I call it an “X” factor but it just seems, no matter what, you will encounter a situation you are not prepared for.

And for the Grizzlies and their fans Saturday it was Mother Nature who cast her spell over a stupendous first half, especially by the Montana defense, and sent better than 25,000 fans, except for most of the hardy student section, and Western State College and the University of Montana, scurrying for cover.

You’ve read already the effect it had on both teams and all the other minutia about Montana’s 18^th consecutive non-conference win, so here’s what you don’t know about Saturday’s record setting Grizzly win.

The thunder and lightning – which by the way is how I plan to describe the offensive and defensive units for the remainder of the season and let you pick who is whom – caused several comical moments.

My basketball roomie and awesome friend, head Athletic Trainer Dennis Murphy burst onto the field frantically waving his hands because unbeknownst to me he’s also the weather guy responsible for notifying officials that there is lightning in close proximity that could endanger the playing field.

There’s not much doubt that when Murph lets you know he feels a need to notify, he’s going to let you know about it demonstratively.  I swear I could hear him yelling in the press box when he told officials of the need to clear the field.

Johnny Horton’s battle cry of “Sink the Bismark” took no quarter to Murph’s antics and he even got radio time to explain just what had occurred.

Of course a few of the students decided to empty out of the stands while security initially ignored their presence, then decided they’d better stand in front of the student section instead of idling chatting in the south end zone.

But when they grabbed the “M” flag and sprinted down the west sidelines, they didn’t anticipate encountering Brynn Malloy, of the Grizzly Scholarship Association, who calmly just ripped the flagpole away and seized the prize possession.

I’ll tell ya one thing, I ain’t messin’ with Judge Malloy’s daughter when it comes to flag stealin’.

As for the inaugural win for the Robin Pflugrad tenure, well it had a bit of everything, didn’t it?

A record setting quartet of pick-sixes, first catches, inaugural TDs, initial college game appearances, a one-hour weather delay and a loss of five-and-a-half minutes of playing time to name a few.

And except for a rash of early penalties and a bit of an ineffective running game hampered a bit by the return of just one starting offensive lineman, we saw a lot of good things including the outstanding emergence of Marc Mariani’s replacement, Pete Ngyuen.  Pete will be a game changer.  Oh and did I mention that we saw 73 points scored in abut 20 official minutes of ball possession?

Kudos to Western State College for the kind of program they brought to Missoula the last two seasons.  Though they obviously were overmatched, especially Saturday, they conducted themselves as competitors.  No doubt they enjoyed playing on the quality stage and while the bus ride home had to be cumbersome, hopefully they’ll cherish the memory of playing against the top FCS program in the country.

We’re on the road the next three out of four weeks starting Saturday night at one of my favorite venues, Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Ca.

It’s started and what you were waiting for – enjoy!!!

For the second year in a row the City of Missoula Public Art Committee has transformed some of these monochromatic signal boxes from obscure parts of the city landscape to lively, eye-catching works of art. The idea came from a local artist who had seen the same project in their hometown of Columbia, MO, though traffic signal box art exists all over the world.

The project, which is funded entirely through donations, is open exclusively to local Missoula artists.  Kathi Olson, Chair of the Traffic Signal Box sub-committee, said that the primary goal of the project is to give our local artists exposure. “It’s a great project for local artists to get their feet wet [in the public art realm],” she says.

The Missoula community has been extremely supportive of this project. Through local business and private donations, Olson said that the project has flourished and enthusiasm has been “magnificent.” She added that some residents have even gone on traffic signal box “art tours.”

So far, 15 of Missoula’s 72 signal boxes have been completed, with another eight boxes to be completed this September. The dedication of the eight new works of art is set for Missoula’s First Friday event in October. A fourth call for art to be showcased on the next set of traffic signal boxes is set for February 1, 2011.

Traffic box art is just one of many public arts projects in Missoula.  The Missoula Public Art Committee dedicates itself to beautifying the city with art so everyone who lives in Missoula, or visits the Garden City, can enjoy a variety of art within public view.  See photos of all Missoula public art projects on the City of Missoula website. Background information on each project is also found through this link. 

