MONTANA KAIMIN Will you be my queer valentine? - Townnews
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MONTANA KAIMIN
Will you be my
queer valentine?
Love through a rainbow lens
Story by Clarise Larson
Photos by Ridley Hudson
7 UM’s vaccine research 13 Wild, wild west 14 More clutch than ever
Cover design by Mariah Karis February 10, 2022 | Volume 124 | Issue No. 18
Kiosk Kaimin Editorial
The Montana Kaimin is a weekly independent student
newspaper at the University of Montana. The Kaimin office
and the University of Montana are located on land originally
FI ND U S ON SOC I A L M E D I A SUDOKU
Difficulty: Easy
Edited by Margie E. Burke Let’s move past the Iron Griz
inhabited by the Salish People. Kaimin is a derivative of a Salish HOW TO SOLVE: You don’t have to look far to in between classes, or if the prices
language word, “Qe‘ymin,” that is pronounced kay-MEEN and 1 4 2 Each row must contain the
numbers 1 to 9; each column must
see extreme shortages of supplies
and workers in Missoula. We’ve
for basic meals will rise again.
UM Dining operates off of a
means “book,” “message” or “paper that brings news.” @Montanakaimin For comments, corrections or letters to
the editor, contact 8 7 5 6 contain the numbers 1 to 9; and
each set of 3 by 3 boxes must
seen Missoula businesses close,
Irish whiskey literally go dry and
self-contained budget, meaning
the department offsets losses
E D I TO R IAL STAFF NEWSROOM STA FF @Montanakaimin
editor@montanakaimin.com
3
contain the numbers 1 to 9. dozens of construction projects in some places with revenue in
or call (406) 243-4310. hampered by a lack of lumber. others. While UM did not disclose
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NEWS REPORTERS COPY EDITORS Answer to Previous Sudoku:
Addie Slanger Christine Compton
Anna Henning
Rebecca Bryan
Alicia McAlpine
@Montanakaiminsports
For advertising opportunities, contact 2 8 3 2 5 7 6 1 4 3 9 8
The Iron Griz American Bistro
restaurant is another temporary
how much money the Iron Griz is
losing this year, officials told the
victim of the pandemic-related Kaimin they were taking losses.
BUSINESS MANAGER
Mariah Karis
Matti Olson
Andy Tallman
Mazana Boerboom
@Montanakaimin ads@montanakaimin.com
or call (406) 243-6541.
6 4 3 2 9 6 1 8 3 7 4 5 2 economic stresses. In a time with so many strains
@Kaiminsports 3 8 4 5 2 9 6 7 1 But this restaurant — paid for by on basic supply chains, UM needs
SPORTS EDITOR
Emily Tschetter DESIGNERS
McKenna Johnson 5 9 1 5 1 9 3 6 2 7 8 4
the fees of students — has always to know where to cut its losses to
Jack Marshall SPORTS REPORTERS Mariah Karis struggled to make money, all keep functioning smoothly, espe-
NEWS EDITOR
Tye Brown
Holly Malkowski AUDIO REPORTER @Montanakaimin 5 6 2 7 7 4 6 9 8 1 2 3 5 while trying to fill a role dozens of
other restaurants in town already
cially with an essential service
like food. The Food Zoo has lost
8 3 2 7 4 5 1 6 9
Griffen Smith Asa Thomas Metcalfe
Max Dupras
Elinor Smith
6 3 8 4 9 8 2 7 6 5 1 3
provide.
It should stay closed, or UM
hours, staffing and some options
for those with dietary restrictions.
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR CARTOONIST
Clarise Larson ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS Walter Medcraft
Nancy Beston
CLASSIFIEDS 4 7
Copyright 2022 by The Puzzle Syndicate
6
1
2
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3
5
1
4
5
9
8
3
9
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2
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should repurpose the building to
better suit its students — students
Yes, there has been a lot of
work put into the Iron Griz. Reno-
FEATURES EDITOR Josh Moyar ADVISERS whose money is literally keeping vations, nice equipment and some
Mariah Thomas Haley Yarborough Jule Banville
Ranch Help it afloat. better ingredients have boujee’d
Lights, camera, action!
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR MULTIMEDIA
Daniella Zalcman Lemon Laundry At the beginning of February,
the Kaimin reported UM Dining
up the building bordering UM’s
golf course. But why continue to
Antonio Ibarra Maddison Crandall Looking for an independent, resilient,
was closing the upscale restaurant operate it as a high-end restau-
Ridley Hudson ranch-savvy person to help with barn/
Free laundry soap. until the end of March because rant? Having a more affordable
DESIGN EDITOR Aston Kinsella horses/yard work. Searching for mid-to-
MaKayla O’Neil Shanna Madison Clean & comfortable. of labor shortages. In a response restaurant there could actually
long-term commitment, $15/hour, holiday
Maddie McCuddy Machines take debit/ to the article on Facebook, UM bring in a larger target audience:
bonus, flexible morning hours between 8
DIGITAL EDITOR/COPY CHIEF Nate Sanchez credit. Apple pay. Dining said the remaining Iron broke, UM students.
Andrea Halland a.m. and noon, 2-3 mornings/week. Will
960 E. Broadway. Griz employees will transfer to Administrators at the Universi-
teach on the job. Serious inquiries only. 406-
mylemonlaundry.com the Food Zoo, which has its own ty said they prioritized having a
AUDIO EDITOR 207-0765 messages/texts returned promptly.
staffing shortage and is desperate- more equitable campus, meaning
Austin Amestoy Contact: Leslie Ames, registered nurse
ly in need of workers. everyone has an equal opportu-
retired, animal health technician retired.
