Elevating Monta na W r estling

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Montana Recruiter

If you want to be the best in the country, youve got to be the best in the state

State Supremacy 3 MTRs High School Power Rankings 8 The New Bulldog 12

Elevating Monta na W r estling

Nick Budeski, Eric Hinebauch, Joe Casey

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December 2012 Volume 1, No. 1 Caleb Schaeffer enters his sixth season as UGFs head coach. Photograph by Levi Morgan.

Montana Recruiter

Table of Contents
Sounding the whistle on the launch of Montanas own magazine striving to energize and elevate the sport of high school and collegiate wrestling statewide.

MEET THE CREATORS

By Joe Casey
Welcome to the MONTANA RECRUITER , a wrestling magazine brought to you by Eric Hinebauch, Nick Budeski, and Joe Casey. This magazine represents more than just a Sugarbeeter, a Rustler, and a Copperhead. It expresses the vision of three college teammates, striving to improve the sport of wrestling in Montana.

On the Cover

Eric Hinebauch ended his high school career in 2004 with his hand raised. He was a 189-pound state champion from Chinook. The Sugarbeeter, and threetime state placer, practically pinned his way through high school. Eric then took his wrestling skills to college. He was the first wrestler ever to sign his letter of intent with the University of Great Falls. Nick Budeski is a wrestling icon in Montana. Two time state champion, four
time finalist, he graduated high school from CMR in 2001. The following year he found himself in Idaho representing a talented Boise State program. Four years later he transferred north back to Montana. There truly is no place like home, and there was truly nothing better to witness than when Nick disgarded the Boise blue to throw on the yellow singlet and bring his athletic ability back to the Electric City. The All-American has been a major asset to the success of UGFs program, as a wrestler and a coach. Nick served as Caleb Shaeffers assistant for three seasons. years to realize that he would not be running the point and draining threes in the Snake Pit. He has Ryan Pesanti to thank for that. Ryan recruited him in middle school and coached him throughout his high school career. The Butte High graduate exposed Joe to the sport of wrestling allowing him to be able to call Eric and Nick colleagues. Eric, Nick, and Joe wore that signature yellow singlet as teammates, and competed in the 2007 NAIA National Tournament.

Features
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State Supremacy
The UGF and MSU-N rivalry has history. What direction are both teams going, can either bring home a national championship this season?

Meet the New Bulldog

The mining city gains Jim Bob Humphrey as their new Head Coach. Discover his qualifications and read MTRs interview.

Joe Casey, grew up under a slag pile and giant smoke stack. It took fourteen

News & Columns

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MTRs High School Power Rankings Fun Facts
See how the Top Ten ranked high school teams stack up. What was happening 10 and 20 years ago? When did the UM Grizzlies have a wrestling team? How far do the Glasgow Scotties travel during the wrestling season?

From one journey to the next, our goals remain the same. Eric, currently an insurance salesman in Great Falls, is also an assistant wrestling coach at CMR under Aaron Jensen. Nick, married for four years, is a proud new papa, an English teacher in Fort Benton, and assistant for the Longhorns. Joe is a Pioneer, working as a guidance counselor in Big Sandy, and will be buried in the corner of a wrestling mat this season as assistant wrestling coach. Our ambition, however, reaches further then yelling out matside technique, it has led us to become writers, editors, and photographers. Take advantage of our magazine, help us along the way. Together we can Elevate Montana Wrestling. Our goal is to give every wrestler in Montana the best opportunity to reach their full potential and also to get more students involved. In order to achieve this we need to widen our focus and filter our ideas. The wrestling family in Montana has plenty of room for expansion, and with a little creativity plus support from our followers, competition will increase, as well as wrestling participation. Think of the MONTANA RECRUITER as a tool. It is an instrument to communicate and motivate.

