Column: Bigfork's Benn bids farewell to coaching

Jim Benn has called his last play for the Bigfork Football Vikings, and his departure from the Montana coaching ranks was just the way he wanted it: quiet. 

“I really tried not to make a big deal out of it,” Benn said. “Because it’s a $4,000-a-year job. I think sometimes we put more importance on those things that is reasonable, or rational.” 

Benn coached the Vikings for four seasons, following two with the Malta Mustangs and eight with Ronan. He had stops in Manhattan, Corvallis, Huntley Project and Missoula Loyola, and got in his 25 years of teaching. He announced his retirement on June 6 and considers himself fortunate.