The Iron Griz, which opened nity at UM. But the Iron Griz is
in 2015, has struggled since its hypocritical, often using the same
TH E G A RAGE : SE 2 EP 4
inception. In 2018 the Kaimin ingredients as other UM Dining
reported the eatery had lost over locations to make meals for dou-
$800,000 with much of that ble the price. For lower-income
coming out of students’ campus students, this can be a barrier to
meal plans. eating at a location they pay for
There is a pretty visible busi- with tuition and fees.
ness model here: High-end food To be successful, we need to
for well-off families of students be pragmatic, and to swallow
and University alumni. Twenty our pride on projects that are not
years ago, this might have been working out. So UM should stop
a good plan. But with increased beating this dead horse that has
focus on the service industry drained the University hundreds
in Missoula, the Iron Griz now of thousands of dollars.
falls into a sea of restaurants that
can offer exactly what the South
Avenue joint has. — Griffen Smith, News Editor
Rarely on students’ minds — on
campus or not — is when to eat at Like it? Hate it? Let us know!
the Iron Griz. More likely, they’re email us your opinions at
wondering if the Food Zoo will editor@montanakaimin.com
stay open during their slim breaks
Elizabeth Ellsworth, left, and Sugar Bush, right, rehearse for their play at the PAR-TV theater on Feb. 1. “Anniversary” is one of four
plays featured in UM School of Theatre and Dance’s program “Debut: New Directors’ Studio.” The genres of each play range from
comedic to sorrowful to suspenseful, but all share narratives with minimal design and stagecraft. “Debut” will run from Feb. 9 to 12 at
WALTER MEDCRAFT | MONTANA KAIMIN 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Masquer Theatre. NATE SANCHEZ | MONTANA KAIMIN
2 February 10, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2022 3
Week of 2/7/22 - 2/13/22
Briefs & Blotter The Weekly Crossword by Margie E. Burke
Horoscope
Briefs: Campus politics, tribal green energy, and unvaccinated COVID-19 deaths
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15
GRIFFEN SMITH MT LAW LIMITING POLITICAL ACTIVITY private lawyers and the Forward Montana UNVACCINATED LEAD MISSOULA COVID-19 16 17 18
policy group. DEATHS
Will you be
griffen.smith@umontana.edu ON-CAMPUS THROWN OUT 19 20 21
A Helena judge threw out two parts of MONTANA FIRST IN INBOUND MOVES The Missoula City-County Health
UM DEAN TO LEAD GREEN ENERGY ANALY- a bill passed last spring that limited some Department released a quarterly report on
22 23 24
SIS FOR TRIBES A nationwide study following the move-
political activity on college campuses, say- ment of Americans in 2021 found Montana hospitalizations and deaths in the county 25 26 27 28 29 30
my Valentine,
A team of researchers from universities ing the last-minute additions changed the had the largest proportion of people moving last week, revealing unvaccinated residents
31 32 33
in Texas, Arizona and Michigan are joining intent of the bill. in compared to outbound residents. have recently died at a rate 15 times higher
the University of Montana to see how tran- District Judge Mike Menahan wrote More than 70% of all moves to than their vaccinated peers. 34 35 36
sitioning to clean energy will affect Indige- last Thursday that a legislative and from Montana are people Between Oct. 16 and Jan. 14, the 90-day
37 38 39
standardized death rate stood at 107 people
bitch?
nous tribes and their lands in the U.S. committee unlawfully added moving into the state, ac-
Monte Mills, acting dean and professor two sections to Senate Bill cording to Move Budha. per 100,000 for unvaccinated people, com- 40 41 42
at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law, 319, which started as The company polled pared to 7 per 100,000 for those vaccinated.
will be focusing on tribes in the San Juan a bill regulating joint 400,000 people for the The trend is similar in hospitalization rates. 43 44 45
basin and Bakken oil formation areas. The fundraising cam- survey. Just 8.7% of Over a 30-day period last month, unvacci- 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
team will examine the effects public poli- paigns. The changes Americans relocated nated residents were five times more likely
cies could have on future energy develop- happened within the in 2021, the lowest to be hospitalized compared to vaccinated 53 54 55
ment on Native American lands. last two days of the migration numbers in residents.
56 57 58
The team will use a modeling tool to esti- spring 2021 session, decades. The development over the severity of
mate the effects of an energy transition and and the bill passed in Billings, the largest unvaccinated COVID-19 cases comes as 59 60 61
reducing oil and gas production on tribal the closing hours of city in Montana, was Missoula and Montana are still under a
high case-rate, spurred on by the omicron Copyright 2022 by The Puzzle Syndicate
lands. Using input from tribal leaders, they the session. reported to have the larg- ACROSS
also will use geospatial modeling tools to One section limited est inbound-to-outbound variant. While other places in the country 1 Exotic vacation 60 Husky's tow 25 Cousin of a loon
understand the potential for renewable political committees from moves, at almost four inbound are seeing fewer cases, Montana led the spot 61 Fender blemish 26 Zillow industry
energy development on tribal lands, and as- conducting Voter ID efforts, voter people for every one resident leav- country in total new cases last week, with 5 Bath powder 27 Half of Miss MCKENNA JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN
sess the impacts of tribal, federal and state registration drives and signature and ballot ing. Missoula, which reached a skyrocket- 4,138 cases per million people. 9 Garland DOWN Muffet's meal
policies, a UM press release said. collection efforts at a public university ing 7-to-1 ratio for inbound moves in 2020, In Missoula, there were more than 3,000 13 Midterm, e.g. 1 Kind of blocker 29 Great distress ADDIE SLANGER apart, you’ve been together for almost a year
News | Science is cool News | Makin’ changes
UM vaccine research expands, soon to conduct clinical trials
ANNA HENNING
ASUM overhauls campaign bylaws ahead of 2022 election
EMILY TSCHETTER
Unlike COVID-19 vac-
anna.henning@umontana.edu emily.tschetter@umontana.edu both affiliated and unaffiliated with the
cines that contain engi-
University — are considered third party
neered mRNA like Pfizer
Senators Melissa Glueckert and Nicholas endorsements to prevent a grievance like
As research programs grow at the or Moderna, the vaccine
Ververis are not running for re-election to last year’s conflict about an individually
University of Montana, a team of vaccine program is focusing on
the Associated Students of the University of run Instagram page from occurring. Both
scientists are making headway into long-
term COVID-19 prevention and clinical
subunit vaccines. This vac-
cine type includes proteins
Montana this year. That’s why they decided senators acknowledged their language is CAMPAIGN
trials for an opioid vaccine. from the COVID-19 virus
to revise the entirety of ASUM’s election
bylaws, which have not been significantly
still open for interpretation, but are hopeful
that the clarification will help mitigate
RULES
UM’s Vaccine Discovery and Develop- that stimulate the immune
edited since transitioning to online ballots grievances.
ment Team at the Center for Translation- system. The program is
in 2008. “As long as you have the majority of the
al Medicine has been researching and searching for more effec-
After last year’s election cycle, which senate reading it a certain way, that’s how
developing vaccines for opioid addiction, tive vaccines over a long
was riddled with grievances against both it’s interpreted. This definition that we put
COVID-19, tuberculosis, influenza, pertus- period of time.