A wide variety of public art is on display right in Downtown Missoula. A great way to make sure you see it all is to follow the public art walking tour in Downtown Missoula. You can print out the tour and walk at your own pace.

Local artisans interested in participating in future public arts projects can obtain more information and register to receive art call email updates by visiting the Public Art Committee page of the City of Missoula website.

Last night’s coach’s show at Paradise Falls and to a statewide audience was just a precursor of superb and enjoyable interviews that will follow week to week as the Grizzlies point the ship towards a usual set of goals that always includes beating the Cats, winning the conference championship for the 13th time, advancing to the FCS post season for a record 18^th year and winning the FCS National Championship.

To listeners on a statewide network, Robin Pflugard talked enthusiastically last night about the work of an entirely new coaching staff (with the exception of  Mike Hudson),  some of whom have coached here before and others who have played here.   They joined a group of newcomers who quickly became acclimated to the expectations surrounding the program, which starts the season as the Number 2 team in FCS football.

Every coach has his way of doing things and there certainly are adjustments on my part each time to learn the nuances. I don’t think there will be any punch pulling from this regime .  Coach Pflu openly expressed his disappointment with alleged activity by cornerback Jimmy Wilson that saw him recently cited by Missoula City Police.  Coach also mentioned his disappointment in the actions of linebacker Josh Stuberg who was charged with DUI last weekend.

Wilson has signed a strict disciplinary contract with Pflu and will not play against Western State College in Missoula on Saturday but is working out towards becoming a full team member again. He knows, said Pflu, that he let a lot of people down who worked hard for his NCAA eligibility reinstatement and truly feels bad that he put himself in a less than tenable position after 2 a.m.

The status of Stuberg, although listed as a number 2 on the depth chart, is uncertain although Pflu made it clear he too had strict guidelines but also would do anything to retain his status with the team.

Unfortunately the timing of the incidents for some fans took focus off the start of another promising season, but I really get a kick out and just flat disagreeing with those that say the Grizzlies have to reload this season.

Just how many years have you heard speculation that it would be  hard to replace a guy like – “INSERT YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER’S NAME HERE”.

I guess my answer to that is simple. When is the last time Montana has listed two players on the pre-season Walter Peyton watch list and another on the Buck Buchanan watch list?

Any time you return the offensive fire power of a returning quarterback like Andrew Selle  and running back Chase Reynolds, it’s surely not a bad way to put some building blocks in place to start the season.

Granted the holes on the offensive front and the establishment of a receiving corps needs to develop but players aren’t recruited here to be slowly groomed for their time in the sun. If the coaching staff didn’t think they could contribute when called upon, they wouldn’t have been offered a scholarship.

In 1992, the Oscar-winning feature film A River Runs Through It brought notoriety to a town in the Pacific Northwest and the world was introduced to Missoula, Montana.

Of course, a movie starring Brad Pitt and directed by Robert Redford isn’t exactly tough to draw attention to.  A hit at the time, and becoming somewhat of a classic since, A River Runs Through It continues to bring attention to Missoula and Western Montana.

To this day, when Missoulians are traveling and asked where they are from, a common response is, “Have you seen a A River Runs Through It?” After the inevitable affirmative response, it’s easy to explain that Missoula  – that fly fishing mecca in the heart of majestic beauty, and that very town featured in A River Runs Through It — is our home.

Although most people are familiar with the story due to its box office success and subsequent Academy Award recognition, the film was actually based on A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by the late Norman Maclean.

Set in and around Missoula, the story follows two sons of a Presbyterian minister as they come of age during a time spanning roughly World War I to the early days of the Great Depression.

The film tells the story of two brothers growing up in the 1920s in Missoula, and chronicles their lives as they spend their mornings in school and on religious studies and their afternoons fly fishing in the nearby Blackfoot River.

