East Middle School

One advantage that sports-minded residents of Southwest Montana have over many other areas is the accessibility and variety of youth sports leagues, activities and programs that are available to their children. One such program is starting up its 11th year of activity with the appropriate motto of "start 'em young, raise 'em right". I am talking about the incredible Lil Dribbler Basketball League which will be firing up this Saturday morning. And boy, do they start 'em young.

For years, Bauer along with several other outstanding coaches and mentors, like Kelci Thatcher, Matt Paul and Bryan Arntson have been behind the Lil' Dribblers program, the only one of it's kind in Montana, which indeed starts them out young. Tomorrow is their final open gym of the season and Mike tells us it's open to "one day olds to 6-year-olds" but tells us that a little older is fine too. Boys and girls are equally welcome, so feel invited to bring your little one.

For the better part of the night it was the Orediggers vs. the Argos in a couple of key Frontier Conference games Thursday night at Kelvin Sampson Court, but at least for a couple of minutes it was the Eagles vs. the Wildcats. Some of Butte's differently-abled athletes from East Middle School were able to show their stuff in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd in a pair of spirited scrimmages played at the halftimes of the Tech men's and women's games.

The Young Musician's Club is holding registration for the upcoming year for students in 4th through 12th grades Thursday, January 18th in the band room at East Middle School. The Young Musician's Club is an excellent way for kids to get involved in a rewarding activity that not only teaches how to play the instrument but how to play as a group. And what a great way to push boundaries and start friendships.

Lil' Dribblers is for kids up to 7 years of age, although they are willing to fudge a little bit on the age restrictions, and the program is more of an open-gym than a basketball league. The kids play at their own pace, whatever the pace may be, and learn as much about teamwork and friendship as they do about basketball fundamentals.

Action Inc. recognizes that many of our citizens, particularly our youth, are living in poverty and many families rely on free meals that are served to their kids while school is in session. Unfortunately, that need persists when school is out as well and again this summer, Action Inc. will have several sites around town where kids can get a free meal.

The Butte Central Maroons have announced their sports schedule for the upcoming week and will be hoping for a bit of cooperation from Mother Nature as things get underway this afternoon with softball at home and baseball on the road.

Fans who came to see the Butte High Bulldogs boys basketball team battle Missoula Big Sky on Tuesday night were treated to a special exhibition at halftime. Taking the court for a quick contest were members of East Middle School's Unified Basketball program and members of their two teams, the Eagles and the Wildcats.