MONTANA KAIMIN Still dreaming - How a UM student found her voice fighting for DACA
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MONTANA KAIMIN
Still dreaming How a UM student found her
voice fighting for DACA
Story and photos by Antonio Ibarra
7 Isolate in place 13 Do you like scary movies? 15 Get your hockey fix
January 27, 2022 | Volume 124 | Issue No. 16
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
inhabited by the Salish People. Kaimin is a derivative of a Salish
language word, “Qe‘ymin,” that is pronounced kay-MEEN and
means “book,” “message” or “paper that brings news.”
FI ND U S ON SOC I A L M E D I A
@Montanakaimin For comments, corrections or letters to
Go, go Lady Griz! Campus renovations a sign of desperation
This month, students returned to a
snowy campus filled with pockets of clam-
orous construction noise as the University
There are already many moving parts
in this story, and throwing a pandemic
in the middle probably didn’t help. But
begins its next phase of development. are we shooting ourselves in the foot this
the editor, contact Usually, this sound signifies a celebrat- way? Why is UM burdening our on-campus
editor@montanakaimin.com
E D I TO R IAL STA FF NEWS ROO M STA FF @Montanakaimin or call (406) 243-4310.
ed achievement as we upgrade for future
generations of Grizzlies — and a necessary
community by creating this bottleneck on
the future of development?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NEWS REPORTERS COPY EDITORS @Montanakaiminsports task that has to happen at some point The key is vision and forethought,
Addie Slanger Christine Compton Mazana Boerboom For advertising opportunities, contact while our education is in progress. things UM appears to lack. The University
Anna Henning Rebecca Bryan
@Montanakaimin ads@montanakaimin.com But these projects, riddled with delays seemed to believe it would have enough
BUSINESS MANAGER Matti Olson Alicia McAlpine
Mariah Karis Andy Tallman or call (406) 243-6541. and cost increases, appear more like a des- empty rooms on campus to renovate
Emily Tschetter DESIGNERS @Kaiminsports perate reach for UM to keep up with the Knowles, but with a 30% larger freshman
SPORTS EDITOR McKenna Johnson multiple promises it made in the past. class last fall, there were few options to do
Jack Marshall SPORTS REPORTERS Mariah Karis Construction efforts in Aber Hall, a mid-semester construction.
Tye Brown @Montanakaimin Knowles Hall and the Lommasson Center Now look at Montana State. Our rival
NEWS EDITORS Max Dupras AUDIO REPORTER are all behind schedule. UM said this is school completed a new residence hall, a
Griffen Smith Holly Malkowski Elinor Smith
part of a nationwide shortage of construc- new Native American Center and a new
Asa Thomas Metcalfe
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR CARTOONIST tion materials, leaving some projects like athletic complex. Not to mention MSU has
Clarise Larson ARTS & CULTURE REPORTERS Walter Medcraft Aber only half complete. a student wellness center in the works.
Nancy Beston But perhaps we should look at these It’s true that MSU has the space — and
FEATURES EDITOR Josh Moyar ADVISERS delays with a new set of eyes. funds — to grow, and UM is working in a
Mariah Thomas Haley Yarborough Jule Banville
Daniella Zalcman Knowles Hall, which was scheduled to tight space with an even tighter budget.
MULTIMEDIA EDITOR MULTIMEDIA begin renovations in fall 2021, couldn’t But if we are going to keep building, we
Antonio Ibarra Maddison Crandall be upgraded because of a lack of rooms need to build smarter.
Ridley Hudson Week of 1/24/22 - 1/30/22 for students, partly because Aber Hall — The University needs to plan for the sup-
Montana’s Sammy Fatkin shares a moment with a young family member after the Lady Griz flew past the
DESIGN EDITOR Aston Kinsella one of the two largest dorms on campus ply chain delays. Because right now, each
MaKayla O’Neil Shanna Madison Portland State Vikings at Dahlberg Arena on Jan. 20. Montana is currently on a conference streak after com-
Maddie McCuddy ing back from a week hiatus because of COVID-19 postponements, winning three of its last home games — is transitioning into an administrative delay in one project will delay another.
DIGITAL EDITOR/COPY CHIEF Nate Sanchez against Eastern Washington (68-50), Portland State (93-57) and Northern Arizona (66-60). The Lady Griz will building. And those delays impact student life.
Andrea Halland move on to play against Montana State in Bozeman in the first of two Brawl of the Wild games on Jan. 24. Aber’s transition would then clear the
NATE SANCHEZ | MONTANA KAIMIN way for the partial demolition of the Lom-
AUDIO EDITOR Like it? Hate it? Wish we were dead?
masson Center, which in turn will be the
Austin Amestoy
location for a shiny new dining hall. email us your opinions at editor@montanakaimin.com
SUDOKU Edited by Margie E. Burke
TH E G A RAGE : SE 2 EP 2 Difficulty: Medium
6 1 4
HOW TO SOLVE:
Each row must contain the
numbers 1 to 9; each column must
3 9 5 1 7 contain the numbers 1 to 9; and
each set of 3 by 3 boxes must
contain the numbers 1 to 9.
8
Answer to Previous Sudoku:
6 5 8 5 1 8 4 7 9 3 2 6
3 4 2 4 9 3 6 8 2 1 7 5
6 2 7 3 1 5 9 4 8
2 5 1 3 2 4 5 7 3 6 8 9 1
1 9 8 3 6 9 2 1 7 5 4
9 7 1 8 5 4 2 6 3
4 9 5 8 1 8 9 5 4 7 6 3 2
8 6 2 7 5 2 1 6 3 4 8 9
Copyright 2022 by The Puzzle Syndicate 3 6 4 2 9 8 5 1 7
WALTER MEDCRAFT | MONTANA KAIMIN
2 January 27, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 27, 2022 3
Week of 1/24/22 - 1/30/22
Briefs & Blotter The Weekly Crossword
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
by Margie E. Burke
10 11 12 13
Horoscope
Briefs: AG challenges abortion ruling, COVID-19 hospitalizations soar
The Euphoroscope
14 15 16
17 18 19
are slightly more likely to be unvaccinated, $51,000, houses and condos would sell 20 21 22 23
GRIFFEN SMITH COVID-19: HOSPITALIZATIONS RISE UNDER
griffen.smith@umontana.edu OMICRON numbers from the health department con- between $250,000 and $340,000. Once com- 24 25 26
firmed Monday. Though the rates between pleted, the Scott Street project would be the
AG OFFICE CHALLENGES MONTANA ABORTION Missoula’s latest coronavirus spike might vaccinated and unvaccinated have often been largest affordable housing project in Missou- 27 28 29 30 31
RULING be associated with less severe symptoms, but identical during past spikes, the positive case la’s history
32 33 34 35 36
officials worry the sheer amount of positive rate for unvaccinated have stayed far higher
The Montana Department of Justice took a cases could overrun the region’s hospitals. during virus peaks. WORLD WATCHES AS UKRAINE CONFLICT 37 38 39 40
new step in the state’s legal battle surround- The Missoula City-County Health De- ESCALATES
ing abortion, asking the Montana Supreme partment reported 23 new UM-affiliated SCOTT STREET AFFORDABLE HOUSING 41 42 43 44
Court to nullify a 23-year-old ruling that some COVID-19 cases over the weekend, bringing AWARDED PUBLIC FUNDS As more than 100,000 Russian troops 45 46 47
consider the state’s version of Roe V. Wade. the total active number to 199 students, facul- amass on the eastern border of Ukraine, the
Austin Knudsen, Montana’s attorney gen- ty and staff — the highest number to date. A large-scale affordable housing project in U.S. and other allies are discussing a response 48 49 50 51 52
eral, wrote the high court last week to reverse Countywide, there were over 3,000 North Missoula took home a large check last plan that could include U.S. troops on the
53 54 55 56 57
a Yellowstone County judge’s temporary active cases Monday. With the re- week as planners began construc- ground.