While much of the film focuses on the brothers’ intertwining and conflicting lives in the shadow of their minister father, a great deal of it revolves around their shared love of fly fishing for trout in Montana’s rivers and their shared experiences through it while growing up.

Whether expressed through novel or film, it is not hard to see that fishing and the love of the outdoors is at the core of life for the story’s main characters. It’s also true for many residents and visitors today.

Every year many thousands of flies are cast into Western Montana rivers by people who thrive on the thrill of landing a trout while reveling in breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain air. For some, it’s a welcomed respite from their day to day lives elsewhere. For some of us, it’s simply another day on the river in a place we call home.

Missoula is a city rich in stories and history. And yes, a river – three, actually – does indeed run through it.

Read more about fly fishing in Missoula and Western Montana.

Playful City USA is a KaBOOM! program with a goal to ensure that every child in America has a great place to play within walking distance. The program looks for communities that demonstrate creative commitments to play in the areas of quantity, quality, and access. Missoula – one of only 93 Playful City USA communities and the first community in Montana to achieve the designation – fit the bill in all three areas.

Missoula’s dedication to play and accessible play spaces set it apart from other communities across the state and nation. Plans to develop new sidewalks to connect low income housing to the YMCA and community parks, as well as create a finder map for Missoulians to get information on where to find play spaces, helped show the community’s commitment to play in the Garden City.

It wasn’t just Missoula’s dedication to accessible play areas and its plans for the future that earned the city national recognition. Parks and Recreation Director Donna Gaukler doesn’t think Missoula would have attained Playful City status if it weren’t for its citizens.

Gaukler states, “We Missoulians prioritize healthy living each day by engaging in active fun, be it at Splash Montana, A Carousel for Missoula, a concert in a park, our wonderful museums, and other attractions, or even enjoying a hike on open space. We believe wellness is holistic, and play is the avenue to a healthier community and economy, as well as healthier and happier children. Thank you, Missoula, for being playfully healthful.”

While Missoulians have enjoyed a wealth of vibrant play spaces for many years, the city has now achieved formal recognition for its playful spirit and the many places that make play accessible and fun in the Garden City.

That is surely the case with former Grizzly All American Marc Mariani who is making the most of his pre-season time with Tennessee.

Some Titan faithful scoffed at his draft selection pointing out that since he played with, and was a good friend of, Brandon Fisher, you know the coach’s son, he was a ”mercy” seventh-round selection who could be used as cannon fodder for those players from bigger schools who would dominate the pay-for-play scene and gain a roster spot.

But the former Havre High School state champion tennis player – you saw that here first – whose teams won four straight conference and state titles, has drawn rave reviews from doubters, a ton of support from Fisher and special team coaches, and could well secure the wide-open Titan return job.

In his way, however, is Damian Williams, a third-round selection from Southern Cal, who because of his higher draft status will be given every opportunity.

Marc is one of those wide-eyed, blonde, small-town kids that you want at your front door to take out your daughter.

But make no mistake about it when the chin strap is snapped down, a transition occurs and he’d do anything to beat you on a route or break open a play.

He’s was a go-to guy for the Grizzlies as much as anyone in recent memory and when he broke a 60-yard return last week against Arizona by turning on the afterburners and jetting toward the sideline, it reminded me so much of his electrifying return last season against South Dakota State when the Grizzlies were all but done in the third quarter, trailing by a seemingly unlikely amount, until he burst down the east sidelines for the score,

And if he gets a chance at receiver he will remind you of guys like Wayne Chrebet of the Jets or Steve Largent of the Seahawks, players who just somehow got open to make a play and turn the outcome around.

Invite Mariani to dinner, take him for coffee, introduce him to your daughter, but don’t try to defend him on the football field. He’ll blow you out of your socks.

Post by Mick Holien

So here we go football fans. The long-awaited 2010 season is upon us this week as
the FCS national-runner-up Grizzlies take to the home field Saturday to open the
2010 season.

And here I go with a new twice-a-week blog to preview the upcoming competition
on Wednesday, and then give you a bit of insight on Sunday after the game that
you are just not going to read anywhere else.

