Former Big Sky Eagle continues rapid improvement for Griz

Like many kids growing up in Missoula, Colten Keintz insisted he would someday play football for the Montana Griz. But it wasn't until his sophomore year at Big Sky High School that he even suited up for a game. Now, just four years later, the redshirt freshman is battling for a starting position on the Griz squad, taking reps at both ... More

Backs to the wall, Griz OL has “embraced the grind”

After losing four starters from last season, Montana offensive line was already going to be one of the team's most inexperienced units this fall. Now with injuries to the lone carryover, Angel Villaneuva, and the retirement earlier this month one of the few linemen with game experience, Thayne Jackson, the uncertainty has gotten a lot more ... More

Big Sky Breakdown: Montana Grizzlies (Episode 2)

Each week on Big Sky Breakdown, Ryan Tootell and Colter Nuanez of 102.9 ESPN Missoula are joined by Andrew Houghton of Skyline Sports to break down news, analysis and happenings the the Montana Grizzlies football team. This week, the boys are joined by former Montana running back and current NFL agent Andrew Schmidt to discuss his time ... More

Hauck’s return engenders confidence, apprehension

Bobby Hauck's return as head football coach at the University of Montana last December was many things, but quiet was not one of them. From the clamoring of a fan base best by recent mediocrity to the protestation of dissidents who experienced the hire as an affront to painful inroads made against violent and sexual crime, Hauck was a splash ... More

High expectations for Griz under Hauck

The news of his return sent ripples across the Big Sky Conference. 81 wins, seven straight league titles, three national championship appearances … A rising, Bobby Hauck-led Grizzly team lifts all programs - or at least that’s the feeling around the league as opening weekend looms closer. “It’s great for the conference”, said ... More

Are you ready for some (fantasy) football?

It's the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas you fool - that's not until sometime in like November or December. We're talking about FOOTBALL SEASON, and whether you prefer college, pro or love them both equally you know that the advent of September means it's officially time to dust off that tailgating bib. This year, ... More

First half brings success on the mound for two Osprey pitchers

It can be easy to fall in love with radar gun readings. But Missoula Osprey All-Stars Justin Garcia and Marcos Tineo proved in the first half of this season that control matters just as much as velocity. “Here, a located fastball plays,” said Missoula pitching coach Shane Loux. “Guys can hit any speed, so guys that can locate a ... More

Big Sky Breakdown: Montana Grizzlies (Episode 1)

Each week on Big Sky Breakdown, Ryan Tootell and Colter Nuanez of 102.9 ESPN Missoula are joined by Andrew Houghton of Skyline Sports to break down news, analysis and happenings the the Montana Grizzlies football team. This week, the boys are joined by Montana running backs coach Justin Green, safeties coach Shann Schillinger, cornerback ... More

Almond, Kennedy represent Osprey position players on All-Star team

All stats current through games of August 2 It took a rain delay to snap Zach Almond out of an early-season slump for the Missoula Osprey and make him a Pioneer League All-Star. After going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts against Helena on June 27, his average had cratered to .269, and the power hitter didn’t have a single homer on the season. After a couple days out of the lineup, it didn’t look like it would get any better, as Almond started the June 30 game against Billings 0-for-3 with another strikeout. But then came the rain — and a fortunate talk with hitting coach Jose Amado. ... More

“It’s given everything to me”: Oropesa’s long baseball journey continues with Osprey

By ANDREW HOUGHTON For ESPN MISSOULA The Philadelphia Phillies opened the 2001 season on April 2 in Miami against the Marlins. For most of the roster, it was a welcome chance to start the season away from the icy spring in Southeastern Pennsylvania, where temperatures were hovering in the 40s. For 29-year-old rookie reliever Eddie Oropesa, it was the biggest stroke of luck on his winding, nearly decade-long journey to the majors. ... More