Colton and Clayton Reichenbach play a Valley Christian doubles team in the 2018 Class B State Tournament. That day they later went on to win it all. (Photo Credits: 406 MT Sports)
BY TREY CHRISTIAENS State Champions Colton and Clayton Reichenbach have decided to quit tennis to work on their Senior Project. There was a rumor at the beginning of the tennis season that the twins were not going to go out for tennis because of their Senior Project. “There’s just not enough time to play tennis and do our Senior Project at the same time. We’re gonna miss tennis, but we have to get our project done first. Maybe once our Senior Project is done we can come back in time for divisionals and state.” said Colton Reichenbach. The Reichenbach twins are doing Taxidermy for their Senior Project and are being mentored by Guy Shanks. “Taxidermy is very interesting and we’re having fun but it takes a lot of time, and we are putting a lot of work into it.” said Clayton Reichenbach. With a slow start to the season, including more practices in the middle school gym than practices on actual tennis courts due to weather, the twins have decided that it was a good time to put down their racquets. They both hope to come back in time for the divisional and state tournament, but they have decided that they needed a break from tennis to work on taxidermy. “If Paul (Sullivan) was coaching, we would for sure stay and play tennis, he always inspired us to be on the court and made tennis fun. We would try and figure out times to try and make it work. But with him not here, it makes it an easier decision.” said Clayton Reichenbach. After a an impressive 5th place finish in the 2017 Class B/C State Tournament in a loaded doubles bracket, the twins were still hungry and won a third set championship match in 2018 against a pair from Loyola with one of the players being a defending champion. The twins were looking to defend their state championship, but now they are taking a break from tennis to work on their senior project. Even with the hopes that they can make it back in time for the divisional and state tournament, after weeks of not practicing and little practice time already, they will have to try and get into the swing of things right away to defend their title.
Infographics
March
Articles
Vikings Go Back To Back
The Bigfork Vikings win their second straight Class B State Title. They beat the Loyola Sacred Heart Rams 47-43 on March 8, 2019.
BY TREY CHRISTIAENS There is no better environment to be a part of than at the State Basketball Tournament, watching a losing, but overall favored team come back and win from a double digit deficit in the State Championship. That is what everyone at the Belgrade Special Events Center felt on the night of March 8, 2019. “The energy coming from the bench, student section, and crowd was a big boost for the team and I, and we could not have done it without them. Big thanks to them,” said senior Colton Reichenbach. The Bigfork Viking basketball team went into halftime, only down by six points, as they had made a run to end the second quarter. When they returned to face the Loyola Rams, the Vikings played terrific defense and went on a 17-2 run in the third quarter. Some other key plays late in the fourth quarter were a pull up three from Anders Epperly, key steals from Randy Stultz, and two clutch free throws at the minute mark which led them to a 47-43 win over division rival Loyola Sacred Heart. To win to the state championship, the Vikings had to play the Sweet Grass County Herders in the first round and the Poplar Indians in the semifinal. Both of the games were controlled by the Vikings as they started up early on both teams and held a double digit lead for most of the game. Both teams, in true underdog fashion, made a run for the lead but the Vikings finished both games exceptionally strong. In the game against the Herders, they tied it up mid-way through the fourth quarter; then the Vikings held them score less for almost the remainder of the game. A dagger three from Colton Reichenbach and many free throws from Anders Epperly secured the win for the Vikings. “Senior year, second year in a row. Nothing beats it. I wouldn’t want it to end any other way,” said senior Logan Gilliard. When the buzzer sounded at the end of the game the Vikings shook the hands of Rams and went on to celebrate with their community, fans, and of course, their team. The next thirty minutes were filled with hugs, big smiles, and pictures. It was yet another night that will become a great memory for many Vikings all around.
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February
Articles
Anders Epperly Breaks the Record
Bigfork Senior Guard Anders Epperly brings the ball up the court as the Vikings take on the Polson Pirates. The Vikings won 64-33 against the Pirates.