OUR MISSION

MTR Montana Recruiter magazine is published by Tour Montana/Gift Montana Publishing and is copyrighted by SP2M Marketing, LLC all rights reserved.
Publisher/Editor Eric Elander Graphic Design Terry Long To have your community or business included in one of the Tour Montana Publications, contact Eric Elander at 406.360.3321. For a free copy mailed to your home, email: freecopy@tourmontana.com

Our mission is simple and our goals are attainable: Elevate Montana Wrestling!
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MTR

Montana Recruiter

A Montana Wrestling Magazine

VS
UGF Argos MSU-Northern Lights

State Supremacy
By Joe Casey The Challenge
One thing that separates good teams from bad ones is consistency. The University of Great Falls Wrestling team is without a doubt one of the most unrelenting programs in the NAIA. The Argonauts have always rostered a lineup full of balance and depth. Since the teams conception in 2004, UGF has finished outside the top ten at nationals only once, 12th place in 2009. Now, eight years in, the team boasts nearly two dozen All-Americans, a pair of regional titles, and a 2010 trophy representing a third place finish at nationals. Not bad for a team still in its adolescence. UGF has also made it to the National Dual finals twice, once last season and also in 2008. Perhaps the three most exceptional athletes supporting Argonaut success are Mike Kummer, Anthony Varnell, and Ross Mosher. Kummer is the only four time All-American wrestler at the University of Great Falls. If all goes well this season, Havre native Myles Mazurkiewicz will soon follow, but as of now, Kummer stands alone. He is also UGFs first national champion, earning the title at 184 pounds in 2008. Varnell, a junior college transfer from Nothwest College in Wyoming, wrestled only two seasons for the Argos in 2011 and 2012. He rattled off sixtythree wins and back-to-back national titles, at 141 pounds. Mosher, a three time All-American from Augusta, won his national title at 165 pounds in 2011. These stats and records represent a team Elevate Montana Wrestling full of dependability and success. Being dependable is impressive, but in this case it is coupled with an expectation to fulfill greatness. Team greatness. In order to measure up to elite status in the wrestling world, a national title represents superiority. MSU-Northern has definitely seen its fair share of prosperity regarding team success. Since 2000, the Lights have brought home four team trophies; two of which, 2000 and 2004, Northern won the National Tournament. Go back another decade and you can add seven more top three finishes; four of which, 91, 92, 98, and 99 the Lights reigned supreme. As of late, a lack of consistency due to coaching changes and dwindling recruiting classes have held back the Lights from their true potential. Dan Troupe took over as Northerns head coach in the summer of 2005, consequently confirming the end of David Rays reign in Havre. To say that Troupe, the Flathead Native and two time Iowa State All-American had big shoes to fill, would be a massive understatement. In twelve years, 1993-2005, Ray produced 85 All-Americans, 21 individual champions, and 4 team championships. Throw in a Dan Hodge Trophy winner and you got yourself a pretty solid resume. The first and only time a NCAA Division I wrestler did not receive this award was in 2004. That years recipient was a small town Montana boy from Shepherd, Emmet Willson, and yes, David Ray was in his corner every step of the way. Willsons achievement marked the absolute pinnacle of a NAIA perennial powerhouse. The same season that Willson was named the best college wrestler in the country, he and his Northern teammates did something

Anthony Varnell wins his second National Title

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incrediblethey won a NAIA national title with eight All-Americans; six were finalists, and five were champions. The individual titleholders tied a 46-year-old record. Five champs, one team, all in that single 04 season. Their list of talent included current UGF head coach Caleb Schaeffer, Anthony Haukenberry, Stryder Davis, Havre Plue Pony Kyle Fisher, and Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament, Emmett Willson; their combined win-loss record that year, 209-29. To add some sweetness, it all happened under the Big Sky with Great Falls hosting the 2004 NAIA National Wrestling Tournament. Can it really get much better than this? Hold that thought and lets consider a few major changes. The following season, 2004-2005, marked a peculiar year for such a powerful Northern program. The Lights retained only two of their senior national champions. Three of them, Caleb Schaeffer, Kyle Fisher, and Emmett Willson moved onone in particular, Schaeffer, moved south 111 miles to take an assistant coaching job at UGF, setting himself up for the head gig three years later. Back to our peculiar 2004-05 season; UGFs inaugural team was born and by the time all was
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said and done at nationals, the returning national champions, Northern, finished the season with the same amount of AllAmericans as a rookie team full of true freshmen and college transfers, five a piece. UGF solidified themselves as an in-state rival, David Ray left, Troupe began his three year tour, and reality set in for MSUNorthern wrestling. The Lights did not seem to shine as bright, especially while Caleb and the Argonauts searched for that Golden Fleece. In order to brighten things up, MSUNorthern made a change. Four time Northern All-American Tyson Thivierge stepped up in 2008. He spent his collegewrestling career under David Ray capping it off with a national title at 184 pounds in 2002. That same season he was also crowned as the NAIAs Most Outstanding Wrestler. The transition to head coach of his alma mater can be judged as so far so good. Thivierge has already coached nine All-Americans. Last season, he had the most highly decorated NAIA wrestler in the country, Evan Hinebauch, on his team. A standout athlete while at Havre High, Hinebauch wrestled four years under Thivierge placing at Nationals each year.