hold on three bills passed in the 2021 state cord-breaking numbers comes tion on the area’s roads and The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, 58 59 60 61
legislature. an increase of hospitaliza- utilities. known as NATO, announced last week the al-
62 63 64
The laws in question would ban abortions tion and deaths. There are The Scott Street Rede- liance is sending aircraft and military ships to
after 20 weeks, restrict access to abortion more than 50 people in velopment Project, which back up the democratic country of Ukraine, 65 66 67
pills and require abortion providers to ask pa- the county hospitalized started moving forward which is already dealing with political unrest
tients if they would like to see an ultrasound with the virus, and six in 2019, is a 70-home and the loss of the Crimean Peninsula to ACROSS
Copyright 2022 by The Puzzle Syndicate
of their fetus. After the legislature passed the people have died from complex. Owned by the Russia in 2014. 1 Flip out 66 Squirrel's nest 30 Countless years
bill, Planned Parenthood sued the state. COVID-19 in the last week. city and partially financed Defense officials briefed President Joe 5 Farm workers? 67 Farm females 31 "Encore!"
Yellowstone County Judge Michael Moses “With this amount of through the city’s Tax Biden Saturday, with some responses includ- 9 State of disorder 32 Now and ____
placed the laws in an indefinite injunction COVID-19 in our community, Increment Financing fund, the ing deploying as many as 5,000 U.S. troops in 14 Yield DOWN 33 Top-notch
Oct. 20. all of our resources are strained,” project would only allow people the area, alongside air support and maritime 15 Poet Angelou 1 "Get out!" 34 Perform poorly
The 1999 Armstrong ruling found Mon- said Hayley Devlin, public information making 100% to 120% of the city’s medi- presences, The New York Times reported. 16 Divide in two 2 Watts of "The 36 Grad-school
tana’s right to privacy — notably stronger officer with Missoula County. “We have a an income to purchase a residence. “Even as we’re engaged in diplomacy, 17 Engine sound Impossible" goal MAKAYLA O’NEIL | MONTANA KAIMIN
than the federal government’s protections considerable number of health care workers The Missoula development board unani- we are very much focused on building up 18 Barbell exercise 3 Be of use to 39 Theatergoers, CLARISE LARSON
— covered a woman’s right to obtaining a out with COVID, so it is not just a concern of mously passed the spending plan, giving the defense, building up deterrence,” Secretary of 19 September 4 Harass e.g.
project more than $315,000 to get the prop- State Antony J. Blinken said in an interview bloom 5 Pacer maker 42 Take for a ride clarise.larson@umontana.edu
lawful medical procedure like a pre-viability beds, but how many people are actually able CANCER (JUNE 21–JULY 22): Porn star baby angel, Faye, you
abortion from a health care provider. The rul- to help.” erty’s infrastructure ready for construction, that aired Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” 20 Plain folk 6 Revolt 44 Marching band What do you get when you mix drugs, strobe lights, little heroin addict. Sweetie, maybe you’re always high
ing also introduced “procreative autonomy” The county health department is asking according to reporting from the Missoulian. “NATO itself will continue to be reinforced in 22 Soft mineral 7 Newbie member tasteful nudity and fully grown adults playing children? and have no clue what is going on, but you have a bf who
rights for women. the public to wear effective masks, like N95s, The land is currently held in a land trust, a significant way if Russia commits renewed often carved 8 Pizza topping 47 Discontinued, “EUPHORIA!” This show is basically “Riverdale” with promises you’ll never get caught for pushing that man off
Knudsen’s office argues the ruling is not to help slow the spread. Health officials are meaning the city would have some ownership acts of aggression. All of that is on the table.” 24 Used-car datum 9 Correct by with "out" more drugs and better acting. With a loaded cast full of of the balcony. Fingies crossed
News | Grizzlies on the ballot News | Sick spaces
From campus to candidate: UM-raised politicians fight for HD 96
CHRISTINE COMPTON
Housing shifts isolation standards for spring semester
christine.compton@umontana.edu ANNA HENNING
anna.henning@umontana.edu
Two University of Montana graduates
are campaigning for a seat in the Montana University of Montana Housing recently
State Legislature, but they’ll have to face changed its policy from quarantining all
each other first. campus close contacts to only isolating
The candidates, Maggie Bornstein positive COVID-19 cases, but officials are
and Jonathan Karlen, filed for the House preparing for the possibility UM won’t
District 96 seat as Democrats on Jan. 12 have enough rooms to isolate every posi-
and Jan. 13, respectively. Both are closely tive student, based on the latest surge.
tied to the University and voiced disagree- “We can evaluate the need for quar-
ments on how to best run the office. antine in some [close contact] cases, but
HD 96 spans from rural Huson to the expect that the spaces will be primarily for
west side of North Reserve Street in Mis- isolating positives,” said Paula Short, asso-
soula. The district houses 11,376 people, ciate vice president of campus operations.
according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This semester, the average isolation peri-
Whomever wins the seat in the district
od is lower because of less severe symp-
will join 99 other Montana representatives
toms the omicron variant. The Centers for
to author bills and approve budgets for the
Disease Control recommended the average
state.
isolation period be five days, down from
Bornstein, a spring 2021 grad, spent
her college days directing lobbyists as the previous recommendation of 10.
the student political action director of As of Jan. 24, there were 199 active UM
the Associated Students of the University COVID-19 cases, the highest rate ever.
MCKENNA JOHNSON | MONTANA KAIMIN
of Montana. She worked for the Mon- Countywide, more than 160 cases per
tana Human Rights Network researching 100,000 people were reported last week, they’re ready to leave based on what
extremism and was the lead advocate for also the highest level during the pandemic. they’ve been told from Missoula
families facing homelessness at the YWCA, There are only about 40 beds available City-County Health Department,” said
Bornstein said. in UM’s quarantine and isolation spaces, John Nugent, director of residential educa-
She now works for the Missoula Food UM graduate Jonathan Karlen is running as a Democrat for House District 96 in UM graduate Maggie Bornstein is also running as a Democrat for HD 96 in the the same amount as last semester. With tion and community standards at UM.