executive tickets, and the election chair’s forward is better than it was, and that’s all
sis, pseudomonas, lyme disease, E. coli and Evans said he was
sudden resignation, Glueckert and Ververis you can strive to do,” Ververis said. “We
HIV. hopeful a solution had
began revising the election bylaws to clarify made it better from past experiences, but
The opioid, COVID-19 and tuberculosis been found when the first
vague and redundant language and address we didn’t solve every problem. Our lan-
programs have been gaining momentum COVID-19 vaccines were
definitions that sparked debate in Septem- guage provides a good baseline for future
recently, according to Jay Evans, director available to the public in
ber. They are presenting 15 resolutions to bylaw rulings.”
of the Center for Translational Medicine December 2020. However,
the senate floor with their rewrites, 13 of Glueckert and Ververis also slightly
at UM. as studies showed anti-
which have already passed. increased the amount of money candidates
“Finding the right students and staff body counts dropped after
Glueckert, a second-year graduate stu- can spend on a race and updated campaign-
who are interested in working on vaccines six months, and booster
dent pursuing a Master’s degree in social ing language to include COVID-friendly
has been great,” Evans said. “UM provides shots were needed, Evans
work, and Ververis, a fifth-year undergrad- forms of communication like Zoom and
us with great students and a great environ- knew the vaccine could be
uate accounting student, said their distance social media. The elections chair is now a
ment.” improved.
from the upcoming election positioned paid position, rather than volunteer. MAKAYLA O’NEIL | MONTANA KAIMIN
Since its start in 2016, the research team By researching subunit
them well to make revisions. They focused much of their efforts on
has grown from 15 people to about 60. The vaccines, Evans is hoping
“People who are running in the future simplifying and rearranging the bylaws’
group consists of undergraduate and grad- the vaccines can create a
are often scared to change the laws due to language, which Durnell said has worsened
uate students and staff members brought stronger immunity against ABOVE: Staff scientist Alex Riffey performs a
the impression that they’re maybe doing it since 2008.
in specifically for the project. Many new COVID-19. protein quantitation assay under a lab hood as
for personal gain,” Glueckert said. “Since “People add new sections to the elections
hires have been brought in recently to help “It’s a matter of taking part of a series of vaccine research projects at
Nick and I are not running this year, we bylaws, but fail to refine them to fit in, so it
prepare for upcoming trials. the current technologies the School of Pharmacy’s Center for Translation- becomes a laundry list that is hard to sort,”
decided to head this on and this was the
The program’s opioid vaccine is under and building upon that,” al Medicine, Feb. 2, 2022. UM’s Vaccine Discovery legacy we wanted to leave behind.” Durnell said. “I think a lot of candidates
review by the U.S. Food and Drug Admin- he said. “In the mean- and Development Team has researched and de- ASUM president Noah Durnell expressed have chosen to be tentative when engaging
istration to begin phase one clinical trials time, there are vaccines veloped vaccines for opioid addiction, COVID-19, support for the bylaw revision efforts. The with students because they feared retribu-
in 2023. This will be the first round of available that are helping tuberculosis, influenza, pertussis, pseudomonas, Durnell-Lock executive campaign endured tion for violating the bylaws because they
phase one clinical trials within the vaccine prevent hospitalization and lyme disease, E. coli and HIV.
multiple grievance filings last election, with didn’t understand them.”
program. Evans said this will be a monu- death to a large extent.”
RIGHT: Since the program’s start in 2016, Jay one focusing on an endorsement from a Glueckert and Ververis stressed the
mental shift for the program. An effort to construct a
Evans, director of the Center for Translational student-run Instagram page. importance of clarifying the language for
The phase one trials are a safety study, more effective tuberculo-
The page, which some considered an more student engagement, citing their own
which start by administering low doses to sis vaccine is also gaining Medicine at UM, has led a research team of
official UM account, sparked a contentious intimidation by the bylaws when they cam-
make sure the vaccine is well tolerated. momentum at UM. There is undergraduate and graduate students and staff
discussion on the senate floor for over two paigned for ASUM.
“There’s a lot of people involved in the only one tuberculosis vac- members to help develop and prepare for up-
hours. The senate voted in favor of the “If you have to read 20 pages just to run
project. We have consultants to make sure cine available nationwide, coming vaccine trials. The team is expecting to for your student government at a school,
Durnell-Lock campaign. The duo won the
that we get it right the first time,” Evans and it is not very effective start clinical trials for an opioid vaccine in 2023. election with 76% of the student vote on you’re much less likely to do it, whereas the
said. in preventing airway dis- ANTONIO IBARRA | MONTANA KAIMIN April 15. eight pages we got it down to is a lot more
The first vaccine from the opioid ease, Evans said.
“It was hardly an election as much as it doable,” Ververis said.
research will be an anti-fentanyl vaccine. “We are adding our
“We’re comparing some vaccines head- ly invested in the work,” graduate student was a grievance war, so we were constant- Glueckert and Durnell anticipate the
Unlike many phase one clinical trials, the adjuvants that we make to boost immune
to-head to help the [National Institute of Noah Powers said. “It is always nice to ly having to defend ourselves. There was bylaws’ simplification will make this year’s
program is hoping to test its vaccine on response and hopefully make that vaccina-
Health] make funding decisions on which show up to work with coworkers who all so much vagueness and ambiguity in the election competitive, meaning more stu-
opioid users. Evans said the vaccine might tion better in the long run,” Joyce said.
ones to move forward,” Evans said. “That’s care about what we’re doing.” bylaws that mistakes were being made left dents run than available seats in the senate.
have a different reaction in non-fentanyl From its years of progress, Evans said
in addition to our own internal vaccine Powers has been in the research pro- and right by all teams without any con- There has not been a competitive ASUM
users, so he hopes specializing the trials the tuberculosis vaccine project may lead
development efforts.” gram since the fall of 2019. Like many sciousness of it,” Durnell said. “Now there’s election since 2008.
will give clearer results. to clinical evaluation of a new vaccine.
The vaccine program is currently pos- other scientists, he planned to do vaccine going to be a very clear understanding of “I feel like over the years, elections
“The main objective is to target addicts,” The vaccine program has several con-
sible because of 12 different grants and research for a short period of time, but what the election’s bylaws say we can and have gotten a lot less competitive and
said Maggie Joyce, a staff scientist. “With tracts with different companies. It is con-
several projects. Evans said the program never left. cannot do as candidates, so I think there people have not wanted to get involved
this vaccination, if they tried to overdose tracted to do things like the earliest phases
has received about $100 million total in UM’s vaccine research continues to will be less grievances.” with ASUM as much, so just making an
or had this drug again, it wouldn’t have the of discovery, identifying new candidate
funding through the years. expand as it will soon conduct trials. It Glueckert and Ververis redefined “third all-around easier process for students to
same effect and they actually wouldn’t be vaccines, making existing vaccines better
“Everyone is really positive and definite- will continue to push to create long-term party” to specify only social media pages be able to read through and decide if they
able to get high.” and conducting phase one clinical trials.
immune responses. representing and operated by a group — want to run will help a lot,” Glueckert said.