BY TREY CHRISTIAENS
On January 18th of the 2018-2019 Bigfork basketball season, senior guard Anders Epperly broke the record for career assists in all classes for Montana high school boys basketball. Epperly broke the record early in the second quarter while the Vikings were playing the Mission Bulldogs with the final score of 72-49, and at least six more games left in the season. The previous record holder was Randy Robinson with 691 assists from Kremlin-Gildford High School (1991-1994) which is now North Star High School. “I was not really thinking about the record going into the game, I was just focused on winning the game, and doing everything I could to help the team win,” says Epperly. “It took me till after the game to realize how big of an accomplishment it was, but my teammates have had a huge part of that record because without them, there is no record.” This recent achievement of Epperly can be added to the collection of great memories that the Bigfork Vikings basketball team has made, but Epperly stated that his favorite memory of them all is winning the 2018 Class B State Championship. Although winning a state title is undeniably monumental, the night of January 18th will not be forgotten. After the home game against the Bulldogs, it was announced that two accomplishments had been made. Bigfork Vikings boys basketball head coach Sam Tudor also accomplished his one hundredth career win along with Epperly breaking the record for career assists. To sum it up, it was a memorable night for Bigfork fans and students, but most of all, to be a Viking. Epperly has had a very successful basketball career at Bigfork as he has started all four years on varsity for the Vikings, as well as being named All-State in basketball twice (and is shooting for a third), and has won a class B Montana State Championship. He has a career record of 84-11 with a winning percentage of 88.4%. “I would like to thank my teammates and coaches for always making basketball fun and enjoyable, and my family for always supporting me,” Epperly stated. After many successful seasons, the Vikings look to soon cap off another one, finishing the 2018-2019 season strong while searching for a successful divisional tournament to put them back in the state tournament for another chance at a title.
Infographics
January
Articles
Head Coach Sam Tudor Gets 100 Wins
Bigfork Vikings Head Coach Sam Tudor coaches his team during a timeout against Thompson Falls. The Vikings end up winning 63-31.
BY TREY CHRISTIAENS
When Sam Tudor became the head coach of the Bigfork Vikings Basketball program in 2014, all eyes were on him and the team after coming off of a 2013-2014 Montana Class B State Championship, which brought some pressure and various nervous jitters. Tudor had been a part of the basketball program for three years before he finally took on the role as head coach. “I inherited a very talented team, and I just wanted to be the guy that could keep the program going and to continue to help them be successful” said Tudor. “I was not very confident that I could be that guy, but I would like to thank the school and the community that helped me gain some confidence, especially Mrs. Shanks.” This is Tudor’s 5th season as Head Coach of the Bigfork Vikings, and has had a very impressive career record, with 100 wins and 14 losses. Over the years, the team and Tudor have made many great memories. One of Tudor’s favorite memories includes winning the State Championship in the 2017-2018 season, but the memories that top them all is off the court. One memory includes buying swords and armory at the 50,000 Dollar Bar in Haugan, Montana; as the team prepared for their next game by wearing it in an attempt to intimidate their opponents. “A few people who influenced me as a coach are my father, my high school track coach John Cheek, my college football coach Hank Biesiot, and Fisher DeBerry” reflected Tudor. “I modeled my coaching styles from those guys. I like to get to know my players on a different level, like Biesiot. It makes it a little easier when you are a teacher, because I get to see my players in the classroom and on the court, which gives me a good pulse on the players.” It is very easy to see the chemistry between the players and the coaches, whether you seem them around school, at practice, or during a game. Chemistry is one thing that sets the Bigfork Vikings basketball team from any other team. There is a difference between a team with chemistry between only players, and a team with chemistry between players and coaches. “Coach Tudor understands every single player, and is closer to his players than any other coach that I have ever played for.” said Senior Randy Stultz. With an astonishing record of 100-14, the Vikings look to continue on a successful season and a State Championship from last year. If the Vikings win their next two games, Tudor achieved his 100th win on January 18, 2019 against the Mission Bulldogs as the Vikings won 72-49. 100 wins in five seasons is a milestone that many coaches dream of when they first get the job.
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November/December
Articles
Here Come the Vikes and Vals
The Bigfork Vikings and Valkyries are both looking for another successful basketball season ahead.With the Vikings coming off of a 2018 Class B State Championship, and the Valkyries a 2018 Class B State Tournament visit.