No other wrestler in the country held that status last season. Hinebauch won the 184-pound weight class in 2011 under the new head coach. Tyson is now going on his fifth season. He has settled in with his own recruits, built up a deeper roster, and capitalized on solid assistant coaches. Hellgate wrestler, Austin Oulette, an alum and 2009 AllAmerican, coaches with him, along with the newest addition to the mix, former Northern All-American and Poplar star, Dustyn Azure. All of the sudden there is some equilibrium up north, if there is such a thing in Havre. The Lights now have a team with a solid foundation, depth, experience, and talent. The bottom line is, Tyson Thivierge gives the Northern faithful hope for another national title. With regards to Schaeffer and his quest to hang a banner in the McLaughlin Center, one simple fact is for certain. If you want to be the best in the country, you have to be the best in the state. Every single day he competes against Thivierge and the Lights in every aspect of the sport, whether through recruiting and raising money, A Montana Wrestling Magazine

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The Outlook
The Argos

Both teams have the ability this season to take several wrestlers deep into the placing rounds at the National Tournament. Four time Montana state champ Ryan Leonard from Simms leads the Argos at 157 pounds. His talent and senior leadership along with three time AllAmerican, Myles Mazurkiewiczs, toughness are luxuries most teams dont have. Both veterans have a great chance to land on the podium this season, but they need to stay healthy, especially Leonard, he has had his fair dose of anesthetic. UGF also returns 125 pound All-American, Texan, Danny Luttrell. Luttrell battled to a sixth place finish last year. While his confidence grows so does his technical skill. He is arguably UGFs most complete wrestler. A key component to the success of the Argonauts this season lies directly within the hands of two true freshmen Glasgow four timer Luke Zeiger wont be throwing on a red shirt this season, and neither will four time state champ Luke Schlosser. The talent they both possess is too rich to bottle up. Zeiger has his sights set on the 133 pound weight class.

Danny Luttrell

strength and conditioning, or number of All-Americansyou might as well throw in pinochle and cribbage too. The irony behind these two head coaches is that theyve traveled all across the country together as teammates. Now both college programs are under a metaphysical David Ray umbrella its just too much to handle. Ray certainly had his success in Montana. Should we still be tossing him some sort of mentor/ apprenticeship credit? Maybe, maybe not, consider Great Falls team for a moment. Eric VanKley ruled the Argonaut roost the first three years of its existence. The Iowa native and Minnesota State Maverick wrestler literally jump started the program in 2004, and then Schaeffer took over three seasons later in the spring of 2007. Since then Schaeffer has cut his own path, taking UGF to the Elevate Montana Wrestling

next level and the same goes for Thivierge at MSU-N. The rival coaches may not have blazed the trail, but they are definitely finding new routes to success.

