I remember driving into Helena for the first time in April 2004.  I was eager to start working, but I wasn’t all that thrilled to be in Montana.  It’s funny as I look back now on all the memories I made, people I met, and fun times I had… I wouldn’t trade my experience in Helena for the world.

     I remember in January 2005, I was approached for another job opportunity.  I was planning to take it, but Kathy Ernst wouldn’t let me out of my contract.  It was the best thing to ever happen to me; she saved me.  I ended up staying at Beartooth, gained more on air experience, and shortly after was named the new Host of “The Saints Wrap Up Show,” which I enjoyed immensely. 

      I  remember staying up until 2:00 or 3:00 AM every Saturday to produce “The Saints Wrap Up Show,” – then, getting up at 10:00 AM on Sunday to film the interviews with the coaches and players.  And, I loved every minute of it!  I spent a lot of hours at the station on the weekends.

     The special thing about Helena is the community.  From the people I worked with, to Carroll College, the Brewers, or just area sports fans – everyone was so welcoming and caring.  It was extremely hard to move because of all of the relationships I made over the 2+ years.

Norma (February 2005)

  This was the 2nd major team I anchored with on the weekends… Rachel Hoffenberg in weather and Norma Yuriar in news.  I remember making Norma laugh so hard on air one time.  She tried to apologize, but was laughing too hard to even do that!  I had fun working with those two ladies.

     This was Rachel’s final show at Beartooth NBC.  Rachel and I worked together on the weekends for a year and a half.  Rachel became one of my closest friends.

Rachel (October 2005)

Coach Van Diest (November 2005)

  Coach Van Diest and I after taping “The Saints Wrap Up Show.”  I began anchoring highlights of the show, but in January of 2005, I took over as the full time host.  Mason, Marty, and I made a nice team.  I think the show really took off when we figured out how to make it more creative.

    Sunday night, watching myself on “The Saints Wrap Up Show.”  I’m surprised my ego and I fit into the same room!

Saints Wrap Up (November 2005)

Al (December 2005)

    Al and I in Tennessee for Carroll’s National Championship game vs. St. Francis.  We traveled with the team as they prepared for their 4th straight National Title.  Al was a mentor to me, but more so, a very close friend.  He welcomed me to KTVH right away and helped me gain confidence in myself. 

    Aaron Ofseyer, Curtis Grevenitz, and I at the Polar Plunge.  This was the 2nd straight year I did the jump.  I was a wreck before, during, and after.  I was so nervous.  Curtis was so cool and calm – even when he was getting out of the water.  You can go back to the video tape if you don’t believe me!

Polar Plunge (February 2006)

3 Guys (July 2006)

     Aaron, Brian, and I lounging on the News set after my final show at Beartooth NBC.  With the 3 of us pretty much in control over the weekend, the newsroom had a different feeling than the previous year.  The 3 of us did everything together… work and outside of work.

      This is the picture I had taken for Al’s button.  He said he always wanted a pin of me – kind of like a parent has of their kid playing a sport.  So, I made sure to get him one to wear when I left.

Beartooth (July 2006)