 FCS athletes could be Women’s Basketball of the game were sold. The newest sports represented in the game. video game produced by Electronic Most all athletes dream of one day The Lady Griz traveled to Ogden, Utah, Arts, Madden NFL 21, sells for $29.99 on playing as themselves in a sports video to take on the 0-15 Weber State Wildcats on Gamestop.com. NCAA Football 14 sells game. Every year professional athletes go Feb. 11 and Feb. 13, winning both games. University of Montana infielder Lexi Knauss heads onto the field to continue her warmup between innings during a game against the University of Utah on March for $69.99 on the same website. to social media to share their thoughts on The first game started close, with UM 16, 2019. LIAM MCCOLLUM | MONTANA KAIMIN The fanbase is there. their video game character. leading 24-23. Thankfully for UM, the There is nothing is quite like taking Just recently, a Sacramento Kings rookie bench players came up big at crunch time. your virtual team to the national guard took to Twitter to protest how his Junior forward Kylie Frohlich scored 14 championship and winning it. Montana character looked in the NBA video game. points off the bench, while three other UM final quarter, Weber State took a 1-point drilled a home run over the center field Sellers, the Griz lost 9-5. The loss will not fans who haven’t seen a championship “Appreciate it, but can y’all get this reserves combined for another 14 points. lead over the Griz. wall. This grand slam helped UM pick count against Montana’s conference record since 2001 are desperate to do this. They random man out of my jersey?” Tyrese The Griz went on an 11-0 run in the third UM was able to score with 1:48 left in up its lone 9-4 win in the Grand Canyon because it was an exhibition game. are also probably desperate to beat Haliburtun tweeted with a photo of his quarter to take a 37-27 lead. the game to regain the lead and win 58-57. Kickoff Classic tournament in Phoenix, On the third and final day of competi- the Cats virtually. Montana State fans not-so-lookalike video game character. This third quarter outburst led to a 61-46 Junior guard Sophia Stiles led UM with Arizona. tion, Montana lost to Grand Canyon 16-5. would love to win the first MSU FCS Even if players don’t like the video UM win. “Defensively, we did some good 13 points. The Lady Griz now have a 10-7 UM went 1-4 over the weekend in five Sellers once again led UM with three hits championship since 1984, even if it is game versions of themselves, they’re things,” UM head coach Mike Petrino said record and are 7-5 in conference play. UM games against three different teams. In but also helped three UM players score virtual. still featured in the game. It will create to UM sports information after the game. will take on Eastern Washington at home Montana’s first game against Oregon, a top with her three RBIs. Bringing NCAA football back would conversation among video game and The second game wasn’t as easy for the on Feb. 18. (Jack Marshall) 10 team in the nation, the Griz lost 0-8. Following the Grand Canyon loss, UM also benefit college athletes. New NCAA sports lovers. Griz. UM built up a 39-22 lead at halftime Following the Oregon loss, the Griz also took on Oregon and lost again, this time rules have paved the way for athletes to We need to see the Montana Grizzlies that nearly ensured a victory. At the time, Softball played on Feb. 12 against Grand Canyon. 9-1. McGrath batted in Montana’s lone run earn money off of their name, image and and every other FCS school in the new ESPN’s win probability meter slated the McAlister’s big home run helped UM win of the game. likeness. The reason that NCAA sports NCAA football video games. Do it for the Griz to have a 97.9% chance of winning. that game 9-4. UM’s record is now 1-4. The team will With the bases loaded against Grand video games were shut down in the first culture, Electronic Arts. But winless Weber State came alive in Canyon University in a game on Feb. The next day, UM took on fellow Big travel to St. George, Utah, for the Dixie the second half, outscoring UM 23-10 in 12, University of Montana senior Jessica Sky Conference school Weber State. De- State Classic on Feb. 19. (JM) the third quarter. Just a minute into the spite three hits from senior infielder Cami McAlister stepped up to the plate and JACK MARSHALL | MONTANA KAIMIN

14 February 17, 2021 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 17, 2021 15 Sports | Montana Basketball Griz fall to Weber State in a high-scoring game, split series JACK MARSHALL [email protected]

Despite putting up 80 points for the second game in a row and making seven 3-pointers, Montana lost to Weber State on Feb. 13, 91-82. “[Weber State is] a good basketball team, and they responded very well and made some good adjustments,” UM head coach Travis DeCuire said after the game. The Griz allowed Weber State to score 91 points on 62% shooting. In the teams’ first matchup on Feb. 11, Weber State only scored 67 points. In a game that featured 41 foul calls and four technical fouls, UM sophomore guard Josh Vazquez said that the refs called a lot of “touchy fouls.” Vazquez led Montana in scoring with 17 points after only scoring 5 points in UM’s first matchup against WSU. “I definitely got a little bit more open tonight,” said Vazquez. “I was just a little more confident in myself.” The Griz were able to take a 7-3 early lead after freshman forward Josh Bannan made a jumper in the first half. Bannan had 10 points and four rebounds in the contest. Vazquez found junior guard Cameron Parker for a 3-pointer later in the first half to keep UM up, 21-17. Parker had 15 points and seven assists in the game, while Montana made 43.7% of its 3-point shot attempts. Later in the first half, a Weber State player received a technical foul and Vazquez made two free throws to expand the Griz lead to 30-25. By halftime, though, Weber State was able to pull ahead, 36-34. In the second part of the game, Weber State couldn’t miss. WSU made 66.7% of its shots, adding on 21 successful free throws. University of Montana guard Josh Vazquez keeps the ball away from a Weber State player at the game on Feb. 13 in Dahlberg Arena. UM lost the game 91-82. Just when it seemed like Weber would LUKAS PRINOS | MONTANA KAIMIN pull away when the Wildcats went up 57- 51, one of its players received a technical foul for flexing his muscles in celebration Montana’s flub and took a 7-point lead. and be ready for their turn,” DeCuire said fell to 0-6 for the season. of a shot. Junior forward Mack Anderson was regarding his team’s play off the bench. UM’s next two games will be against Vazquez then made a 3-pointer to able to tip in a missed Montana shot late The Griz failed to score after Anderson’s Eastern Washington on Feb. 18 and Feb. narrow the lead to 54-57. in the game to narrow Weber State’s lead tip, allowing Weber State to win 91-82. The 20. Eastern Washington is first in the Big Later in the second half, UM made it a to 86-82. Anderson, coming off the bench, Griz have now split five conference series Sky Conference. two-point game at 62-60 when, a technical managed 6 points and three rebounds. in a row. “We need to be angry, we need to work foul was called on Montana’s bench. “I think the guys that aren’t starting are UM is now 9-10 with a 5-7 conference hard this week,” DeCuire said. Weber State used the momentum from doing a good job of seeing what’s going on record. In Saturday conference games, UM

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