Join us for an uncommon story that took place during a frozen weekend in a faraway rural community – Cut Bank, Montana. It was November 9th, 1973, and the state Class A football championship game between the two-time defending Butte Central Maroons and a new entry to the Class A ranks, the Cut Bank Wolves. Let’s drift back to a distant time and zoom into both teams’ unique odysseys that led them to their first – and only – football contest. A large contingent of Maroon fans made the trip to the Hi Line to watch a frigid struggle on a cold field. They supported a Central squad that was not only first, but last. They were the final Butte team to play on the dirt field – and soon-to-be condemned – Naranche Stadium. They were the final Maroon team to defeat their bitter rival, Butte High. And finally, they were the last Central team to win a state football championship. This presentation will compare the personality mixture that made up the Butte Central team and fans, with their worthy foe, the Northern A champs, Cut Bank Wolves. We will converge on this 1973 Hi Line community and their unexpected experience (and shenanigans) with the people from the Mining City. Although a sports story, this presentation will include accounts of Cut Bank and Butte’s non-sports history, culture, and human experience.

The presentation will begin at noon at the Archives, 17 W. Quartz. Guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Coffee and water will be provided. Brown Bag Lunches are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. For more information, contact the Archives at (406) 782-3280.