It's hard not to notice Bob Green, especially when you're a student at Montana Tech.  It was back in the fall of 1990 that I had signed up for Raquetball 101, satisfying my PE requirement.  Bob Green was a few years into what would become a legendary career up there on the hill as Head Coach of the Oredigger Football Team and was the instructor of the class, just a few years prior to leading the team to the National Championship game.  I figured that any head coach would not take the class very seriously or even notice if somebody skipped the class.  But Bob Green is not just any head coach. Sure, he's the longest-tenured and winningest coach in Oredigger history, but there's so much more. If you are familiar with Coach Green, the first thing you notice is his commanding voice.  We would hear it enthusiastically, echoing through the south staircase at the HPER, "RAQUETBALL CLASS!".  He was there every day and although I never quite learned the skills necessary to beat my Mother in the game (give me a break, she won a state title in the 1980s), I saw Coach Green show up and teach the basics of a class he didn't have to give a rats behind about to a group of nonathletes he didn't really have to care about.  The thing is, he did.  That's the kind of person he is.

I'm sure that has a lot to do with his success as a coach but it has a lot more to do with his success, well, as a person.  You can't go through Facebook without a former player mentioning The Coach through a humorous story or a touching photo.  His effect lasts years but he downplays it.  "The only reason anybody's ever heard of me, Tommy, is because I've had great players."  This could be the biggest understatement I've ever printed.

Coach Green is more than a teacher, he is a mentor, but not only for the players he coached.  Bob Green helps out everywhere he goes.  For well over a decade, Bob has been the official voice for our stations annual clothing drive and again this year he showed up enthusiastically to cut his spots.  Bob is also vital in the Veterans Court program for those who have found themselves in legal trouble due to varying factors.  A Veteran himself, Bob provides insight, compassion and guidance to some of those who are affected the most, but he downplays that as well.  "All I am is a mentor.  I just listen to the Veterans who are in the court program.  It's a great program, "he told me.  "They graduate, their record is cleaned up and it's a good situation for everybody."

Coach Green has always been a friend of the media.  He has gone viral with his "Greenisms" which have gained legend locally as well.

Where does he come up with the sayings?  "Well, they sort of come to you over the years and if you get a chance to use it, you use it," he explained.  "Some are spur-of-the-moment."  Green explained his quotes are part of his relationship with the media.  "I always thought that if you can have a good relationship with the media, it helps your institution, your football program and your players."

Coach Green is still helping wherever he goes.  Now if he can just help me get that first raquetball victory over Mom.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  The incredible cover photo was done at the hands of Mike Hamblin of Butte.  Check out his Facebook page for more breathtaking artwork.

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