Guest Blogger Hayden Chandler

Things are going great at camp. Today we explored a ghost town up in the mountains. We also had a 6 mile downhill bike ride planned. Because there were only 15 bikes or so we split into groups. But after the first group finished it became apparent that the beach cruisers we were riding were couldn't handle big football players constantly slamming on their breaks. So that cut a little short but was still a lot of fun and everyone made it down safely. After being in the outdoors for a while we practiced with Big Sky High School to finish off the day. Thanks for checking the blog we're all having a blast.

-Go Foxes!!!

The Day o the "M"

As the team winds down from an extremely busy day we have a chance to reflect. The day began with a breakfast that would clog the artery's and stop any mortal team in their tracks. The biscuits and gravy are just what the team needed to power through the activities that laid ahead. The team started the day with a bus ride to the rafting launch point on the Alberton Gorge. The bus ride was not totally uneventful as we had to make two unscheduled roadside stops for players who were not exactly feeling well.

We arrived at Montana River Guides where we had a short safety lesson before launching three full rafts into the Clark Fork river. Coaches Emmert, Howard, and Von Weller were the brave three that had the chance to attack the river in their own individual rafts. Players and coaches alike enjoyed floating down the river, watching bald eagles overhead, and just having a great time.

Once we were finished at the river we headed back into Missoula where we hiked up to the infamous "M" at the University of Montana. It was a tough and tiring hike in that afternoon heat, but everybody made it to the top where we took a great team picture. After we made our way back down the moutain we grabbed our football gear and headed into the Grizzlies football stadium for practice. Regardless of their tired condition, players were focused and worked hard through a very hot but fun football practice.

We came back to the ranch at about 7:30 where we had a great meal of Traeger chicken, pasta salad, and cake for dessert. It was a great day...everyone should sleep very well tonight! Tomorrow we are looking forward to heading into the ghost town of Garnet for biking and a tour!

Coach Rankin

p.s. Photos from the rafting trip should be posted in the next couple days.

Rafting was great!! We're now headed to climb to the M!

Merrell

Almost the end of a busy day

10PM at the ranch. The campers have about a half hour before lights out. Today was full of everything possible and tomorrow looks to be even more packed with activities. We depart at 8:30 for rafting, M hike, stadium practice, and bookstore visit. On our return, the boys will shower at Stevensville HS and get back to the ranch in time for dinner at 7:00.

Several have asked about the coaches vs players volleyball match and the coaches have continued their dominance from our 2008 matches.

Also, the added pictures to the slide show are from our team building scavenger hunt and campers fishing on the pond.

Good Night
Coach Gragg

Sorry. No pictures from our scrimage today. Like usual, the coaches got busy coaching and forgot to take a couple pictures. Regardless, the scrimmage was a success and we are now eating with the two teams we competed against. Pictures from our team building activity will be uploaded soon.

Torrey's feeling better and scaling the rock wall!

First Full Day at Big Sky Camp

Today was an exciting and exhausting day. We woke up around 7 or so, and ate breakfast. It was a delicious breakfast; egg casserole, which i think just contained potatoes, eggs and sausage. But it was awfully delicious! We also had a nice glass of O.J. and what breakfast is not complete without some nice grapes. After breakfast we headed up to go hiking and mountain climbing, which was kind of a bittersweet deal at the time, but I'm sure when we get back home everybody will look back and be happy we went through with it. TEAM BLACK did the rock climbing first, everybody participated and at least did the easier course even Mr. Bruckner! What a man! Shortly after turning around, the leaders of the hike were frightened by a prairie chicken! One member who will go unnamed screamed like a little girl and almost peed his pants... TEAM SILVER was next to climb, they did not hike as long as team black & orange, too bad for them, because it was awesome. They went back before everyone and as we came back beat tired and ready to sleep, they politely waved at us as they were playing volleyball. But from what i can tell, they had a fun time... they even were lucky enough to have Coach Emmert remember about a certain Mt. Dew slushee and they even stopped to get one... those lucky dogs! TEAM ORANGE from what i hear, made it the farthest up in their hiking excursion. They were also lucky enough to witness Jacob Messmer climbing the wall, team black was disapointed they were not gonna be able to witness him. Coach Gragg almost made it to the top of the harder course, but I hear he fell just a little bit short! Something he's probably not being very used to.