Bank as the donor engagement coordina- the upcoming primary. Karlen studied wildlife biology and minored in climate upcoming primary. Bornstein studied African American studies, sociology and the expected spike in COVID-19 cases, UM The reduced emphasis on contact trac-
tor. Bornstein champions homelessness, change studies. He is running on improving education and focusing on climate women’s, gender and sexuality studies. She is running on addressing homeless- Housing plans to have residents isolate in ing is a result of county recommendations
food insecurity and domestic violence as change issues in the state. MADDIE CRANDALL | MONTANA KAIMIN ness, food insecurity and domestic violence. their rooms if all beds are occupied. and not enough resources. According to
the key issues of Montana. MADDIE CRANDALL | MONTANA KAIMIN “It’s not unlike if you live in a house Short, UM does not have enough people
Karlen is completing his Master’s degree with multiple people,” Short said. “You to conduct full contact tracing like last
in public administration at UM this spring. have to isolate there and can’t move out of semester.
As an undergraduate, Karlen worked in has a “Republican trifecta,” meaning opponent. Karlen worked as a legislative informed by her non-profit work and your space.” “You may recall that some of that
Montana and Arizona studying local wild- the governor, Senate and House are all intern for U.S. Senate majority leader her experience with financially-insecure
In fall 2020, the University supplied contact tracing was delayed substantially
life. He funneled his outdoor experience right-leaning. Chuck Schumer in summer 2021. He also families. Bornstein recalled working with
students more than 100 quarantine and just because of overload for the contact
into resource policy making, Karlen said. If Democrats lose even two House seats, analyzed congressional bills for the U.S. single fathers who couldn’t feed their
isolation spaces, most centered in Aber tracers,” Short said.
In May 2021, he helped expand fishing Republicans will be able to pass bills with- Forest Service in summer 2020. Karlen children and elders who couldn’t navigate
Hall. The residential hall is now closed Close contacts who are unvaccinated or
and hunting opportunities to UM stu- out any Democrat input, Bornstein said. said it takes more than activism to pass a food stamp applications.
Despite their shared history and political bill. Bornstein said reaching across the aisle because of a larger campus renovation. not up to date on vaccines are still recom-
dents, according to a press release. Later
that summer, the Missoula City Council beliefs, the candidates clashed over each “I know Maggie well. We’ve worked to- means diluting the message that people Short said many students who have mended to quarantine for five days and get
appointed Karlen to the Missoula Energy other’s approach. gether. I was on ASUM senate here at UM, matter. She said she refuses to compromise family nearby opted to go home for their a test at the end of that period, according
and Climate team. Karlen said improving Karlen said he prides himself on his use and she was on the [Student Political Ac- her values for insignificant wins that do isolation period. This is only an option for to the CDC. However, close contacts are no
education and focusing on climate change of scientific research and willingness to tion Committee],” Karlen said. “I think that not change people’s lives. students who can drive home and will not longer a main focus for UM Housing.
are his top priorities. “reach across the aisle.” Karlen said the on the issues, Maggie and I would agree “It’s sort of a myth that some of these be putting anybody else at risk by isolating To support students, UM will provide
Republican Kathy Whitman, a former toxic polarization of Montana is delaying on the vast majority of things. I think how issues are bipartisan or not bipartisan,” there. transportation to the quarantine and isola-
community council member and elec- progress and much-needed policy. we would go about making the changes are Bornstein said. “It’s an excuse to not lead UM Housing does not give orders for tion spaces if needed. UM Dining provides
tions judge, currently holds the seat. She From his perspective, the only way to different.” with people. I always think people should how long students isolate. Housing coordi- food to these spaces, including cold meal
narrowly defeated challenger Loni Conley move forward in a Republican-dominated For Bornstein, science and numbers are be first and forefront in our minds in our nates the space and meals, while students packages and at least one hot meal a day.
by 200 votes in the 2020 election. Before field is to collaborate with all players. valuable, but they never trump the human policy.” must monitor their symptoms and work “A lot of people on campus are in-
Whitman, Democrat Tom Winter held the “In Montana, we have no choice,” Karlen experience. The two will face off on June 7 in the with the county health department. The volved,” Nugent said. “There’s a lot of
seat, winning by even slimmer margins. said. “If I’m elected and choose not to look “It’s a mark of my competence and pro- Democratic primary election. The winner isolation period is determined on a case- people putting in a lot of hours to provide
In a Republican-dominated state, Born- across the aisle, I’ll get nothing done.” fessionalism that I don’t need numbers to will run against returning Whitman, anoth- by-case basis. the best support we can to students who
stein and Karlen agreed that the stakes are Karlen said his experience in the legis- know I’m on the ground,” Bornstein said. er UM alumnus, in the general election on “Students communicate to us when are in a really rough situation.”
incredibly high for Democrats. Montana lative process gives him an edge over his Much of Bornstein’s perspective is Nov. 8.
6 January 27, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 27, 2022 7
lished the rights of Dreamers who had received
protection under Obama’s DACA rules. This
change served to remind her about that day in
2017, when Nereyda knew she had to take a
stand.
“I was full of anger,” she said. She drove to
the nearest store to buy markers and wrote mes-
sages all over her car protesting the decision:
“Support DACA” and “Here to Stay.”
A photo of her car she posted on Facebook
hit a thousand likes within the hour. A couple
days passed, and it went viral as immigrants’
rights organizations around the country
reached out to show support.
She heard from United We Dream, a national
immigrant youth-led network that fights for im-
migrant rights; and Montanans for Immigrant
Justice, a group formed after the 2016 election
in reaction to rhetoric against immigrants com-
ing from the White House.
“We’re looking for Dreamers from Montana,”
members told her.
In less than a month, Nereyda would be rally-
ing alongside 300 other DACA recipients from
around Montana and the country protesting for
their rights on Higgins Bridge. A year later, she
rallied again at Caras Park, where she spoke at
a women’s march elevating the voices of others
like her around Montana.
That day in 2017 became Nereyda’s call to
action — a calling to fight for immigrants’ rights
and her dreams.
Staying behind
Nereyda, now 33, is a single mother of three.
Still dreaming
Missoula’s been her home for more than a
decade after she moved here from Las Vegas for
job opportunities. Remembering what she and Ever since she was a little girl, Nereyda knew she wanted to become a nurse, but the fact that she was undocumented prevented her from applying for jobs,
her family went through in search of a better getting a driver’s license and going to college. After receiving DACA protection from the Obama administration in 2012, she was able to pursue her higher education
life is not easy. dreams while advocating and fighting for immigrants’ rights around the state.
Nereyda still remembers the day her mom,
Rosalba Chavez, left Mexico with her younger even have nightmares of my dad dying and me
sister Marissa and older brother Mauricio, head- wanting to jump into his grave.”
Nursing student uses her voice to fight for the future of DACA ing for the U.S. Seven-year-old Nereyda was left
behind, devastated in a place that soon became
unsafe.
