By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Media Relations
MISSOULA, Mont. – For the Northwestern State Demons and especially for their fans, this weekend’s trip to Big Sky country was about much more than Saturday’s matchup with No. 2 Montana.
For the student-athletes and NSU fans and staff members, it was about bringing back memories of an area most had not seen.
“Trips like these are part of what makes a student-athlete’s experience whole,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “Before we left Thursday, we had one student-athlete on the team who had been to Montana and several others who had never flown. Coming to Montana is something they may never have the chance to do again.”
The Demons and their fans spent much of Friday exploring the culture in and around Missoula, a city of roughly 75,000 people situated along the Clark Fork River.
Demon fans took advantage of the day to travel to the Flathead River, see a bison range and visit sites made popular in the television series “Yellowstone” before wrapping up the evening with a social event put on by the NSU athletic department.
The Demon players went sightseeing Friday morning.
“The views had me excited,” said junior wide receiver Javon Antonio, a LaPlace native. “I saw the mountains, getting out in the weather. We’ve had a lot of family time, bonding, a lot of guys experiencing things for the first time together. I’ve been impressed.”
While the roster includes players from California, Maryland and Pennsylvania, the majority of NSU players hail from Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi, making the westward jaunt unique for numerous players as well as staff members.
“Of course it’s the first time for many of them in Montana, but for some it’s their first time outside of Louisiana or Mississippi or Texas,” said fifth-year head coach Brad Laird, who made his second trip to Montana. “Seeing a different part of the United States – we have a game Saturday and that’s why we’re here – to be able to experience some things our guys may never do again, those are the memories you make that will last a lifetime.”
Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu
Photo courtesy BUDDY WOOD