Myles Mazurkiewicz

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Schlosser, the Conrad Cowboy, is going to shoot for 125. Remember, teams can double up on some weight classes at the NAIA National Tournamenttwelve total slots, ten weight classes. Luttrell and Schlosser both at 125 pounds, its as intriguing as it is lucrative. Another major piece to the line up is 165-pound Kalispell native Shawn Lau. The talented sophomore has a great opportunity to place this season come March. Perhaps the best wrestler the University of Great Falls had this year is out for the season. 197-pound wrestler Kameron

Jackson broke his ankle during practice in October. The returning All-American placed fourth last season. The loss of points at nationals is tough to swallow for UGF fans, but whether it is Leonard, Zeiger, or a dark horse like Lau, somebody besides Maz (Myles Mazurkiewicz) must have the ability to sneak into the national finals and, that somebody may be 149 pounder Mike Vassar. His talent rivals anyone elses in the country. The Californian not only has a chance to reach the national finals, he could possibly win the tournament. Another up and comer for the Argos is former Lewistown star, Ryan Martin. He is just a sophomore and also has the ability to go the rounds with anybody in the country. Plus, it doesnt hurt if your practice partner is a three time AllAmerican, both Martin and Maz top off UGFs 141 pound weight class. Myles Mazurkiewicz is the face of the 20122013 Argonaut team. His presence on the mat is powerful and aggressive. The senior can cap off a great career by placing yet again at nationals. The question is which place? He surged onto the scene as a rookie 133 pound finalist, placing 2nd as a true freshmen, 5th as a sophomore, and 6th

as a junior. His experience along with the intensity he brings on the mat could propel him back to the finals, and hopefully to the top of the podium.

The Lights

Northern returns two All-Americans from last season and one from 2011. And yes, one of them is a Hinebauch. Ethan is the third piece of the puzzle regarding the Hinebauch family-wrestling tree. Eric, the oldest, separated himself by signing his letter of intent with UGF back in 2004. Since then, Evan, Ethan, and college newcomer Eli have all committed to MSU-Northern. Each brother won a Montana state title. Three have wrestled at the NAIA National Wrestling Tournament. Two are AllAmericans, and one won the chipper. The last name alone is a target for competitors. Add Ethan at the top of the rankings list, and a bulls-eye might as well be tattooed on his back. The 165 pounder is the only wrestler from either team, UGF or Northern, to receive a number one preseason ranking. Northern is also lead by junior 174-pound grappler, Max Payne. Payne came away from Des Moines, Iowa last year with an All-American medal. He placed eighth. Paynes work ethic is impressive, as well as his strength. It is essential for the Lights to have solid leadership this season and Payne has the ability to deliver such confidence. Cameron Neiss finds himself with another opportunity to get back on the podium. He placed seventh in 2011 at 133 pounds. The lanky junior from Ronan will hopefully get down to 133 pounds this season. Mickey Cheff, another Ronan Chief in the line up, is an exceptionally talented red shirt sophomore. The 157 pounder was close to landing on the podium last season, but fell a round short. A Montana Wrestling Magazine

Ethan Hinebauch, Ranked #1 6

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An element with which all college teams deal but are never fully prepared is injuries. Hunter Azure is an elite figure regarding Montana high school athletics. He was the first Native American to win four Montana state wrestling titles. The only thing that holds him back from being an elite college wrestler is injury. Two years ago he blew out his knee. Last year he suffered another season ending ligament tear in the opposite knee. But, as of now, Azure is healthy. If he stays that way, the 141 pounder will have a solid shot at going to Des Moines, and competing as a first time national qualifier. The athlete that will take control of the 184-pound slot for the Lights is Missoula native Kody Reed. He steps into Evan Hinebauchs old shoes. The former national qualifier is a very well rounded wrestler who has two seasons left with the Lights. He was extremely close to being an All-American last season, one round away. An interesting factor within Northerns lineup is that they dont have any seniors, none. The team is full of youth, especially up top. A notable true freshmen that may find himself as the teams closer is heavyweight Tucker Erickson. Erickson is from Helena and he has a shot at solidifying the varsity spot. But he will