Her mom met another man. He eventually
convinced Rosalba to get away from Guadalupe
and their problems by starting fresh in the Unit-
Story and photos by Antonio Ibarra Before her mom’s departure, growing up in
Chihuahua was not easy for Nereyda. Rosalba
ed States. They took Marissa along with them.
Nereyda’s brother, Mauricio, was sent to Las Ve-
and her dad, Guadalupe Calero, had a troubled gas later to reunite with Rosalba, while Nereyda
Nursing student Nereyda Calero slaps on a pair of gloves before starting a catheter insertion practice during her weekly registered nurse skills lab at Missoula College. Nereyda is a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals marriage when she was young. stayed behind in Naica with her father.
recipient from Chihuahua, Mexico, and the second in her family to go to college. Guadalupe had problems with alcohol and Rosalba was puzzled to see that her oldest
affairs with other women in the town of Naica, daughter wanted to stay with her dad in Naica.
where their family was living at the time. His “She just really loved her dad despite every-
Nereyda Calero dropped her kids off at rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood teers in various sectors of American society. she had her first two kids, they became her drinking kept Rosalba and her kids from being thing. I wish I could’ve brought all of my kids,
school on a September morning in 2017 and Arrivals program, putting the future of Dream- In 2012, the Obama administration grant- motivation. able to come home. but I couldn’t,” she said.
got ready to tackle her day’s work at Providence ers like Neredya in jeopardy. ed protection to Dreamers like Nereyda who “They deserve more than what I had. I didn’t “It was hell having to live like that,” Rosalba Living with her dad was draining for Nerey-
St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula as a nursing She stared at the screen, in tears. were illegally brought to the United States as want them to be hungry like I was or not [be] said. “Oftentimes when he was drinking, he da. Guadalupe started living with the woman
assistant. “God, please help me,” she said to herself. children. able to get a good job because [they] don’t have would kick me and my kids out of the house he was having an affair with when he was still
Nereyda had plans to continue working Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions as Before then, she’d lived a secret and limited papers.” and we would have to stay with other family. married to Rosalba. Nereyda had to adapt to
toward her dream of becoming a registered she imagined every possible scenario. Would life. She couldn’t apply for federal student aid Under DACA, Nereyda took agency in her It was horrible to live like that, which is why I a different household and new step-siblings.
nurse and getting a degree at Missoula College. she get deported back to Mexico? Would she and pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer life. She enrolled in an emergency medical tech- decided to divorce him.” There she was seen as an outsider and felt
Divorced and raising two children at the time, lose her kids and her mom, everything she’d or nurse. She couldn’t get a driver’s license, let nician course, started working at St. Pat’s and Despite that, Nereyda’s love for her dad was unloved.
she rarely had a minute to spare. But on this built over the years? alone stand up to employers who took advan- got her driver’s license, proving she belonged in strong. After the divorce, Nereyda felt she need- “She had three kids and they were nice
day, she took a moment for herself. She snapped It was unfair. She and other Dreamers tage of her as an undocumented worker. Her the U.S., and in Missoula. Now, she’s pursuing ed to stay and take care of him. sometimes, but they were mostly mean and Rosalba Chavez and Nereyda help Marissa, the youngest of Nereyda’s three kids, slip on her coat as they
on her TV and flipped to the news. worked, went to school and paid taxes. They situation meant she couldn’t speak up. her nursing degree at the University. “I would sleep with my dad, and my brother kind of abusive,” Nereyda said. “I remember get ready to go out for the night. Rosalba said she’s a proud mom and grandmother and is happy to see her
Ten minutes in, her world crumbled. The contributed to their new country as essential Nereyda felt as if her life was constrained In 2021, President Joe Biden reversed the and sister would sleep with my mom at night. I one day I got to their home and they just daughter pursuing her nursing dreams in college.
Trump administration announced it was employees working long hours, and as volun- to living in the penumbra of society. But after Trump administration’s decision and re-estab- was very attached to my dad,” she said. “I would grabbed the hose and started getting me all wet
8 January 27, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 27, 2022 9
a different woman. Being apart from Nereyda soula. Folkwein worked closely with Nereyda
made Rosalba rethink her connection with her as co-chairs of the organization by advocating
daughter. She’s apologized and made amends and helping Nereyda raise her voice. She said
with her three kids for how she treated them Nereyda’s effectiveness as an advocate comes
growing up. from her ability to connect with people.
Now, Rosalba lives with Nereyda in Missoula “She was really the group’s link to the im-
and takes care of her grandkids. migrant community in Missoula and someone
“I feel complete. I thank God that I’m reunit- who was really willing to speak,” Folkwein said.
ed with my three kids. I feel like I have a really “She was connected to St. Anthony’s Catholic
beautiful relationship with them,” she said. “It’s Church, which is this mostly Spanish-speaking
a beautiful thing.” immigrant worshiping community.”
When Nereyda lived with her mom in Las When the two first met, Folkwein knew right
Vegas, her relationship with Rosalba was com- away that Nereyda was a caring and compas-
plicated. Her mom was very strict and, in some sionate leader who would be an incredible
ways, a different person. bridge builder, which she says carried through
But she parented that way for a reason. Rosal- Nereyda’s desire to become a nurse.
ba wanted to raise her daughter to be the tough, “She’s a risk taker. Not everybody who is a
resilient and independent woman Nereyda is DACA recipient, or who’s part of a recent im-
now. migrant family, who’s bilingual, has the desire
“Despite the bad and tough character that I to connect with non-immigrant communities,”
had with her, it was all for the good,” Rosalba Folkwein said. “Not everybody who’s a woman
said. “Look at her now, she’s accomplishing of color in the U.S. cares to connect with white
things.” folks, because oftentimes, we can do more Linda Barnes, director of the nursing program at Missoula College, points out where to locate a vein as Ne-
Nereyda holds up a photo of her when she was 3 years old living in Mexico as she shares a moment with Nereyda pours over pages of her notes on the second-floor of the Missoula College before heading to her
Despite a difficult childhood, Nereyda still harm than good. She’s just such a powerful reyda prepares to perform an IV insertion on fellow classmate Jenny Krutilla during day one of a registered
her grandma Modesta Chavez, left, and her mom, Rosalba, at their apartment in Missoula. Modesta and nursing lab. Nereyda says most of the costs for books and school supplies come out of pocket since being
loves her mother. Even after Rosalba left, she force for good, and she’s so courageous in being nurse skills lab. “This isn’t the first time students have practiced doing IV insertions on each other, so it’s
Rosalba have been living in the U.S. for a little over 25 years after immigrating from Mexico. Nereyda said a DACA student doesn’t allow her to apply for federal scholarships or financial aid. willing to tell her own story, but she also does it
provided a form of stability for Nereyda when definitely less intimidating for them,” Barnes said. The lab provides students like Nereyda with hands-on
she’s happy to have the stability and love her family provides to her and her kids in Missoula. to help others.”
her dad was absent. She was a big part of Nerey- experience practicing medical procedures such as IV starts, drawing and injecting medication and perform-
da’s life growing up and says her tough upbring- Meeting Nereyda also deepened Folkwein’s
and I would just yell for them to stop.” whom she hadn’t seen for almost two years. “Mom!” But her mother wasn’t there. countryside, a white Ford Econoline waited for desire to continue her path in advocacy. ing adult assessments on mannequins.
ing forged her into the woman she is now.