I’m starting my 18th season broadcasting Grizzly football on the radio and 2010
marks the 26th year I have had the opportunity to bring University of Montana
sports to the statewide airways.

The time has flown since that first Lady Griz basketball game in 1985 and I have
traveled with a plethora of student-athletes in the process of being UM’s mind’s
eye for more than 800 football and basketball games.

It’s been quite an enjoyable trip and while the travel can wear on you by about
March of each year, it’s a “dream” job but not one I thought I would be involved
in.

I grew up in Spokane listening to Herb Hunter, the voice of the then AAA Spokane
Indians, the Dodgers top farm club, who ironically lived across the street and I
was taught how to keep a precise baseball scorebook by then Spokesman-Review
sports editor Danny May, who lived nearby so naturally I gravitated toward
baseball, my true sports love.

While serving in the military in California I loved the story telling and enthusiasm
of Chick Hearn of the Lakers and of course Vin Scully of the Dodgers, but I never
gave radio a second thought and instead figured the printed word was my best
opportunity to make a living.

My first correspondent byline appeared in the Spokesman-Review in 1971 and
some might say it’s been all down hill since then.

Radio came calling when longtime award winning DJ Mike Doty recruited me to
KGVO after hearing me calling Moonlite Bowling at Five Valleys Bowl and for some
reason venerable radio personality Dave Wilson thought I should broadcast a
football game for him so that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!.

But here’s the rub.

While not intending to burn confidences, I want to write about some of the
nuances surrounding Grizzly sports. From goofy travel stuff, to press box banter,
to meals, fans, buses, facilities, that’s what we’ll talk about and let the beat
reporters burn newsprint on the other stuff.

On Wednesday I’ll preview the upcoming opponent and promise to give you some
tidbits that will make good water cooler fodder and on Sunday? Well you’re just
going to have to jump aboard and see where this blog goes.

It’s going to be a quick read for you and I think one you’ll look forward to and I’m
anxious to see your feedback and ideas.

Maybe somebody could give me advice on how to shut up Scott Gurnsey and
Greg Sundberg so I could talk more. That would be a good start.

Actually you know I’m just kidding as they’re good guys and good buds and most
of the time make my life easy and always entertaining.

It’s surely the start of a new era in Griz football and with the number of grey
heads returning to the UM in the locker room, one I can’t wait to get started so
let’s get after it shall we?

-Mick

Why are so many Missoulians running?   Most runners will tell you it is for their physical health.  Everyone knows that running will keep your heart healthy and strong for many, many years.  It prevents and fights the early stages of dangerous diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer and high blood pressure.  But let’s scratch the surface a little and find out why these oddities of nature really put on those running shoes and shorts (yes, even in the snow) at dawn.

First, it looks good.   The popular dating sites will all admit that if your profile reveals you are a runner, you’ll get more hits…..lots more.   It’s just attractive to be that committed to anything, much less your own physical being.  I know, I know the neighbors SAY they hate that running nut next door, but it’s jealousy.

Just look at a runner’s weight. This is the reason that 60 percent of runners start running.  With the exception of cross country skiing, running burns more calories per minute than any other form of cardio exercise.  A 220 pound person running an eight-minute mile burns 150 calories.  Add that up over a month’s time and without even so much as a call to Weight Watchers, you’ve lost five pounds.  Run this same amount every other day and you have a prescription for maintaining a consistently even weight for life.

Second, it keeps you young.  There is a fountain of youth, and it’s running. Running has been proven to fight the aging process.  You can’t help but notice the glow. Hey here’s a secret for you.  You know those expensive clinics in Mexico (illegal here) where celebrities go to get injections of human growth hormone to keep them looking young?  Yup.  Running on a regular basis has been proven to promote human growth hormone.  Running prevents muscle and bone loss that often occur with age.  Our bones are made to accommodate the demands placed upon them.  Sitting on the couch watching The Biggest Loser allows our bones to grow weaker, but by running regularly our skeleton gets the demand it needs to stay healthy.