battle it out it with another freshmen giant, Oregonian, Travis Williams. Both will end up pushing each other in a positive direction. Remember the name Jared Miller. The 174 pound Alaskan sophomore is a major threat to opponents, and a major asset to Northerns program, although he may redshirt this season. Between the returning All-Americans and the returning national qualifiers, Northerns team has enough talent and experience to compete for a national trophy. The same goes for UGF, even though the injury bug bit a chunk out of their lineup. The Argos do happen to have a touch more depth then Northern. The Lights may not be able to get another top ten finish this season if a varsity wrestler goes down. Thivierge does, however, have a pair of aces in the hole. He signed both Tommy Cooper and Eli Hinebauch. The two Class A studs battled last season for the 152 pound title. Cooper, the Laurel Locomotive, lost to the Blue Pony; Hinebauch ended up with his second state title. Cooper earned the silver for the second year in a row. They both should mature nicely; especially with a little college redshirt seasoning. Will they

though? As of now the red shirt is not on or off, its hanging in the closet. Tyson is leaning towards keeping these two underground, but you never know. The wrestler that beat Tommy Cooper in Butte is 2011 state champ Kyle Leir. The twotime Libby Logger champ signed with UGF last spring. His red shirt is more like a straight jacket. He could possibly be more college ready then Zeiger or Schlosser. He definitely has the strength and speed. But, if Schaeffer wants to keep his future program well adjusted, while giving the talented freshmen some breathing room, then Leir will have to wait a year before the RPMs redline. Whatever number of line up adjustments, injury defaults, overtime victories, two a day practices, air miles, or different brands of bagels these two teams encounter; one thing is for certain, the season is young, the legs are fresh, and the lungs are breathing cool, crisp Big Sky air. Winter represents more than just snow and iceit represents wrestling season. As the rivalry between MSU-Northern and UGF grows, so does the notion of a mutual respect. These two teams feed off each other. Enjoy the feast.

Are You a Fan of This Rivalry?

If you are, show it. Keep it simple, if youre a UGF fan, think of coal, ink, etc. Whatever dark T-SHIRT you have, wear it and BLACKOUT the Lights on February 6th at the McLaughlin Center. If you cheer for MSU-Northern, go in WHITE and let it shine. Can Northern sweep UGF? If they do, it will be the first time since February 2005, the first year of UGFs program. Since then the Argonauts have never looked back, leading the series 11-6-1. Come out and show your support of Montana wrestling.

Every Rivalry Needs a Name

On December 4th the MSU-Northern Lights beat UGF 21-20, chalking up a win in the history books. Havre hosted this first of two seasonal duals in front of a packed and opinionated Armory crowd. This Rivalry needs a name. Some have tried, without success, to come up with one. The Battle for Montanas Mats? Highway 87? We need to brainstorm that rivalry name. How about the Battle for the Golden Pheasant? No, too cute. Maybe Lewis vs. Clark? Who knows? Email your ideas to MTR at elevate.mt.wrestling@gmail.com.

"It is so special to have a rivalry." MSU-N Head Coach Tyson Thivierge

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Havre High's Thomas Gruber, right, battles at the 2012 Class A State Tournament, courtesy Havre Daily News

High School Power Rankings

MTRs Pre-season Top Ten Picks By Eric Hinebauch
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Here are MTRs preseason picks for the overall Top Ten high school teams. We took into consideration returning placers, freshman potential, and consistency. Enjoy! Komac, had an impressive 3rd place finish, and Kessler Leonard started his high school career with a bronze. Coach Komac will be relying heavily on Seniors Austin Shupe and Andres Geranios. Shupe finished runner-up last year at 125 and Geranios came home with a bronze medal in the 215-pound weight class. The Bison return six state placers this season, and Coach Komac looks to add that illusive State Championship to his growing resume.

Billings Skyview High School (AA)

Head Coach: Rich Malia 2012 State Results: 3rd

The Falcons finished 3rd last year and lost 3 finalists from last season to graduation, but even with the loss of three studs (Clay Cathey, Sam Shelton, and Trey Dillon) Coach Rich Malias Falcons do have a nice line-up returning with 7 state placers, 2 of which hold state titles. Defending champions, Sophomore Joe Malchuski and Senior Justin Waterson guide the Falcons into the 2012-13 season. In addition, Skyview has a promising class of incoming freshman from the always-powerful Castle Rock Middle School that has a tradition of producing wrestlers ready for the transition from middle school to high school.

