College Check-in

A few local Phillips County raised athletes have been making waves in their respective college sports programs over the past few weeks.

Tucker Schye, a redshirt-senior defensive lineman for the University of Montana Grizzlies has played his final game in a season where he led the Big Sky Conference with 15.5 Tackles for loss, and registering a team leading 8.5 sacks.

In his final home game at Washington Grizzly Stadium against the Northern Colorado Bears on Saturday, November 11, Schye left with a bang, forcing and recovering a fumble near the team’s redzone in his final play at home.

“My last game at Washington- Grizzly Stadium was very special and I’ll never forget it,” Schye told the PCN. “I couldn’t have asked to go out on a better game and win with my teammates, I’m very blessed to have played with the group of guys that I did.”

Schye pressured the Bears quarterbacks into throwing a couple of interceptions that day, which helped change the complexity of the game.

“Turnovers are huge in football and can change a game and it’s momentum instantly,” Schye said. “If you win the turnover battle in a football game, chances are pretty high that you will come out on top in the end.”

The Griz won 44-14.

Schye was not the only former Malta Mustang football standout making huge plays on that day. Jade Olson, his former teammate and a redshirt-senior for the Rocky Mountain Battlin’ Bears scored the game winning touchdown in the Bears’ 48-42 overtime win over Montana Western. The final game of his career.

Olson spoke on the situation:

“Our defense had already intercepted Western on the previous drive in overtime, so all we had to do was score and we win,” Olson said. “So we were just trying to run the ball a few times and stay in field goal range. I ran the ball twice to pick up a first down. On the next play we were on the 15 yard line, I took the hand off and I saw a hole open up and I could see the endzone. I knew right away I was going to score. The defense sent a blitz off both edges so the middle was wide open. Then everyone ran off the sideline and we were all celebrating in the endzone.”

Olson recalled the feeling of ending his career on such a high note.

“It felt great to end it like that. It feels good to think about the fact that the last time I ever carried the ball I finished with a game winning touchdown,” Olson said. “That’s something most players dream about.”

The win gave the Battlin’ Bears their first winning season since 2013, Olson’s freshmen season.

Olson was injured last season his original senior season, tearing his ACL, so he was granted permission to medically redshirt, allowing him to play this season. He went on to say there is no chance he would continue his career, even if he was called by an NFL team next year.

“I seriously doubt any pro teams are looking at me,” Olson said. “I'd probably have to say no anyway. My body can't handle much more abuse. I’ve had too many trips to the doctors at this point.”

Former M-ette standout Hailey Nicholson, a sophomore basketball player for the University of Montana Lady Grizzlies started the first couple of games for the team this season, first taking on the Wyoming Cowgirls in Wyoming on Monday, November 13 and then the Kentucky Wildcats on Thursday, November 16.

Nicholson shared what it meant to make the opening day starting line-up.

“It’s such an amazing experience, and it’s something great to be a part of, so getting to start for something as big as Lady Griz basketball is indescribable,” Nicholson said. “I’m happy the season is now getting started though, I’m excited for the year.”

Nicholson has had a familiar face around as University of Montana freshman Sophia Stiles, (who Nicholson had won back to back Class B state titles with as an M-ette in 2015 and 2016) has also had minutes on the floor.

Nicholson shared what it meant to have Stiles on the floor even though they have to wear a different color than their high school days.

“It’s exciting to have someone I’m familiar with and someone I’ve been so successful with,” Nicholson said. “It’s weird wearing maroon but I feel like it fits now! I’ll always be a fan of blue though.”

Stiles saw her first collegiate action last week and she admitted it has been an adjustment.

“It was a little nerve racking,” Stiles said with a laugh. “I felt like I was back playing my first high school game again. I was excited but nervous for sure. The atmosphere was great so that made it pretty cool. Playing is a lot more fast-paced so that is something I have to get used to. Overall it was a good experience I felt like I played fine but I know there is still a lot more I can give.”