Third, running makes you happy.  When you run hormones known as endorphins are released in your body that create a sense of euphoria that is also known as “runner’s high”.  Now is it making sense why we have so many runners in Missoula?  According to Mayo Clinic, runners are less likely to get stressed in life.  Running in the morning seems to be particularly good for making the whole day look good.  Running can also ease symptoms of depression and anxiety if you perform it regularly.  Seasonal Affective Disorder has much less impact on runners.  It evens improves sex (not kidding).

And fourth, running makes you smart.  Want to ace the LSAT’s or MCAT’s?   A study by the Nihon Fukushi University in Japan found that jogging helped to increase mental sharpness, so if you are getting ready for an exam , run regularly for the 2 months before the test. Recent research shows that running is linked to the growth of brain cells and can decrease memory loss in elderly people and may delay the onset of some neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Now you know why Missoulians run.  If you have been “saving your joints” by not running, you’ve just been busted by the latest research.  Running does not kill your joints.  Recent research shows the exact same rate of osteoarthritis in runners and non-runners alike. Running makes you look good, gives you youth, makes you smart and happy.  What are you waiting for?

Post by guest author, Mary Ellen Doty FNP, Community Medical Center

Community Medical Center
2827 Fort Missoula Road
(406) 728-4100

First constructed in 1908 by university students, Missoula’s hillside “M” has evolved over the years to become what many consider to be the most recognizable landmark in Missoula.

Originally made of whitewashed rocks and only measuring 25 feet by 25 feet, the very first ““M”” was poorly constructed and ultimately replaced by a wooden “M” in 1912. This “new and improved” version of the “M” cost $18 and was different from the structure we recognize today in that it stood upright on the face of Mt. Sentinel. A larger wooden version of the “M” was built in 1913 and upkeep of the structure was formally charged to each year’s freshman class.

When the large wooden “M” was destroyed by a blizzard in 1915, an even larger version was constructed of whitewashed granite. Once again the freshman class was tasked with annual renovation of the symbol, beginning a new tradition. Each year from then on, University of Montana freshman made the hike up to the “M” to apply a fresh coat of whitewash and remove any weeds and grass that had grown in and around the structure.

The annual tradition ended in 1968 when a 125 by 100 foot concrete “M” was built at a cost of $4,328.  Behind the decision to replace rock with concrete were maintenance issues. With the coming of the 60s, UM students of the time exhibited waning enthusiasm for the annual trek up the hill and for annual upkeep of the “M.” The current concrete rendition of the “M” you see today resolved traditional maintenance concerns.

Although the annual whitewashing went by the wayside, one tradition that lives on today is the lighting of the “M” during the University’s annual Homecoming celebration each fall. Originally lit by a group of students on October 9, 1919 following the fall whitewashing, the event was so popular that students have continued to light the “M” each year during Homecoming week.

Every year during Homecoming Week, UM students adorn the “M” with special beacons that light up the “M” to welcome former students back to the University — and to Missoula.

Although it remains a symbol of The University of Montana, the “M” has come to be widely acknowledged as a universal icon that also represents the city it overlooks from the mountain to the east. All you have to do is look toward Mount Sentinel and you know that the “M” means Missoula.

Named one of the Top 10 Best Places to Launch a Business by CNNMoney.com in the small metro area category, Missoula is ripe with opportunity for budding entrepreneurs.

Scenic beauty, friendly people, a highly educated workforce, moderate cost-of-living, and a community that supports its own, all contribute to Missoula’s business-friendly environment.

Missoula also boasts a number of resources to provide businesses with the assistance they need to grow and prosper. The Missoula Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDC) and the Montana Community Development Corporation (MCDC) are just two entities that have a proven track record of helping local businesses get established and achieve growth goals.

In addition, in 2010, Mayor John Engen announced the Best Place Initiative to ensure that Missoula has the infrastructure and resources in place to attract and retain Missoula based businesses.

All things considered, Missoula is an ideal place to launch a business. For more information, see the Business pages of our website.