Guadalupe’s alcohol problems also haunted As the heat pounded down on them, Nerey- Five minutes later, officers surrounded them. them outside the safe house. After moving across the Continental Divide,
Nereyda. Her stepmom would force her to go da held her aunt’s hand while they walked the Nereyda and her cousins stayed close together After one of the scariest experiences in her Folkwein became the pastor of Pilgrim United
to the cantinas of Naica and fetch her dad after streets of Agua Prieta, Sonora, looking for a as officers arrested them all and loaded them life, Nereyda remembers feeling a sense of relief A call to action Church of Christ, where she continues to work
he was done drinking. Nereyda described long coyote — a smuggler — the group could hire to up into a pickup. as she and her family got inside the van and with the immigrant community in the Boze-
nights outside bars waiting for her dad to come get them across the border into Arizona. In the next few hours, they were taken to a settled in for the long drive to Phoenix. Coming to the U.S. as a child and leaving be- man-Belgrade area. Although they both parted
out because she wasn’t allowed to enter. The stretch of land they would attempt to migrant detention facility to get their photos hind the only place Nereyda knew was a strain. ways, she says she aims to continue working
“If I didn’t bring my dad from the cantina, the walk through is one of the most hostile routes taken and be fingerprinted. Despite being young, she experienced culture with Nereyda whether it’s through her church
lady wouldn’t let me into the house. So I had to migrants take. Many have died, and few make The detention center was in a location un- The reunion shock. Language and U.S. culture were barriers or the organization they were part of.
wait outside the cantinas for hours and hours it safely across. According to Humane Border, known to Nereyda, and it looked like a prison. she encountered, along with anti-immigrant Since 2017, Nereyda has helped organize
until my dad would come out drunk,” she said. which collects data from medical examiners People were in cage-like cells waiting to be Hours into the drive, the group made it to sentiments, but she found refuge with others informational rights campaigns for immigrants
“Thank God nothing happened to me.” in counties along the Arizona-Mexico border, processed and deported back across the border. the Arizona state capital. Nereyda’s memory who were Hispanic and Latino. across the state and has built a network with
The situation worsened over time. At some since January 1999, there have been more than The women and children were separated fades after their draining crossing attempts. She Being undocumented still meant living with other immigrants’ rights activists like Folkwein.
points, Guadalupe’s partner said hurtful things 3,000 deaths in highly trafficked areas of the from the men. recalls they met up with her aunt’s husband, a sense of fear. What would become of her if Her Spanish has allowed her to connect and
to her in front of her dad, who rarely stepped in desert. Like most 8-year-olds, Nereyda had never who drove them to Las Vegas to reunite with she was deported? Who would take care of her help others on a highly personal level.
to defend her. Hours passed before Mirna located a coyote seen so many people in cages before. Looking Rosalba. kids? What about her dreams? Over the years she has met with U.S. Sen.
Nereyda’s family had enough. They knew her to guide them through the Sonoran Desert. The back now, she can’t imagine how much more As they pulled into the driveway of Rosalba’s Having the privilege to be protected under Jon Tester in Washington, D.C., and has tried
dad meant the world to her, but they hated see- cost: $1,500 in cash. terrified she’d have been had authorities sepa- suburban Las Vegas home, she, Marissa and DACA meant the world to Nereyda. It had given to work with Sen. Steve Daines’ office, telling
ing her in this spiral. One of Nereyda’s uncles The next night, the smuggler took them to a rated her from her guardian, as U.S. Customs Mauricio were standing outside. It had been her life certainty. But that changed in 2017. them to fight for the rights of those who live in
finally brought her into his home, where she no house near the border where about 15 people and Border Protection did to hundreds of almost two years since Nereyda had last seen As she cried on her couch on that September the shadows of society. She’s advocated for the
longer roamed the streets after dark searching waited inside to go across. children who arrived with their parents at the her family. morning, Nereyda experienced a call-to-action. DREAM Act, which would grant a pathway
for her father. It was 3 p.m. and the July heat was blistering. southern border under the Trump administra- “I felt safe. I didn’t recognize my sister be- She wasn’t going to stay silent as those in polit- to permanent citizenship for undocumented
When Rosalba learned what was happening Nereyda remembers carrying gallons of water — tion in 2019 and 2020. cause she was this little skinny thing when she ical power tried to dismantle the program that immigrants, but has stalled in Congress.
to Nereyda, she decided it was time to bring her and hearing a set of twins, little girls, who kept Hours passed as Nereyda and her family came from Mexico,” Nereyda said. “I remember provided her with stability in a country where Her years of activism have solidified her
to Las Vegas — no matter what it would take. crying and crying. were processed. Then, they were driven back telling her that she got puffed up. I didn’t really she’d fought so hard to live. Instead, she was desire to stay an activist. She considers it her
As they made their way through the arid to the border for deportation. After their first think my sister was the same. But after we going to fight for the rights of others like her. calling.
terrain, Nereyda felt the sting of dry, thorny attempt at crossing, they tried again four more talked, she was the same person that came from “We give so much to society. Why would they “I feel like God wanted me to be here,” she Missoula College classmates Franny Barber, middle, and Tayler Eubank, right, watch as Nereyda performs an
The beginning of a bushes scraping her young face and body. Her times. Mexico.” want to take this away? Why this hate against said. IV insertion on a mannequin arm. Neveyda said the nursing labs provide a unique opportunity to bond with
For Rosalba, reuniting with her daughter was
life-long journey two younger cousins were at a breaking point
from the heat and the pain. Their cries pierced
The next three attempts are fuzzy in Nerey-
da’s mind. But she remembers the exhaustion the biggest relief, and others there could see
us? Why would somebody want to attack us like
this? We have families too,” she said.
And, because of her status with DACA, Ne-
reyda was finally able to achieve her goal — pur-
her classmates and professors as they work and help each other during each lab session.
the air as they trudged behind the smuggler. from walking and running many miles. Some her happiness radiating as the two embraced, Now, she’s raising her three kids, Cesar, 17, suing her nursing degree from Missoula College
In the blistering July heat of the Sonoran Then the sound of propellers thundered in the first group didn’t attempt to cross again; Nereyda said. Later, Rosalba would tell her Daniel, 10, and 17-month-old Marissa, while as a second semester student and working on has continued to connect with others through to secure the rights of immigrants across the
Desert, 8-year-old Nereyda gripped her aunt above. others were never seen again after getting daughter that her departure from Mexico dev- becoming a voice for immigrants’ rights in Mon- her nursing clinicals at St. Patrick Hospital. nursing. Over seven years, she has worked country.