6 February 10, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2022 7
Headline
He didn’t want to take on the role at first. But
when he realized what was at stake, he decided
to dive into bringing Lambda back to life.
“It is hard enough to be gay in Montana,
especially as a kid and on campus, so why
wouldn’t I just make a space where we can have
fun and be ourselves and enjoy sitting with one
another?”
With a blank slate, Redinger created a new
philosophy for how the group would interact
Dek/Subhead
on campus: putting all its effort toward creating
queer joy.
Growing up, Redinger didn’t have much of
that. He was in the closet most of high school,
Story by but when he began college at UM, Redinger
knew it was finally time to be who he is — and
Photos/Design by advocate for others like him to feel the love that
comes with accepting their identities.
Valentine’s Day has historically been a holi-
day centered on capitalism — disguised as a way
to flaunt a relationship through gift-giving, dates
and romantic gestures between two people. But
love and romance don’t always fit in one easy
box.
For queer people, love comes from a variety
of places: relationships, friendships, family.
And despite the hardships, they still proudly
celebrate their love in their own ways.
Story by Caption text PHOTOGRAPHER | MONTANA KAIMIN
Clarise Larson
Photos by ABOVE: UM student Jory Towe, right, never felt like she had to define her sexuality or explain her relationships to anyone, but when she first met Tatum Mc-
Namara, left, she knew they were more than friends. Five months into their relationship, the two spend most days together doing homework, going on walks
Ridley Hudson or making dinner and fighting over the dishes. After they started being more open about their relationship, the pair noticed more and more people wanted to
know about their queer experience as a couple.
Will you be my queer valentine??
LEFT: Devin Carpenter sits outside the University Center where seven years ago he got the news the Supreme Court had legalized gay marriage in all 50 states.
Carpenter is now the director of New Student Success and is involved in UM’s Diversity Advisory Council and the Outfield Alliance at the University, where he
uses his position to be an activist for queer people and groups that experience discrimination on campus and across Montana.
When Carpenter heard the news, he to be a resource to students who need it. will go back to the center. The event is meant
Snapshots of queer love and joy this Valentine’s season
had been openly gay for a while. He came Organizations like Lambda, Outfield Alli- to be an open, affirming environment for
out during his time as a student at UM. ance, UM Allies, EmpowerMT and the West- people of all sexual orientations and gender
Now, years after he was a student on ern Montana Community Centers are some of identity expressions.
campus, Carpenter works as the director the many places on campus and in Missoula Carpenter said this Valentine’s Day, he
University of Montana student Bekah Redinger didn’t expect to take on the role of the Lambda Alliace President. But after seeing that the student group fizzled out after the pandemic hit in 2020, he decided to revive it. of New Student Success. He also serves on that organize to support queer students and hopes queer students understand love doesn’t
Since taking on the leadership role, Redinger has worked to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community at the University through promoting queer-friendly events and providing resources and education for visibility the executive team of UM’s Diversity Ad- Montanans. only exist in a traditional form — it takes all
L
and acceptance of the queer community. visory Council and is a member of UM’s Lambda and other queer advocacy groups shapes and sizes, all sexualities and genders.
Outfield Alliance. host meetings and special events for holidays “It’s important to know that it’s also okay to
OVE is not an emotion most ery’s back patio during its “Queers and Beers” Redinger said. “That’s what’s so great about the books in high school libraries. Carpenter uses his position at UM to like Valentine’s Day as well. be uncertain about how you feel about other
people feel after being pep- night last summer. The night was supposed to Missoula queer community — is that people These attacks haven’t stopped Redinger from be an activist for queer people and other Lambda is hosting “Drag Night,” on Friday, people, about intimacy, about the kinds of
per-sprayed. But for Bekah
Redinger, it was. Well, after the
burning subsided.
be one for Missoula’s queer community to enjoy
each other while sipping beers and kombucha.
Instead, it turned into a night Redinger won’t
instinctively do that.”
But an anonymous pepper sprayer is far
from the worst antagonizing force in queer
proudly claiming his identity as a queer person.
Redinger is the president of UM’s LGBTQ
community and advocacy group, Lambda
Queer on campus groups that experience discrimiation on cam-
pus and across Montana.
“We’re sort of an invisible community,
Feb. 11. The event will feature drag performers
from the Imperial Sovereign Court of the State
of Montana — a group that aims to educate and
relationships that you want to have,” Carpenter
said. “There’s a lot happening in a student’s
life in college, and taking some time to explore
It was a warm summer night soon forget. people’s lives, especially in Montana. Last year, Alliance. As president of the group, he leads because unless you know something about advocate for LGBTQ+ people through drag — and feel things out is totally okay — there are
in June 2021 when Redinger decided it was The hate crime threw Redinger off, and the 2021 state legislature signed a number of the promotion of queer-friendly events. He also Devin Carpenter was standing outside the someone — there’s no way for you to know and UM students. All are welcome to join. spaces that are safe to do that.”
finally time to attend a public social gathering. it was horrible, he said. The person who bills into law that raised concerns for the queer provides resources and education aimed at visi- University of Montana’s University Center in that someone’s part of the community,” he “It is Valentine’s themed, but it’s also self-lov- For Carpenter, Valentine’s Day is more
He’d stopped going out after the pandemic hit, pepper-sprayed the “Queers and Beers” night community — from House Bill 112, the Save bility and acceptance of the queer community. 2015 when his friend texted himt he news: The said. ing,” Redinger said. “Anyone can come, anyone about being grateful for those around you and
but was excited on that night. He was looking wasn’t caught. But for Redinger, the reaction Women’s Sports Act that stopped transgender After the pandemic, Lambda had fizzled out. Supreme Court had just legalized gay marriage For Carpenter, pride in who he is as a gay can enjoy themselves. You don’t have to be loving who you choose to love no matter what
forward to hanging out with other people and of the people around him was something he people from competing in the sport of their This meant there was no student-run queer out- in all 50 states. man — even before he was given the right to queer — you can literally just be yourself.” that love looks like.