Head Coach: Scott Fillius 2012 State Results: 3rd

Havre High School (A)

Great Falls High School (AA)

Head Coach: Steve Komac 2012 State Results: 2nd

Last season the Ponies took home the Bronze Trophy, which marked the first time the Blue Ponies finished below 2nd since the 2004 state tournament. Havre will have some big shoes to fill with the loss of Seniors Eli Hinebauch and Casey Schaub each of whom capped their illustrious careers last season with a pair of titles. Even with some holes in the line up Scott Fillius is always expecting to add to the seven championships the Ponies have acquired under his tenure. The line-up for the Ponies looks solid but they only have one finalist returning, 98 pounder Grayson Brenna, but learning from the past, many team championships are won before the finals even start. The Ponies have good depth and high hopes from some exceptional incoming freshman.

Coach Steve Komacs Bison came close to that coveted team championship last year, but came up short losing to the Glacier Wolfpack. Komac has some big holes in his line up to fill with the graduation of 4 time state champ Cole Mendenhall and 2 time champ Josh Morin. One thing is for sure, he had a talented crop of Bison freshmen that wrestled well at the State Tournament last year. Casey Dobson made the finals at 105, Jarren Komac, the eldest son of Coach
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Glacier High School (AA)

Head Coach: Mark Fischer 2012 State Results: STATE CHAMPIONS

Glacier High School graduated its first high school class in 2009, and in 2012 Mark Fischer steered the Wolfpack to its first wrestling state championship. Glacier had 12 wrestlers on the podium last year with only one individual title; Senior Shane St. Onge won the 160-pound weight class. The Wolfpack only returns A Montana Wrestling Magazine

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5 of those 12 placers from last years championship team, but Senior Lucas Mantel who lost a tight finals match last year looks to lead the competitive Glacier in the 2012-13 season.

Head Coach: John Burke 2012 State Results: 5th

Helena High High School (AA)

Head Coach: Lonnie Robertson 2012 State Results: 4th

Billings Senior High School (AA)

Coach Robertson had an impressive 13 wrestlers on the stand last year, but it was not quite enough to get into the hardware. On the positive side, the Broncs will return 5 placers from last year. With Matt Schmidt defending his state title, Coach Robertsons team will look to get a trophy this year.

Coach Burkes Bengals finished fifth last year, and they do lose big man Tucker Erickson who was HWT state champ last year. They do return 3 solid competitors at the other end of the line-up with defending champs Gabe Schroek (119) and Grant Boggs (112). Landon Bailey the 3rd place finisher at 105 lbs. will also be a strong part of the line-up for the Bengals as they struggle to break into the AA elite.

Head Coach: Guy Melby 2012 State Results: 5th

Sidney High School (A)

Guy Melbys Eagles are used to being in the top spot, but have been down a bit the past few years. They are slowly creeping back up into the Class A ranks. Look for Melbys Maulers to be very competitive and a title contender in the 2012-13 season. The Eagles are led by Gresch Jones who had a phenomenal freshman year, winning the 112-pound title.

Head Coach: Scott Weber 2012 State Results: STATE CHAMPIONS

Forsyth High School (BC)

For a decade, Glasgow and Conrad battled atop the B-C ranks. Then in 2011, the Forsyth Dogies broke onto the scene settling into the drivers seat. Coach Scott Webers team is looking very strong again and looks to 3-peat in 2013. The Dogies are returning several workhorses this season, starting with the Coachs sons, Matt and Brandon Weber, both defending champs, as well as defending Champ Taylor French, and Chris Nile who is a seasoned veteran. This makes Forsyth the team to beat in the 2012-13 season.

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Missoula Sentinel High School (AA)

Head Coach: Jeremy LaPorte 2012 State Results: 6th Coach LaPorte has been working hard and the Spartans have been steadily improving. Missoula Sentinel finished sixth led by 215-pound state champ, Jayden Wilson. Wilson and 112-pound runner-up, Dylan Schulte, will be an integral part of the Spartans success on the mat this season.