Mirna’s hand. A helicopter flown by agents with Customs deported. astated her. She admits she suffered not seeing tana with organizations that include Montan- Being in Missoula College’s nursing program as a psychiatric technician at St. Pat’s gaining For now, every lecture and nursing class and
It was 1997, and with only the things they and Border Protection appeared on the horizon In their fifth attempt, a coyote guided them her baby girl. ans for Immigrant Justice. There, she met fellow has been a dream come true for Nereyda. The real-world experience outside of nursing school every relationship she’s been able to build at
could carry in a couple backpacks, young Ne- and headed their way. The group started to in the night through a different route. At a safe One of Nereyda’s uncles recalls seeing activist and friend Laura Folkwein. relationships she’s been able to build with her and securing possible job opportunities at the Missoula College is something she deeply cher-
reyda, Mirna and her two cousins embarked on panic. house, a group that had made it across the day Rosalba cry for her daughter night after night. Folkwein, who lives in Bozeman, quickly program’s professors and the practical experi- hospital after graduation. ishes, especially in the state that has been home
a dangerous journey across the Mexican border The coyote yelled, “Hey! Get down under the before waited for the others. It wrecked her knowing the precarious living connected with Nereyda because of their ence she gets access to both at school and St. But her dreams don’t just stop at a nursing for more than 10 years, and she doesn’t plan to
to the U.S. They hoped to reunite with family tree!” As Nereyda and her family crossed a bridge situation Nereyda was in with Guadalupe. shared values when she was the associate Pat’s — that’s meant so much. degree. In the near future, Nereyda hopes to get stop dreaming.
on the other side — including Nereyda’s mother, Nereyda was so scared she screamed, to the U.S. after days of trekking through the After years in the U.S., Rosalba has become pastor at the United Church of Christ in Mis- Outside of her life as an activist, Nereyda into law school and become a senator working
10 January 27, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 27, 2022 11
Arts | New semester, new vibes Arts | Reviews
Students optimistic for spring semester The Lumineers take a walk on the ‘Brightside’ of life
ASK OVAL
HALEY YARBOROUGH edge to the darker lyrical narrative of someone repeating “Here we are (where we are) / I don’t
JOSH MOYAR
jm144854@umconnect.umt.edu
Sarah Grissom works with Accelerate
Montana, a campus program dedicat- THE haley.yarborough@umontana.edu trying to commit themselves to a relationship
in a drug-induced haze.
know where we are (where we are) / But it will
be okay.”
ed to fostering the growth of Montana
On first listen, the Lumineers’s new album While diluted by the endless repetition of This album triumphs when it abandons
businesses. In tandem with the Gallagher
Just weeks ago, students came back to “Brightside” is the sunshine-filled fuckfest of walking on the brightside of life, it’s these these pointless assurances that everything
College of Business, Accelerate Montana is
the University in droves for the start of most music artists’ pandemic releases. kinds of stories that reveal the darker side will be alright for nuanced lyrics that are both
prepping for spring events like the Ruffatto
classes — and all those who didn’t slip on But if you listen closer, you start to notice of an otherwise hopeful-sounding band. mournful and hopeful. While the track “BIG
Business Startup Challenge on campus.
the ice and die are gearing up for another the gone-wrong images of tears, heartbreak, Unfortunately, “Brightside” does not complete- SHOT” carries a relatively straightforward an-
The challenge takes place in the business
semester in the crown jewel of Western burning houses and a bridge built to get ly capitalize on the triumphs of albums like them, the strained vocals add genuine sadness
school and has teams of students compete
Montana. stranded on. It’s the kind of optimism that’s “III,” which admirably sacrificed catchiness to the simple but clear-eyed lyrics.
for up to $50,000 to put toward their busi-
The beginning of the year means new supposed to be reassuring, but not willfully for some of the Lumineers best and darkest The 3-minute rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza
ness idea.
classrooms, new faces and new class chal- ignorant of reality. For the most part, The songwriting. “NEVER REALLY MINE” deviated to more
“That’s most of what’s been on my
lenges. Often, that can be intimidating. But Lumineers pull it off, even if its message gets The Lumineers’s weakest moments emerge chant-worthy, but intriguing lyrics like “say it
mind,” Grissom said.
for many of the students we interviewed convoluted by a repetitive and annoyingly when the band ditches this magic-making ten- once so all the neighbors can hear you/ who
Another big event to look forward to?
on the Oval this first week of classes, one optimistic chorus. sion for songs fixed with rose-tinted glasses. was never gonna play to lose.”
The spring thaw and the green awakening
emotion rang clear: Excitement to be back The first song of the nine-track album, “BIRTHDAY” is by far the worst culprit “Brightside” ends on an exciting note,
of Missoula
in Zootown. “BRIGHTSIDE,” shows you exactly what kind for being annoyingly cheerful. What starts as flowing seamlessly from the more minimal CONTRIBUTED
“I really want to go out and explore more
“I’m actually excited to be back in class,” of optimism you’re in for with a lifeline chorus a somewhat compelling image of someone “REMINGTON” to the epic final track “RE-
once the weather turns,” freshman Hailey
junior Jack Schwaiger said. “It seems like of “I’ll be your brightside baby tonight.” facing down a burning house with a garden PRISE.” The song in no way is a reprise of the
Savage said. “Last semester I spent too
a lot of the rules have relaxed a bit, and Unlike the Lumineers’ previous albums hose in hand is eclipsed by 2 seemingly nev- album opener (thankfully) as it stands on its happy-ending where they head for “the bright
much time inside, but now that I’m done
some of my classes are really interesting. “Cleopatra” and “III” the instrumentation is er-ending minutes of “It’s alright, it’s alright, it’s own with features like a church organ and side baby tonight.”
adjusting I’m ready to get out and meet new
But just in general, being back on campus both rock and acoustic. The track begins with alright, it’s your birthday, dear” over a campy syncopated piano sorely missed throughout While “Brightside” at times can be blinding,
people.”
is nice.” drums — which is not a far departure from its piano tune. the guitar and drum-dominant album. Rather the Lumineers establishes through its more
“I’m just waiting for it to get warmer,” an-
Though spring’s orientation isn’t as typical projects — before an electric gui- Other tracks like “Where We Are” follow a than promising to be everyone else’s figurative experimental music that it’s not completely lost
other freshman, Sara Wolf, said. “I miss be-
extravagant as fall’s, there are still some tar-heavy rhythm takes hold, adding that extra similar formula, with a lackadaisical chorus sunshine, the Lumineers focuses on its own in the light.
ing out and about. Going downtown there’s
students walking the Oval for the first time
people everywhere, biking and swimming.”
The new reboot of a horror classic will make you ‘Scream’!
this semester.
While some certainly do like it hot, there
Students like Philip Overtorf, who
are plenty of snow junkies in Missoula.
just arrived on campus from Huntington
After all, Snowbowl Ski Resort is a short
Beach, California, to study pre-nursing.
drive away. Barrera is joined by Jenna Ortega (“The who the killer is will flop back and forth
Despite some first day jitters, he’s feeling JOSH MOYAR
“I’m pumped to get back on the snow a Babysitter: Killer Queen”), Jack Quaid (“The again and again until you start suspecting
positive. jm144854@umconnect.umt.edu
few more times before it gets too warm,” Hunger Games”) and Dylan Minnette (“Thirteen yourself.
