Sports
LPHS football coach takes on Big Horns basketball
Published
6 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Dan Kelly EBS Contributor
BIG SKY – Growing up in Columbia Falls, Montana, a few miles from Whitefish, Austin Barth knew early on he wanted to be a coach. A standout athlete for the Columbia Falls Wildcats in both football and basketball, he began as a camp coach for youth in his community to help them improve and develop their skills.
“Coaching really started for me in high school working those camps,” Barth said. “I found that passion for trying to help other people out.”
Playing basketball for iconic coach Cary Finberg at Columbia Falls, he and his teammates played in three state championships during his high school career, winning the state title in 2011. An All-State athlete in football as well as basketball for the Wildcats, Barth would join the Montana State University football team as a tight end in 2013. Barth continued his work at MSU football camps throughout his time as a Bobcat, while earning a teaching degree.
He remembers his English teacher from Columbia Falls, E.J. Horner, telling him “you are going to be a teacher someday, just watch.” She turned out to be right. After graduating from MSU this past spring, Barth began teaching middle school science and social studies at Ophir School, as well as working as an assistant coach for the Lone Peak High School football team. This season is his first at the helm of the Big Horns varsity basketball team.
“I want to set the culture that we are going to give 100 percent or it’s not going to be good enough,” Barth said. “We have to go out and attack every team.”
Looking to emphasize an up-tempo offense paired with hard-nosed, suffocating defense, Barth and the Big Horns are focused on forcing other teams to make mistakes with the ball. In addition to these on-court goals, Barth recognizes the importance of a coach being a mentor to his players, and making sure they excel both on and off the court.
Barth is joined by assistant coaches John Hannahs and Brian Van Eps, who will help implement high pressure defensive tactics such as the half-court trap, while building Big Horn shooters’ confidence to make tough shots with authority.
“If you can have great defense, that is going to take you places down the road,” Barth said. “We want to be a fast team, a ‘green light’ team where every kid has that confidence to take their shot.”
This approach to the hardcourt has been met with enthusiasm by the Big Horn players, who are off to a strong start this season, winning four out of their first six games. As the old adage goes, “defense wins championships,” and the Lone Peak Big Horns forced 51 turnovers in a recent game, putting pressure on opponents who struggled to move the ball against their high intensity defense. Paired with a fast and aggressive offensive style, the Big Horns will continue to be a team to watch in Barth’s inaugural season as head coach.
After a gritty road win on Dec. 22, the Big Horns stand at 4-2 with an upcoming game against a physical Twin Bridges team on Friday, Jan. 5, at Lone Peak High School. The following week, on Jan. 11, they host West Yellowstone at home, one of five games in a pivotal two weeks that includes away games at Sheridan and Ennis.
For a complete season schedule visit bssd72.org.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
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Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during
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Area parents are encouraged to bring their young children to Symphony Storytime with a Bassoon which will be presented at the Bozeman Public Library’s Community Room during their regular Toddler and Preschool Storytime on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:15 a.m. The free program, presented by the Bozeman Symphony is especially for children ages 3 to 5. Children will be able to listen to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks actor Emma Rather, who will be joined by Bozeman Symphony Bassoonist Sam Macken. The goal of the program is to encourage a love of music, literacy, and discovery. Additional programs are scheduled at the Library on April 10 and June 12. For more information, visit www.bozemansymphony.org or call 406-585-9774.
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