Head Coach: Randy Schram 2012 State Results: 4th

Belgrade High School (A)

Coach Schrams Panthers crowned 3 state champs from last season and they will vie for the Class A Title this year. Cameron Alverson (119) and Bryce Weatherston (125) will both defend their titles as the team heads into the 2012-13 season with high hopes and expectations.

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The New Bulldog

The Mining Citys New Coach: Jim Bob Humphrey
By Blake Hempstead
Like any aspiring head coach stepping into a program that coach Jim Street made into a 1980s and 90s national power, Jim Bob Humphrey has his goals set high. However, if anyone is crazy and driven enough to do it at Butte High, Humphrey is the man. The well-traveled Humphrey is no stranger to toughness. The two-sport standout in football and wrestling was a prep star at Lingle-Fort Laramie High School in Lingle, Wyoming. He also doubled up in both sports at the collegiate level, landingin 1993 at Western Montana College (now known as University of Montana Western) in Dillon. Humphrey was knee-deep in big-time competition at Western, playing four years on the gridiron for the likes of Bob Beers, Marc Mauze and Nels Klundt and also wrestling for NAIA National Championship-winning head man, TJ Nelson, now head coach for the high school program at Beaverhead County High School in Dillon. Humphrey was part of two NAIA semifinal losses for the Bulldogs in his sophomore and junior seasons, not to mention joining the wrestling program in their heyday as a NAIA power. With that 1993-97 resume alone, Humphreys lineage is as solid as they come. He left the university in 1997 to pursue a personal business venture in Idaho, but returned eager to fulfill his degree. He rejoined the football program as a graduate assistant and earned his bachelors in English while minoring in history. Humphrey once again left Montana, finding work in Texas. There, he spent two years in La Joya, Texas, as a middle school teacher and coach before moving to San Antonio for five years as a football and soccer coach at Fox Tech High School. Leaving teaching for two years to run his own business led once again him back to teaching. He found work at Reagan High School in San Antonio before finally returning north to Montana last spring. Thats when Humphrey was hired to replace Kevin Parvinen, who stepped away from his position as head coach of the Bulldog wrestling squad for personal reasons. Humphrey not only brings a solid coaching pedigree and insatiable work ethic, but a grounded family of four including his wife and Butte native, Jami (Hope), and three sons, Jake, 9, Drew, 8, and Layne, 3. Hes already established himself as a favorite amongst the Bulldog student body as a spirited defensive back and strength and conditioning coach for the 2012 Class

AA State Champions under coach Arie Grey, a role of which he was thankful to be a part. I asked Humphrey about his new gig, his goals, his family and life in Butte. Heres how it went: Blake: So how did you hear about the Butte High job opening? Humphrey: Well, Id been following it on the Montana Standard Web site, and my wife encouraged me to apply. I went ahead and sent everything in, and I got the job. Blake: How do you like your new surroundings? Humphrey: We love it here. Really enjoying it. I got here at the first of July and was able to get in with the summer conditioning program. Coach Grey let me help coach as a defensive backs coach and I assisted with strength and conditioning.

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Blake: How are your kids getting acclimated to their new hometown? Humphrey: My kids are loving it; theyve had a ball so far. They get to participate in all the youth sports, and they are really enjoying it. Its a lot different atmosphere here than in Texas, my boys basically are seeing snow for the first time. Blake: Practice began while you were still in the football season, so Im sure that was a challenge. How have the returning wrestlers responded to you? Humphrey: Its been great as far as getting back into coaching, everything has gone as expected. I think the most important thing is to challenge them everyday, keep them entertained. Right now we are sitting at 54 kids, I think thats about where we are going to be for the season. With football going as long as it did, we might be getting a few more straggle in, though. Blake: You are stepping into a program that once gained national attention as one of the greatest in the country for a school of its size. What are your goals in trying to regain the glory of Butte High wrestling? Humphrey: Ive got some pretty lofty goals, I want to be where I remember what Butte High was when I was in college. When people see a Butte kid in their bracket, I want it to bring a little sweat to them. I dont know if you can ever match what coach Street did, but were going to try. Blake: You assembled a pretty starstudded staff with the addition of Cole Dallaserra, Eric Dunmire, Nick Haines and Dan Larson, how do you envision a successful first year at Butte High? Humphrey: Weve got a lot of work to do, but we do have great kids. Thats the bonus. We just need to get back into going to work everyday to be the best we can. My recipe for success is to work hard everyday, and work harder than anyone else is.
Mon

