Bill Speltz

Missoula

Sports Editor at Missoulian

Sports Editor/Columnist for the Missoulian newspaper

Articles

Missoula PaddleHeads sweep doubleheader from Billings Mustangs

2 days ago | missoulian.com | Bill Speltz

A fast start and heroic finish highlighted the Missoula PaddleHeads' doubleheader sweep of the Billings Mustangs Wednesday at Dehler Park. Zootown's pro baseball team won the first game — a contest that was suspended after one inning Tuesday because of rain — in dominating fashion, 10-0. The PaddleHeads survived a comeback by the hosts in the nightcap and won, 8-7, thanks to Adam Fogel's success in the first knockout round. With the wins, Missoula improved to 23-9 in Pioneer League action.
Southern Utah, Utah Tech to join Big Sky Conference

2 days ago | mtstandard.com | Bill Speltz

MISSOULA — The Big Sky Conference will expand from 10 teams to 11 in the fall of 2026. Southern Utah is rejoining the league and Utah Tech will be making its debut in the 2026-2027 academic year. "The time is right for the Big Sky to bring in Utah Tech and to bring back Southern Utah,” Big Sky commissioner Tom Wistrcill said.
Southern Utah, Utah Tech to join Big Sky Conference

2 days ago | billingsgazette.com | Bill Speltz

MISSOULA — The Big Sky Conference will expand from 10 teams to 11 in the fall of 2026. Southern Utah is rejoining the league and Utah Tech will be making its debut in the 2026-2027 academic year. The news was first reported by Matt Brown, founder and publisher of @extrapointsmb. The Big Sky will have 10 representatives in the upcoming school year.
Missoula's Jennifer Lichter wins Broken Arrow 46K trail race in California

5 days ago | missoulian.com | Bill Speltz

MISSOULA — Professional trail runner Jennifer Lichter of Missoula won the Broken Arrow 46K women's race Saturday at Palisades Tahoe Village near Olympic Valley, California. The 29-year-old Lichter, who was born in Colombia and grew up in Wisconsin, held a lead for most of the race before finishing in 4 hours, 42 minutes, 32 seconds. That was a course record and marked the second time she won the race — she earned top honors while a resident of Whitefish back in 2022.
First-place PaddleHeads rally past Billings Mustangs

6 days ago | missoulian.com | Bill Speltz

Kamron Willman's three-run home run in the seventh inning lifted the Missoula PaddleHeads in an 8-6 win over the Billings Mustangs on Sunday at chilly Ogren-Allegiance Park. Zootown's pro baseball team improved to 21-9 and maintained a share of first in the Pioneer League with the Oakland Ballers. The Mustangs fell to 13-17 and lost the six-game series, 4-2.
Frenchtown's Lewis earns historic win at Montana Juniors; Corvallis' Powell nabs boys title

6 days ago | missoulian.com | Bill Speltz

MISSOULA — Three years ago, Katie Lewis made history when she became the first golfer in Frenchtown High School history to win a state title. She's been rewriting the record books ever since — both as a representative of the Broncs and in the summertime on her own. On Saturday, Lewis, a Montana Grizzly golf signee who won three State A championships, seized her third-straight Montana State Junior Championship girls first-place trophy at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Golf Course.
Despite historic pitching effort by Wentz, PaddleHeads stumble

1 week ago | missoulian.com | Bill Speltz

Ryan Wentz pitched the first complete game for the Missoula PaddleHeads in four years but he didn't get enough offensive support in a 2-1 home loss to the Billings Mustangs Friday. Zootown's pro baseball team fell to 19-9 in Pioneer League action but maintained a shared of first place with the Oakland Ballers, one-half game ahead of the Idaho Falls Chukars and Rocky Mountain Vibes. The Mustangs improved to 13-15.
First-place PaddleHeads outlast Mustangs in slugfest

1 week ago | missoulian.com | Bill Speltz

Despite squandering a seven-run lead in the middle innings, the Missoula PaddleHeads managed to regroup down the stretch Thursday in a 16-11 win over the Billings Mustangs at Ogren-Allegiance Park. Zootown's pro baseball team regained sole possession of first in the Pioneer League with a record of 19-8 heading into Friday night's scheduled home game against Billings (12-15). The PaddleHeads have won four of their last five contests.
Missoula PaddleHeads' fiery closer enjoying ride with Pioneer League leaders

1 week ago | missoulian.com | Bill Speltz

MISSOULA — Arman Sabouri sprints from the bullpen to the mound to the sounds of "Down with the Sickness" when he is called upon to pitch. It's a raw heavy metal tune — even by his musical standards — from a group called Disturbed. It sets the kind of tone Sabouri favors as the highly successful lefty closer for the Pioneer Baseball League-leading Missoula PaddleHeads.
Missoula PaddleHeads jump into first place in Pioneer League

1 week ago | missoulian.com | Bill Speltz

After a mediocre start in which they went 4-4, the Missoula PaddleHeads are back where they've been for most of the past four summers, atop the Pioneer League standings. Zootown's pro baseball team improved to 18-7 on Tuesday with a win over the rival Billings Mustangs, 7-3, at Ogren-Allegiance Park. Heading into Wednesday night's home contest, the PaddleHeads hold a slim lead over the Idaho Falls Chukars and Rocky Mountain Vibes, who both stand at 17-7.