“I’m not really that nervous, in all hones-
sophomore journalism student Jane Rooney Reasons Why”), along with a slew of other teen- And what’s even better is that such a large
ty,” Overtorf said. “I’m outside my comfort Do you like scary movies?
said. age actors that are sure to make you point to the cast means there is LOTS of room for casu-
zone for sure, but good things always This past week, after more than 10 years,
Of course, it’s hard to ignore the ele- screen and say “Hey! Weren’t they in that one alties, a handful of which will undoubtedly
happen outside comfort zones.” the “Scream” series released its fifth install-
phant in the room — a highly contagious thing?” While the new players have yet to gain become icons in the horror canon. A scene
University of Montana Chief of Staff Kel- ment, a “requel,” as the characters in the
new strain of a familiar foe, COVID-19’s the notoriety of the OG cast, they are charismat- in a hospital midway through the movie is
ly Webster said having students on campus movie call it. Not quite a reboot and not quite a
omicron variant. ic enough to carry some weight. Luckily, some near perfect, and the final act will have your
again after break is a good feeling. For the sequel, 2022’s “Scream” picks up the plot years
“This omicron spike is a bit scary,” Hill old friends stopped by to help out. heart racing like you’re in the house with
past month, the bell tower’s ring echoed later, with some all-new characters and horror
said. “I really worry about the mental and Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David them.
over the empty tundra of the Oval, but royalty.
physical health of everyone. We’re trying Arquette all return to their iconic roles, Result: Pass.
now it signals throngs of students scatter- But there are certain rules a horror requel
to have fun and be excited with this big TOP LEFT: As a person who enjoys manifesting making them the only actors to appear in all Rule number four, the final rule: A horror
ing in every direction. must follow. Let’s see if “Scream” can cut it.
thing looming over our heads. We’re plan- good vibes, freshman Sofia Beers said she’s expect- five “Scream” films. They jump back into the requel needs to love the original.
“I know this sounds cliché, but it’s not Rule number one: A horror requel HAS to
ning events that in all likelihood could be ing to make this semester her best so far. characters with ease. You know what they say: For some reason, this is the hardest rule for
the same without the students. It’ll be use the original title of the film.
canceled at any moment.” you never forget how to ride a bike, or take these movies to follow. Iconic horror titles are
so empty all of break and then everyone “Friday the 13th.” “Halloween.” “Child’s
In spite of all the uncertainty, Web- BOTTOM LEFT: Sophomore Brynn Letzig and multiple stab wounds. often used at the center of money-grabbing
comes back and you just think, ‘Oh yeah, Play.” “Candyman.” No no no, this isn’t
ster remains hopeful that students will
that’s why we’re here.’ Our work doesn’t freshmen Hailey Savage and Ashley Hernandez are Result: Pass. schemes. It’s becoming harder to find horror
continue to take care of one another. The “Scream 5.” It’s “Scream.” Don’t mix that up
matter without them. Our lives now have looking forward to warmer weather and spring Rule number three: A horror requel needs to films made with a little TLC.
semester is set to continue in person, so it’s again.
meaning,” Webster said, laughing. hiking this semester. up the action, the mystery and most important- But as soon as the film begins, and the
best to grab on tight and hang on. Result: Pass.
Now campus life is back in swing, a ly, the gore. familiar voice comes through the phone, you’ll
“There are always bumps in the road,” Rule number two: A horror requel needs Like many a horror franchise, the “Scream” know for a fact that these filmmakers know
host of activities are set for the next few TOP RIGHT: University of Montana Chief of Staff
Webster said. “But we’ll weather through to introduce exciting new characters while films ran out of steam as time passed (I’m what they’re doing.
months. Kelly Webster and Assistant Dean of the Honors
them. We always do.” paying tribute to the franchise classics. looking at you, “Scream 3”). The chase scenes “Scream” is a movie worthy of its name, all
“We have Aloha Week, Kyiyo, the Black And if you’re looking for advice for College Katie Cordingley are happy to have students Melissa Barrera, budding actress known felt tired. The whodunnits felt lazy. The kills culminating in a final “For Wes” before the
Solidarity Summit, Lambda Queer Prom manifesting good vibes, just ask freshman back on campus. Cordingly is excited to start her from recent hit “In the Heights,” joins the cast were downright unforgivable. Luckily, this credits roll, a dedication to Wes Craven, the
and so many more great things,” said Sofia Beers. Questions for Undergraduates Exploring Social Topics class, where students will make proposals for better- in her first stint as a scream queen. Her charac- requel feels like a shot of tequila after the last late director behind iconic horror films like
Salena Beaumont Hill, director of inclusive “I am going to have a good semester, not ing the city, some of which will be sent to the mayor of Missoula. ter Sam is revealed to be the daughter of Billy two installments. “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “The Hills Have CONTRIBUTED
excellence for student success. “Spring is a bad semester,” she said. “This semester Loomis, the original killer from the classic The characters are used perfectly in terms Eyes” and, of course, “Scream.” It was all for
full of student activities.” will be a good one. That is my only expec- BOTTOM RIGHT: Hailing from Huntington Beach, California, incoming freshman Philip Overtorf is trying to film. This puts her at the center of another of making them come across as suspects. him.
In addition, many events are happening tation. It will be spot-on, perfect. There is adjust to the snow in his first semester on campus. MADDIE CRANDALL | MONTANA KAIMIN massacre, courtesy of the all-new Ghostface. Throughout the film, your prediction for Result: Pass, with flying colors.
within the University’s individual colleges. nothing to be afraid of.”
12 January 27, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 27, 2022 13
Sports | ‘Blades of Glory’ Opinion | Marshall Law
Griz hockey’s ‘dynamic duo’ reflect on a breakout season
TYE BROWN
What the hell happened to basketball’s student section?
JACK MARSHALL
tye,brown@umontana.edu
jack.marshall@umontana.edu
Axl Cluphf is one of the oldest members of
UM’s newly revived hockey team at 25. Sport-
ing a wiry black beard and hair that tumbles In the last three years at UM, the best
far past his shoulders, he looks and speaks student section at a Dahlberg Arena
more like a mountain man than a student basketball game happened during a high
athlete. school matchup.