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FUN FACTS
10 Years Ago

In the 2002-03 wrestling season, Great Falls High Alum Aaron Hartnell won the 125-pound NAIA title for the University of Mary. Butte High won the State AA title, Skyview got second, and Flathead took home the bronze. The three teams that rounded up the back end were all Missoula schools, Sentinel, Big Sky, Hellgate. Butte High produced 274 points, while Hellgate only scored ten. 20 years Ago In 1993, Butte hosted the NAIA National Wrestling Tournament. The attendance record still hasnt been touched. Fans watched wrestlers from Northern Montana College, now MSU-Northern, try to win their third straight National Championship, but Justin Abdou from Simon Fraser University may have stolen the show. He had a date with destiny and entered the history books as the NAIAs fifth, four time National Champion. Abdou also led his team to a national title, knocking off heavy favorite Northern. The Lights were coached by NAIA legend Jason Liles. His team that season was lead by National Champion Matt Campbell of Great Falls. Northern also had AllAmerican performances from Montana natives Scott Larson of Conrad, Dan Dekaye of Cut Bank, and Randy Street of Butte. Host team Western Montana College didnt quite have the team to take home a trophy, but Coach T.J. Nelson did have some excellent individual performances. Jaime Kamberling won the 190 pound weight class and Shawn Fossen was a 118 pound runner up.
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When was the last season the Grizzlies had a wrestling team? The last time the University of Montana held a wrestling program was in 1987. That same season, the Grizzlies won the Big Sky conference championship. In the last year of the program, Montana finally cracked the Top 20 ranks with a win over 16th ranked Utah. Jeff Castro, at 142 pounds, became the University of Montanas first and only All-American. That Grizzly wrestling team had a lot of familiar names that we might still recognize today. Mick Cheff, of Ronan, was a Grizzly. He went on to be a two-time national champ for Western. Referee Blake Love, who you will often see at just about any MHSA wrestling tournament, also was a member of the 1987 team. Other 87 Grizzlies include former Bozeman Hawk coach Tony Beardsley, Kalispell coach Jeff Anderson, and longtime Billings West head coach Rob Bazant.
How many miles do the Glasgow Scotties travel in a wrestling season?

Havre Invite CMR Holiday Classic Cut Bank Invite Cowboy Classic (Miles City) Harlem Invite Malta Invite Divisionals (Wolf Point) STATE (Billings)

316 544 568 392 232 140 98 566

Season Total 2,856

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Where does uncommon courage comethose from? At the University of Great blocks Falls, we believe it comes from within. Thats why we cultivate unique strengths the building of uncommon from within. Thats why member we cultivate those unique strengths the building blocks ofgifts, uncommon courage in every of our community. Here, youll explore your faith, develop your and learn how to live and make a living. Where will uncommon courage take you? Visit the courage in every member of our community. Here, youll explore your faith, develop your gifts, University of Great Falls and find out. and learn how to live and make a living. Where will uncommon courage take you? Visit the University of Great Falls and find out.

Where does uncommon courage come from? At the University of Great Falls, we believe it comes

Learn howat affordable UGF is at www.ugf.edu/financialaid Visit us online www.ugf.edu

Visit us online at www.ugf.edu

Learn how affordable UGF is at www.ugf.edu/financialaid

A private, Catholic, liberal arts university

1301 20th St South | Great Falls, MT 59405 | 406-791-5202

A private, Catholic, liberal arts university

www.ugf.edu

1301 20th St South | Great Falls, MT 59405 | 406-791-5202