enjoying the atmosphere around him — and hadn’t expected. gender identity, to Senate Bill 215, which allows let for UM students. So Redinger, who identifies In “Obergefell v. Hodges,” the court ruled marry — has shaped his life into one of activ- The rainbow-themed “Heart Throb 5K” “Be kind to each other. It’s okay to be a little
then the pepper spray hit. “People really leaned into each other, discrimination against queer people on the as transmasculine non-binary and bisexual, that “The Fourteenth Amendment requires a ism and understanding that every person has hosted by the Western Montana Community uncomfortable and take that leap and go to a
Redinger was one of many Missoula locals everyone who was there immediately was like, basis of religion. And just last month in Billings, stepped in to revive the group in the fall of 2020 State to license a marriage between two people a different journey. He hopes students feel safe Center and Run Wild Montana is a run/walk Lambda meeting or reach out to someone,” he
who were assaulted at Imagine Nation Brew- ‘Okay, these are people I have to take care of,’” a school board caught heat for having LGBTQ+ after a long stint of no events or meetings. of the same sex.” on campus to be who they are, and he wants on Saturday, Feb. 12. A portion of its proceeds said. “The allies — we’re all over campus.”
8 February 10, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2022 9
Out and about LEFT: Everett Johns shares a
moment with his 18-month-old
daughter, Faye, at a playground
in Missoula. Johns was assigned
Sophomore integrative physiology and exer-
female at birth, but something
cise science student Tatum McNamara knew
she had a crush on her UM track and field always felt wrong within him.
teammate’s roommate when she met her. But After Johns and Collin married
she wasn’t sure if the roommate felt the same. in 2019, the couple biologically
She did. conceived a child of their own.
The roommate, Jory Towe, is a junior at UM Now he’s proud of the man he
studying communication. Towe said she never has become, and the fathers he
felt the need to define her sexuality or explain and Collin are to his daughter.
her relationships to anyone. But once Towe and
McNamara started talking and hanging out,
RIGHT: For Zooey Zephyr, it
it became obvious they were more than just
friends. took four years to come out as
“Last summer Jory and I started talking — a bisexual transgender woman.
and I guess we just haven’t stopped talking,” Now she’s the UM program
McNamara said, laughing. manager for the Office of the
Towe and McNamara smiled and laughed Provost and is an advocate
with ease as they cuddled up on McNamara’s for the queer community at
couch. the University. Zephyr is also
Now over five months into their relationship, running for Montana House
McNamara and Towe spend most days together
District 100 as a progressive
doing homework, going on walks or making
dinner and fighting over the dishes together. candidate fighting against
Since being open about their relationship, the social and economic injustices
pair have noticed more and more people reach- like voting rights, trans rights,
ing out to them about their queer experience. housing inequality and climate
“I think it’s nice to know that there’s a com- change.
munity here that is willing to take you in — I’ve
noticed talking to other people about Tatum
and my sexuality, that so many people that I
didn’t know were queer have been telling me, ‘I
want to start talking to girls, or I want to explore
that part of my life,’” Towe said.
The pair said they feel lucky to go out in pub-
lic and hold hands and do “couple” activities in
Missoula without fear, but know it isn’t always
the case.
“I feel like anything out of Missoula is pretty
UM law student Everett Johns, left, plays at a Missoula playground with his daughter Faye Johns and his husband Collin Johns. Everett met Collin in 2015 when he
Fighting for the future
different, but I feel really comfortable in Mis-
soula,” McNamara said. “A lot more people are was dual enrolled at UM and the Bitterroot College, where Collin was working at the time.
queer than you think.”
Towe feels comfortable knowing there is
Family time
“Tumblr, because it was that generation,” Today they have an 18-month-old daugh-
more acceptance of queer people now than
Johns said, laughing. ter, Faye, who Johns describes as “the light It wasn’t until Zooey Zephyr was 29 years from the world — I
there has been before.
In his late teens, he made the decision to of our lives.” old that she finally found the words to say who couldn’t do that,”
“I definitely think we’re in an age where we
begin transitioning. During that time, he met Johns is proud of the man he has become, she was. It was then a light bulb went off in Zephyr said.
don’t need to define our sexuality, really,” Towe
his now-husband. and the father he is to his daughter. Johns her head, and she found the courage to take a Zephyr de-
said. “It’s nice to know that you don’t have to
“I had just met my husband who identi- makes sure his daughter knows that she has step toward becoming the person she knew she scribed coming out
call yourself anything. You can just be just how
When Everett Johns gave birth fied as straight at the time. So he thought two dads. always was. as a necessity, and
I’ve been living. It’s nice.”
to his daughter in 2019, he always he was getting into this relationship with a “We made that choice early on like, ‘No, Zephyr is a bisexual transgender woman. the best decision
MARIAH KARIS | MONTANA KAIMIN
knew he was meant to be a father. woman. Surprise,” Johns said, laughing. we’re gonna talk to her about it all the time.’ Now, four years after coming out, she works of her life, but that
Johns is a law student at UM, and Though the pair was already in a roman- We’re both her biological parents, even at UM as the program manager for the Office didn’t come without loss and hardship. Through the struggle, she said she found a
president of Outlaws, an LGBTQ+ tic relationship when Johns came out as a though we’re both men,” he said. of the Provost and is running as a progressive During that time, she left a relationship and community that knows who she is and loves “At the start of my transition, I wondered,
group for law school students and gay transgender man to his now-husband, And he is not afraid to be who he is candidate for Montana House District 100. She was disowned by her family. But the decision to her for that. ‘Will I be loved? Will people want me as a
allies. He grew up in rural Montana there was never a question of what would anymore. He plans to use his law degree to is running for office to fight social and economic transition never wavered, and she couldn’t hide “Queer people are here, we’re all around, friend? Will I have a community?’ And that was
with two mothers and always under- happen between them. They loved each fight injustice, especially gender and race injustices like voting rights, trans rights, housing any longer. and many of us are living lives, happy lives, full 2018. And by the start of 2020, the answer to
stood what it felt like to be seen as other for who they were, no matter what discrimination. inequality and climate change. “As tough as some of the fallout was from lives. The fears that you have at the beginning everything was a resounding yes.”
different. form that took. “Trans people can become attorneys — Her decision to enter into the legislature was coming out, my life has blossomed because I are normal. If you are nervous about what it Zephyr wants queer-questioning people to
He was assigned female at birth, Johns and his husband married in 2019 and we can go to law school. We’re every- sparked from her own personal experience have blossomed,” Zephyr said. “I think coming would mean to accept certain sexuality or gen- know there is a Missoula queer community that
but something always felt wrong: He was and decided to try to biologically conceive a where — we’re important too.” as a transgender woman in Montana and the to accept your sexuality or gender is a radical der or anything like that,” Zephyr said. will welcome them wherever they are in their
uncomfortable with how his body felt, but child of their own. Johns uses his life as a testament to other struggles she faced to become the person she act of self-love — and to share that act of self-love Through becoming more open about her process.