BY TREY CHRISTIAENS
After winning a state championship and an undefeated season, there are going to be people gunning to beat the team that is on the top, where the Bigfork Vikings basketball team sits after last season. “Nothing is given to us, we have to work our hardest and improve everyday if we are going to win another state championship,” said Vikings Senior Logan Gilliard. With each success that the Bigfork programs have had, comes challenges. Such as longer seasons, but with longer seasons come more chances for injuries and that means that athletes have to rest. It is hard to find motivation without a notable break, but one thing that always keeps the Vikings motivated is playing for each other and knowing the potential they hold when they play together; it is easy to see it upon watching the Vikings play. Head coach Sam Tudor said “One thing that I am really excited for this season is to work with this Senior class. They are a special group of boys.” One of the coaches favorite part, but more specifically, Tudor’s favorite part about coaching in Bigfork is “getting to know the the kids on a different level, than just seeing them in a classroom. Instead of seeing them for one hour a day, I get to see them for an additional two hours, and it is more rewarding to me to build the relationships with the kids than it is to win any state championship.” Some key games for the Vikings this season include the home opener against Lincoln County High School on December 13, an away game at Columbia Falls High School on December 22, and Senior Night against Loyola Sacred Heart on January 26. Some key games for the Valkyries this season also include the home opener against Lincoln County High School, Senior Night against Loyola Sacred Heart, and a home game against the rivals across the lake, Polson High School on February 7. After losing five seniors, four of them being regular starters, the Valkyries will be looking to seven other returning varsity players to fill those spots and are looking to make another run in the State Tournament again this year. The Vals are really motivated to go back to state after a loss in the semifinals last year, and are looking to improve after an impressive turnout last year. “The team is really motivated to go back to state again this year, we all really want a chance to play in the state championship, especially me, since it is my senior year,” said Vals Senior Jordan Nelson. The Vals team is full of well disciplined and unselfish players, as expressed by a couple seniors on the team. As Rakiah Grende said, “I am super excited to play with such a disciplined and selfless team. We know what it takes to get there and are not afraid to bring the intensity and chaos like we did last year. We have such a great coaching staff who take the program seriously which makes us better everyday and a great community to back us up.” Come support the Vikings and the Valkyries throughout the season, as you can check out the schedule on the Bigfork High School Website.
Infographics
September/October
Articles
How Well Do You Know Mr. Feller?
Mr. Feller helps Alayna Reyes with math homework for Algebra two. And share a laugh in between problems.
BY TREY CHRISTIAENS
Joshua Feller grew up seven hours east of Bigfork in Glasgow, Montana. As teaching runs in the family, Feller’s father got his first teaching job in Glasgow where he then brought his family to live. Feller grew up in Glasgow and attended Glasgow Schools from kindergarten through High School. Feller grew up playing lots of games with his siblings in the backyard, and expressed his favorite games that he played with his siblings were, “The games that my siblings and I made up were always fun, but my favorite was always football in the snow.” Feller also ran cross country, wrestled in high school, and loved hunting in his off time. Feller said “I once did track because a girl that I liked was playing” as he laughed. After graduating from high school, Feller had decided to take his talents to Dickinson State University from 2003 through 2006. Feller then made the decision to come back to Montana and attend the University of Montana in 2007 through 2008. From there he went on to attend Montana Western University in 2009 to 2010. After bouncing around from school to school, Feller then bounced one more time to Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. Feller studied Business, Business Administration, Accounting, and Teaching (Math) in college. “When my brother and I were watching football in our apartment in Missoula, and he was struggling with math, I helped him finish his math homework.” said Feller. These moments are what caused Feller to become a math teacher. A job for teaching math had opened up at Bigfork High School, and Feller applied and shortly after got the job. He had then become a third generation math teacher in his family. Feller said “When a student gets that look on their face when they do something they did not know that they could do, or in coaching, when one of your players get the same look, when they surprise them self of what they can do, or after a student works super hard on a math problem and finally figures it out, this is why I teach.” Bigfork High School is thankful for Mr. Feller and how he is always willing to give a helping hand to a student who is struggling in math, and for his wittiness that always lightens students mood when they are stressed not only about math, but the day to day life of a high schooler.
Anchoring
News Segments
Trey Christiaens produced New Kids News and interviewed a student who was new this school year. Alayna Reyes was interviewed and was asked a series of rapid questions in hopes that other students could get to know her better.