All and all it was a terriffic trip, and we came back to enjoy some extremely tast oktoberfest sausage. Later tonight we have a 7 on 7 match-up with Stevensville high school, and after they will be welcomed to joining us for dinner.

Guest Blogger: Hank Ulven

Sunrise!

The staff is up early this morning preparing for a busy day. The
campers will be up in about a half hour for egg casserole. After
breakfast we will head to Kootenai Creek Canyon for hiking, rock
climbing, and rappelling. Then it is back to the ranch for lunch and
a team building activity. This evening we will compete against two
local schools, Stevensville and Florence. After that we'll invite
them back for a spaghetti feed. We hope you enjoy your sunrise as well.
Coach Gragg

Good Night

Well, things are winding down. Not really, Kids are still playing basketball and volleyball in the dark, Toni and mom are preparing for tomorrow's breakfast, and the families are enjoying s'mores around the campfires.

I've added more pictures to the photobucket slide show. I hope you are enjoying them. Two of the pictures are of our two recovering participants. Torrey got sick on the trip and is still laying low and Coach Rankin, twisted his knee in a basketball game. Both have great attitudes and I'm sure they'll be ready to go in the morning.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Good Night,
Coach Gragg

WE'VE FINALLY MADE IT!!!

After 12 hours of travel, the caravan of Foxes made it to the Big Sky Team Camp right at 6:30 mountain time (5:30 there). Though Brueckner drove, we didn't have a flat tire or lose any kids along the way, which is always a good thing. The kids are exhausted from the trip, but are in great spirits and already talking about how they are going to take the coaches down in Volleyball. I'm not sure if they are prepared for the fanny-kicking they are about to receive. The weather here is blue sky and 80 degrees with a slight breeze, perfect for days of fun and team building. We will continue to keep you updated and want to thank you again for the opportunity that you have given your son. We are excited about the coming days. Talk to you soon!

Coach Emmert

Next stop, Big Sky Camp 2009.

We made our last pit stop in Smelterville, ID for fuel and snacks. We should arrive at the ranch around 6pm MST.

Taking a break at Sprague Lake Rest Stop

Foxes off the gorge...mobile posts up and running!
It took me a hour but now I am able to post mobily via cell phone. I love technology. We made our first stop a 7:30 and are very close to our next stop in Tri-cities for an early lunch. All is well...and quiet. Boys are sleeping.

A Snowy Peak is Calling

Recent information from the United States Forest Service has indicated that St. Mary's Peak is accessible to interested hikers! The trail is intermittently covered with snow but not enough to hinder access to peak.

Current Bittroot temperatures will continue to melt this snow and may be a non-factor by Wednesday.

Ranch Pond Stocked!

Yesterday, the ranch pond was stocked with 50 10"-12" Rainbow Trout. This was to add to the current resident trout. These prize specimen measure 18+ inches. These trout enjoy feeding on native shrimp, leaches, and other critters. Occasionally, Anna and Brian give them a scoop of trout food pellets to watch the water boil with action.

Campers are welcome to enjoy fishing at the ranch. Interested anglers need to bring a fishing pole and tackle. Fishing rods need to be packed in a protective case.

Happy Casting!

Chuck Wagon to Ranch

Our cook was up early this morning. At 4:30AM she began loading the wagon with supplies, crew, and coffee. She should arrive at the ranch this evening. Once there, she will spend time preparing for the the campers.

One of my favorite John Wayne movies is Cowboys. Jebediah Nightlinger was the chuck wagon cook and key contributor to the growth and maturation of the young ranch hands.

Thankfully, we have a Jebediah Nightlinger for Big Sky Camp 2009 (minus the ammunitions trunk and jug of moonshine).

Please pray for her and her crew as they serve our team.

Can't wait for the dinner bell (or air horn)!