didn’t really know transitioning genders “I stopped taking testosterone and got people who are struggling with their gender. is today. with others who have also gone through that transition and sexuality, Zephyr realized she “You just have so many people who know
was an option. pregnant,” Johns said. “Being pregnant and “My life isn’t perfect. But my life before I “I had been sitting in fear and been sitting act of self-love is magical.” wanted to help people like her who needed who they are, and love who they are — and that
MARIAH KARIS | MONTANA KAIMIN Not until the social media app Tumblr never really having identified as a woman, came out was just so much worse — I had to in the questions for so long, that by the time Though Zephyr has lost many people in her their voice to be heard and who deserved to be is beautiful in and of itself. But something that
introduced him to people living openly as I was like, ‘Wow, I cannot handle people hide who I am. There are people out there I came out, it was an easy decision to make. life because of coming out as trans — some of loved. She hopes her advocacy on queer issues leaves me in awe is when you see an entire com-
transgender did he realize transitioning calling me mommy,’ and that really pushed who will support you and love you for who Scary, but it’s easy because there was nothing whom were important to her — she remains can help people feel comfortable to be who they munity supporting one another, who knows
could be an option. me to be like, ‘Actually, I am a man.’” you are — it really does get better.” else I could be. To not come out was to hide that confident in the woman she has become. are as queer people. who they are. And it’s something special.”
10 February 10, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2022 11
Arts | Queer tattooing Arts | Cowboy up
Local tattoo artists promote queer inclusivity in a safe environment
their thigh to honor Lady Gaga. They told Zee
UM Museum of Culture’s exhibit shows how art made the West wild
NANCY BESTON JOSH MOYAR ered around campfires.
nb158522@umconnect.umt.edu their idea, and they collaborated until Lane jm144854@umconnect.umt.edu “Russell came West and fell in love with
was happy with the tattoo. When Lane came Montana,” Jennifer Bottomly-O’looney, the
in to get it, Gaga’s new album had just dropped; senior curator of the Historical Society,
Lacy Zee was 6 years old when she decided Zee blasted the album throughout the shop, The tall, dark sheriff. The silent, stoic
her fate was to be a tattoo artist. She got her Native American. Unruly mustangs and said. “He lived the cowboy life for a short
and they listened to it all the way through. period, and this no doubt greatly influ-
first tattoo at 13. Now she’s 41 and an interna- They finished the tattoo as the last song ended. huge, hairy buffalo. All of these images
tionally renowned tattoo artist. have become iconic in the Wild West enced his art. But, in reality, much of what
“I guess getting tattooed by another queer
For hours, she would sit next to her family canon, but why is that? Where did these he portrayed in his art had already passed.
person, there is this familiarity, I feel comfort-
friend in Randy Adams Tattoo Parlor in Arling- perceptions, sometimes with only the He would lament, ‘The West is dead! You
able and I feel like we have a sense of under-
ton, Texas, as he tattooed her parents. She was slightest shimmer of truth, come from? A may lose a sweetheart — but you’ll never
standing,” Lane said. “I don’t think that if I
intrigued by the whirring of ink guns and the went to a straight male tattoo artist and said, ‘I new art exhibit here at the University may forget her.’”
creativity tattooing allowed. want to get a unicorn on my thigh,’ they would Because Russell had one of the last first-
offer an answer.
Though her whole childhood was spent in a be as excited as Lacy was.” hand accounts of the “true” West, artists
UM’s Montana Museum of Culture
tattoo shop, she had never met a female tattoo Terran Kimball, a wildlife biology student who worked later on in the 1900s had to
artist. This made her skeptical. opened “Imagining the West” in the Meloy
at UM, said he had heard stories of artists ig- Gallery this past Friday. The gallery look to his work for inspiration, Bottom-
At 6 years old she asked, “Can girls be tattoo noring clients’ wants. He said he was worried ly-O’looney said. At the UM Meloy Gallery,
artists too?” houses more than 60 pieces, including
about someone convincing him to settle for a paintings, drawings and sculptures, which two sculptures by Russell are on display.
Now she knows the answer. Zee, who tattoo that wasn’t exactly what he wanted. Anna Strankman, the curator of the
works out of Missoula’s Blaque Owl, said since were part of a 125-piece donation to the
Even with this fear, he went to a local artist, UM gallery, took on “Imagining the West”
entering the tattoo industry in 1999, a lot of University by Stan and Donna Goodbar,
Joe from Bound by Glory, to get tattooed. Joe as her first project since she started in
progress has been made in inclusivity. has been tattooing for two and half years now. who spent decades building their once-pri-
“Now there are openly queer tattoo artists — vate collection. October. Instead of highlighting the main-
Kimball said before his appointment, he stream Western artists, she wanted to try
there are openly trans tattoo artists. You didn’t practiced advocating for himself. When he The collection features more than 30
really see them back then — they were [in] artists and is made up of intimate por- something different.
got there, he sat down with Joe, and they did Lacy Zee works on her son Alen Pyzer’s wolf chest tattoo by adding detail color to the piece at Blaque Owl “You’d think the gallery would be filled One of the artists featured in “Imagining the West” is Charles Russell, who is famed for his depictions of the
the industry — but you didn’t really see them traits, striking landscapes and depictions
a thorough process of making sure the tattoo Tattoo in downtown Missoula, Feb. 5, 2022. Zee, who identifies as pansexual, is an internationally renowned with Russells and other big names, but it’s old West. Russell’s “Will Rogers on Horseback” is on display in the gallery at the UM PAR-TV building from
being openly themselves,” Zee said. “With it was exactly what he wanted. She edited the of untamed beasts — all of which were
artist at Blaque Owl. Since entering the industry in 1999, Zee said there’s been a lot of progress regarding more stocked with the next generation of Feb. 4 to March 26. MADDIE CRANDALL | MONTANA KAIMIN
being such a male-dominated industry, that’s tattoo, and he said it felt like a collaboration. crafted during the 20th century and help
not something I thought I would see anytime inclusivity in the tattoo community. ASTON KINSELLA | MONTANA KAIMIN artists, inspired by him,” Strankman said.
