Flathead is Griz territory
It's springtime in the Rockies and the grizzlies were out in the field earlier this month causing a commotion - Flathead High School's field, that is. The Montana Grizzlies were on Flathead turf April 8 for the 2006 Griz football spring scrimmage at Legends Stadium.
Friends and fans gathered for a chance to see the University of Montana maroon and silver players in action here at home and to champion the Grizzly athletics program, which always gets broad support up here in the Flathead.
On behalf of the Grizzly Scholarship Association and the football team at the University of Montana, Greg Sundberg, executive director of the association, wrote to thank Kalispell for its warm hospitality.
"Our coaches, players and administration could not have been more impressed with the city's enthusiasm and support for Grizzly football," said Sundberg. "It was definitely a fun-filled weekend for everyone who was involved."
It could be that Griz running back Lex Hilliard had the most fun because he got the chance to play again on the field of his high-school alma mater.
Sundberg also thanked the GSA Flathead Valley Chapter "for their countless hours of preparation and hard work to make this event such a success" along with all the individuals and businesses for their generous donations.
"The support of Grizzly athletics in the Flathead Valley is simply amazing," he added. "We look forward to seeing you all this fall in Missoula!"
Grizzly fans take note: Kalispell previously hosted the spring scrimmage in 1995 and 2001 - and the Griz captured the national title both of those years.
Kalispell Lakers coach Ryan Malmin recently wrote the Inter Lake to express his appreciation to the parents and baseball players ages 5 to 15 who participated in the two-day Laker Baseball Camp on the same weekend of the Griz scrimmage.
He said that not only did it make for a great opportunity to meet the future of the Lakers American Legion program, but it also gave the campers some fundamental instruction.
The Lakers annual fundraiser is coming around May 13 at the WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel. The live and silent auction begins at 6:30, and afterward is a night of rock 'n' roll with Loose Caboose.
See you at Griffin Field this summer!
The Kalispell Fire Department recently donated equipment to the paramedicine program at Flathead Valley Community College, reported Tara Roth Burkhalter, FVCC's public relations specialist. The donation included three used Pro Packs to monitor patient vital signs such as heart rhythms, blood pressure and oxygen saturation levels.
They also made available a used Zoll 1600 cardiac monitor for a reduced price to care for patients with heart problems.
Altogether, the value of the equipment, if purchased new, would cost more than $30,000.
The donation gives the college paramedicine program a shot in the arm by ensuring its students are proficient with equipment used in the field by professionals.
"Their generous donation also makes it possible for the college to train and provide capable paramedics who are saving lives every day in our growing communities," Roth Burkhalter said.