“Playing in this league, I feel like an old While the 2019 Brawl of the Wild hoops
man,” he said. game drew a good contingent of students,
Standing outside the Glacier Ice Rink be- it was just as loud as the Hellgate and Sen-
tween city league games, where he works as a tinel High School student sections during
scorekeeper with his brother Zane three days the “golden goat” matchup. The crosstown
a week, Axl reflected on his first season play- attendance was impressive. In fact, UM
ing outside the beer league hockey matches of students have only been able to match
his late teens. the high school games’ attendance once,
“I hate to say it, because it sounds kind of despite having a much larger student body.
bad, but for me this all feels like a joke that’s In the 2021-22 basketball season, the
gone too far,” he quipped. student section for men’s and women’s
When Griz Hockey made its reappearance basketball at UM has been barren. So bar-
in 2021 after a decade-long absence, the ren that now general admission tickets are
Cluphf brothers — introduced during games as sold to all fans — so a good chunk of the
the team’s “dynamic duo” — took the opportu- once-coveted section is now filled with all
nity to continue playing the sport they grew types of fans.
up with at a higher level, though for different Some games have seen more students
reasons. on the teams’ benches than in the actual
Axl said when his brother was accepted to student section.
the University team after being recruited by The only consistency in the student sec-
Mike Anderson, Zane’s former coach on the tion this year is the UM pep band, which
Missoula Junior Bruins and current co-head always sports some riled up brass players
coach of the Grizzlies, he signed up without who hurl verbal abuse at the visiting team
the expectation that he’d actually play. while they shoot free throws. When the
“I found out I got accepted and said, ‘Well, pep band is supported with packed stands,
fuck, that wasn’t supposed to happen,’” Axl it adds a home court advantage — but when
joked. “Coach Mike didn’t intend on having the student section is empty, it becomes
tryouts, because only one other person showed Montana’s Zane Cluphf (left) and brother Axl stand to the side during Griz Hockey practice and take in the action. Although they’ve played hockey since childhood, more of a skeleton spirit crew.
Fans in the student section cheer on their classmates as the Griz Hockey team faces off against Montana State at Glacier Ice Rink on Jan. 22, 2022. Hockey atten-
up. I tried to play shitty, but I guess I didn’t the 2021-2022 season is the first time the brothers have been on the ice together competitively. TYE BROWN | MONTANA KAIMIN Why isn’t the student section full? We
can think of a few reasons. dance has boomed, while anyone can now sit in the sparse student section for basketball. SHANNA MADISON | MONTANA KAIMIN
play shitty enough.”
Originally from Lake Stevens, Washington, “I know Axl, he wants to do gunsmithing, knew hockey, until they got a junior team in Zane said. First, there hasn’t been a home Cat/Griz
basketball game since the 2019-20 season. had to expand its seating this season. dance song.
the Cluphfs spent a large part of their childhood that kind of stuff with it. And I’m honestly — Everett [Washington].” “I think that’s what every team is looking
This matchup usually sees a packed house This is all great for UM Hockey, which In current times, these scenes seem
going on family trips to Western Montana to I’ll just take whatever I can get with that,” Zane “Except for stick ’n puck, we never played for,” UM hockey co-head coach Anderson said.
— although the 2021 Cat/Griz volleyball has found ways to market toward students improbable, or like they were filmed in a
visit their grandparents in Lolo and stay in the said. together until now,” Zane added. “Being on the “I think for a first-year team that might be pret-
matchup didn’t fill the student section like — and recently had a cool “throwback different era. In Griz basketball terms, they
area around Flathead Lake. After their grandfa- Even while pursuing hockey on a junior same team together for the first time, it’s a cool ty unique to have that many guys who already
it did in 2019. night” — but it has also shown just how were. This was back when the conference
ther passed away, the brothers moved to Lolo to team in Butte, through a season on the Mis- experience.” know each other.”
Another obstacle is certainly the pan- much interest students have lost in UM tournament was held at the best regular
live with their grandmother, Martha. soula Junior Bruins, then to UM’s team, Zane But even outside the “dynamic duo,” Zane “At our level, in college, a lot of guys play
demic. The last time there was a notable basketball. season team’s home gym.
Zane, 20, said that after coming to Missoula said he and his brother have always kept a also sees the rest of the team as a tight family. three, four years in one place, so you form that
student section for a basketball game at It is crazy to think a club sports team Now the tournament is held in Boise
he started to see hockey as a big potential tight connection with their grandmother, who “I know it’s a pretty basic sport thing to say group,” Anderson continued. “Our challenge
UM was before the fateful spring of 2020. has garnered more interest from students regardless, so the only thing UM home
opportunity for his future, rather than simply bought the brothers their first pairs of skates. we’re like a family, but it’s true,” he said. “Com- was doing that in a couple weeks before the
But the pandemic certainly hasn’t stopped than syndicated sports programs that have games affect is seeding. It is easy to see
as a hobby. He remembers skating around the frozen pond ing together as a team as quick as we did, and season, and the guys having already played
students from filling out the football stu- both been to the NCAA tournament in the why a student would rather be at a cham-
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he said. behind her house during their winter trips to in the first year.” with each other really helps.”
dent section. last decade. pionship game rather than one that is just
“When I first turned 18 I thought I didn’t even Montana. The brothers said the dynamic among the As Griz Hockey’s first season back on the
So where are the basketball attendees? Ten years ago was a nearly polar oppo- for regular season glory.
want to go to college. I thought maybe I’d be Now, as their grandmother struggles with players is something unique to UM’s team. A ice starts to wind up, the Cluphfs and the rest
Right now, it seems like UM students site scene at UM, as the men’s basketball Maybe students will begin to fill Dalh-
a longshoreman in Seattle, hop into my dad’s health issues and is unable to leave the house, lot of the athletes, they said, knew each other of the team are looking to the future of UM’s
just care about UM Hockey more. Maybe team won a conference championship at berg down the stretch of the season. But
field of work and do that kind of stuff.” the brothers said they continue to play with before the Grizzly team was reinstated, playing newest blockbuster sport. “We only have one
it’s because beer is served right next to home and students swarmed the court for now, it seems as if the Hellgate-Senti-
It wasn’t until he was recruited for the her in mind. with and against one another on various junior senior, so I think everybody is going to come
the student section in the Glacier Rink, or from a jam-packed student section. In a nel will provide the most school spirit on a
Grizzlies that Zane was obligated to find a “I wanted to be there to help her,” Zane said. teams, like the Junior Bruins. back and play again,” Zane said.
maybe it’s because hockey is just as violent YouTube video from nine years ago titled Griz basketball court. A section once domi-
field of study at the University, a requirement “It’s the least I could do for her with everything “Playing against each other, you really UM plays its last two games of the regular
as football. Either way, on any given day “University of Montana Student Section nated by rabid fans is now a safe haven for
for participating on the team. Both he and Axl she’s done for us.” watched how that other team plays. Coming season Jan. 28 against the University of Provi-
the Glacier Ice Rink student section is Going WILD!” a mass of students can be families and older fans who want a better
now study precision machining at Missoula Zane said he started playing when he was 4 into this year, it felt like everyone just kind of dence at the Glacier Ice Rink, and Feb. 3 at the
standing room only. The hockey team even seen jumping up and down to an electronic view of the game.
College. or 5, and Axl at 9 or 10. “But none of our family knew how everyone else was going to play,” University of Providence.
14 January 27, 2022 montanakaimin.com montanakaimin.com January 27, 2022 15
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