He said she then walked him through the tat- contribute to the lasting image of the
soon, let alone this much and them being so tooing process and answered his questions. “I wanted to tease out the not-so-typical
American West.
welcome in the tattoo industry.” Joe, 23, is part of the younger tattoo scene. stories. What’s on the margins?” each piece having the
According to Rafael Chacón, the di-
Tattoo shops across Missoula have adopted She grew up in Hornsdale, Pennsylvania, and, Both Strankman and Chacón empha- subject’s name written
rector of the museum, some of the most
and promoted open inclusivity for queer cli- unlike Zee, was not surrounded by tattooing. sized that a major goal of the gallery is to on the back.
ents. Witch of the Woods Tattoo, an all-female important pieces in the gallery are simple
Her hometown only had one tattoo shop, drawings and illustrations. highlight Native American artists. The other woman,
and non-binary shop, is the first of its type in which she would sneak out to in her teens. “The representations of Indigenous peo-
“The strength of this collection really Frances Senska, who
Missoula. Blaque Owl Tattoo has two female Three years later, she started her appren- ple were of the stoic savage or hopelessly
lies in the number of these artists who was an MSU professor
artists and Zee, who identifies as pansexual. ticeship. Now she’s a full-time tattoo artist.
worked as illustrators,” Chacón said. romantic,” Strankman said, in reference to from the ‘40s through
Bound by Glory also has two female artists Similar to Zee, she believes that queer people
“Whether they were working for pulp depictions in pulp magazines and novels. the ‘70s, was born in
and one artist, Sally Joe, who identifies as should be treated the same as their cisgender
fiction mags or publishing houses or even “They became tropes, which documented Cameroon and created
pansexual. counterparts.
Kaden Elliot, one of Zee’s clients, said Zee Hollywood, what they were doing was their historic presence, but not in a neces- a handful of small,
“I make sure that I’m respectful of their pro- sarily accurate way.”
offered a non-judgmental, collaborative and essentially diffusing a notion of the West ceramic quail and
nouns, but other than that, I try not to make Several Native American artists are fea-
warm environment to be tattooed in. Elliot is and its archetypes.” partridges, which she
it a different experience for them than [for]
transgender, and Zee has been tattooing him A key illustrator on display is Nick tured. Both Strankman and Chacón have based on birds she saw
anybody else,” said Joe.
throughout his transition. Eggenhoffer, whose pieces like “Cowboy a fondness for John Clarke, a deaf and both in the Western
Julia Tonne, a graduate student studying
“Being transgender, that’s just like a tiny fac- Surrendering” depict the strong, grizzled mute Blackfeet artist who carved wooden states and Africa.
et of a human, and people put so much focus communications at UM, has 12 tattoos, most of figures outside of Glacier National Park.
cowboy imagery popular in culture and With so many artists
on it and it’s just like no — that’s not even a big them from a variety of different artists — one On display is a small selection, including “Imagining the West” also includes wooden sculptures carved by Blackfeet
media. working in so many
thing,” Elliot said. “It was nice that there was of them being Joe. Tonne said she has had a carved mountain goat and an animated artist John Clarke. Clarke made a living selling his carvings to tourists out-
But even before Eggenhoffer, other art- different mediums, it’s
never even a discussion, I was just me.” negative experiences in tattoo shops, but has grizzly bear. no surprise Western art side of Glacier National Park. MADDIE CRANDALL | MONTANA KAIMIN
Elliot said he feels seen and listened to by learned to advocate and stick up for herself ists were living and working in the West,
creating art that would go on to inspire “His wood carvings show a deep connec- would still have such
Zee during his tattoo sessions. He has gone because of them. tion to nature,” Chacón said. “But also the an impact today. by Western artists … started a love affair
to other artists and had issues with them. His “You shouldn’t let other people or artists countless more to follow in their footsteps.
At the Montana Historical Society’s tourist industry. His small grizzly carving “One important lesson is to recognize that continues to this day,” Bottomly-O’loo-
first tattoos have now been covered up because or your grandma sway you on what you want
museum in Helena, an entire gallery is is the exact type of object that tourists that the West is constantly being rede- ney said. “The longing for the bygone era
he was unhappy with the final products. He to get because it’s going to be on you forever,”
Tonne said. “So trust yourself when you go and dedicated to Charles M. Russell, who spent would buy, which popularized the Western fined,” Chacón said. “A second lesson is of the cowboy on the open range, vast
felt the artists weren’t listening to him — until
get a tattoo, and you’re allowed to walk out if the turn of the 20th-century painting and region in the east.” that artists are major players, and have undulating buffalo herds and American
he met Zee.
Grant Lane, a UM communications junior, you go in and an artist draws something up sculpting upward of 2,000 works of art. Another voice the gallery is interested historically been major players, in that Plains Indians living in harmony with the
also had a positive experience with Zee. Lane and you don’t like it or is disrespectful; you can In the Russell Gallery, paintings like in exploring is that of the female artist in redefinition. We have to dispel the notion land forever plays to people’s heartstrings.”
wanted a “Born this Way” unicorn tattoo on walk out.” the Western genre. On display, there are that art is giving us a truthful image. It’s “Imagining the West” is on display now
“When the Land Belonged to God” and
“Laughter Kills Lonesome” depict vivid only two women, each with very distinct always giving us a biased, subjective take in the Meloy Gallery. You can visit it Tues-
scenes of bison ranges and cowboys gath- work. There are several portraits of Native on the reality of the West.” day through Saturday, between 12 and 6
Americans by Elizabeth Lochrie, with “The Romance of the West as epitomized p.m., now through March 26.
12 February 10, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2022 13
Sports | Late-game leaders Sports | Iceland bound
Does Griz basketball believe in the ‘clutch gene’?
HOLLY MALKOWSKI
UM soccer coach helps kick two to the pros “Chris and the coaching staff have always
MAX DUPRAS
holly.malkowski@umontana.edu max.dupras@umconnect.umt.edu gone above and beyond to support me. I have
been very fortunate to be a part of a program
The University of Montana men’s basket- Chris Citowicki, Montana’s head soccer that doesn’t set limits, and pushes players
ball team has won six games decided by 10 or coach, dreamed of playing in a professional to become the best version of themselves,”
fewer points this season, while only losing six soccer league while he was young. Now that Hansen said.
of the closely contested matchups. he’s coaching, he is helping others achieve that She is a three-time first-team All-Big Sky
The late-game performances indicate some goal. Conference player in addition to leading her
of the players may just be more important in In the final week of January, former Griz team in assists her senior year. She holds the
late-game scenarios, something sports fans soccer stars Caitlin Rogers and Mimi Eiden record for most minutes, most games played
refer to as the “clutch gene.” both signed to play professional soccer. and most games started in a career as a Griz
“I think anyone at any given time can step “All I wanted to do as a 14, 15, 16-year-old soccer player.
up and bang a big shot,” UM sophomore for- was to go play overseas professionally,” Cito- Citowicki’s original goal when he was hired
ward Josh Bannan said. Bannan hit “clutch” wicki said. “And for those same opportunities as head coach was to make Missoula a soccer
shots for the Griz throughout 2021, despite to be afforded to people like Caitlin and Mimi destination.
being one of the youngest players in rotation. who just signed with a team in Iceland is just “The main goal was to start winning. If you
Perhaps the most clutch moment of the amazing.” start winning, you can recruit. If you can re-
season came for the Griz on Jan. 1, when Rogers has been an All-Big Sky caliber cruit, you continue winning. And then at that
UM beat conference leader Weber State on a player during her time at the University of point, once we’re ready, find the right person
buzzer-beating layup by guard Lonnell Martin Montana. Her senior year, she produced a with the right connections,” Citowicki said.
Jr. The shot was so profound it found its way first-team All-Big Sky Conference nod as she The UM soccer team experienced success
onto ESPN’s “SportsCenter Top 10.” played the starting center back role on a tough individually and as a team in 2021. After a
“I think that if we’re in a game, in a situa- defensive unit with 11 shutouts on the season. slow 0-3 start to the season, the Grizzlies went
tion, and we get the shot we’re looking for, Eiden was a transfer from North Dakota her on a tear through bigtime non-conference
we’ll make it,” Travis DeCuire, UM’s head senior season in 2020, entering a tumultuous teams like Boise State, finishing their season
coach, said. year for all sports during the COVID-19 pan- with a 13-6-1 record.
UM also escaped an upset bid by Portland demic. After graduating, she played for Liberia This regular season success would shoot
State on Jan. 20, winning by only two points. in the Africa Women Cup of Nations. them through the standings and past Weber
“I think the clutch factor is something big Both Eiden and Rogers signed with Grinda- State for a Big Sky Conference Championship
in basketball. A lot of guys, at the end of the vik FC in Iceland and will be heading off soon win and a bid at the NCAA Division 1 Wom-
games, they want the ball in their hands. I to become the next class of professional soccer en’s College Cup.
feel like those are the guys that can hit those players out of Missoula. With Citowicki’s first goal down, his next
clutch shots,” UM redshirt senior Scott Black- Former Griz soccer players Alexa Coyle and goal is to go further in the tournament every
ney said. “It’s all confidence.” Montana basketball players Robby Beasley III (5) Josh Bannan (13) and Lonnell Martin Jr. (1) pictured at Dahlberg Arena during practice, Jan. 26, 2022. The three Griz Rita Lang also signed contracts this past year year. With the success he wishes to cultivate
and six ideals to stick with, his players are
The phrase “clutch gene” has floated players are becoming the team’s “clutch trio” during Travis DeCuire’s tenure as head coach. NATE SANCHEZ | MONTANA KAIMIN to play professionally in Scotland and Portugal,
around in basketball talk for years, especial- respectively. Citowicki has yet to actually see going above and beyond.
ly in players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron ended the season for the Griz, one that was always on the road. one else really has,” DeCuire said. any of his former players play overseas. “I just want people to really get to know
James. It says that making shots in high-pres- dominated by close losses. Now that there are Montana has been 11-0 at home, proving Dahlberg isn’t bringing in the numbers it “I haven’t done that yet. Obviously, because this team because there are so many amazing
sure situations is genetic, you either have it or fans back in Dahlberg Arena, the Griz have there’s a strong advantage to being in Dahl- used to, but home court is still a plus for the of COVID, this past year [because] everything personalities, not just exciting soccer players,
you don’t. flipped the late-game script. berg Arena. Grizzlies. has happened. So I haven’t left for Scotland but some of these people are just incredible.
“I think you can be [more clutch], some “We have a core group returning from “When the fans show up, I think that we UM’s next game is on Feb. 10 at home to see Lex or Ireland to see Rita. But that’ll be And I want to get their names out there. I want
people would be scared to get the ball in a rough season, and right now, we’re still have an environment full of energy that no against Northern Arizona University. happening soon,” Citowicki said. people to get to know them. So come on out
crunch time,” UM sophomore guard Brandon young,” DeCuire said. “This group helps Taylor Hansen is the next to try and make and watch us play for that reason.”
Whitney said. “Some people believe they’re Montana maintain a strong lineup, as well her way onto a professional roster, as she is
going to make a shot and some people don’t.” as giving them a fight for this season and the currently in preseason training with the Na-
One Griz player familiar with being clutch future.” tional Women’s Soccer League team, the San
is sophomore guard Robby Beasley III, who UM did beat conference leader Weber Diego Wave FC.
made a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to help UM State, but the Griz also lost to Idaho State, “Preseason will start tomorrow, I am just
force overtime and eventually beat Portland which sits at the bottom of the Big Sky Con- extremely grateful for this opportunity. It’s a
State in 2021. The game would’ve ended in ference. combination of hard work, perseverance and
a mind-boggling upset for Portland State, but “I think we’ve shown signs of a team that being in a supportive environment that has
Beasley’s long-range shot erased the Vikings’ can play at a very high level, they can defend allowed me an opportunity to get to the next
chances. as well as anyone in the country, and also level,” Hansen said. Griz Soccer Head Coach Chris Citowicki, pictured outside of the Hall of Champions, has lead Montana’s
“If some guys aren’t really performing how make shots. I don’t know that we’ve done The NWSL was marred with controversy soccer program to a 16-3-1 record for the last season and a Big Sky Conference Championship win in 2021. As
they need to, we can just look down the line both on the same day,” DeCuire said. over a recent sexual harrassment and coercion part of a five-year plan, Citowicki focusses on recruitment, winning and getting players connected at the
and still get buckets, or do what we need to The young-but-skillful team has proven it scandal against former Portland Thorns Head professional level. ASTON KINSELLA | MONTANA KAIMIN
do and get a win,” Beasley said. can hang with anyone in the conference. Its Coach Paul Riley. Citowicki was hesitant
A tough loss to Eastern Washington in the three Big Sky losses, aside from the Idaho during the regular season about his players
Big Sky Conference tournament last year State folly, have been by narrow margins, and signing to a league with troubling legal issues,
but Hansen is looking for a contract at the
highest level.
14 February 10, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com February 10, 2022 15
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