Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Clayton Elmore
Tester, Sheehy clash on priorities
On a sunny September afternoon in Butte, Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester stood in a small room in a brick building and rallied a group of volunteers by casting his opponent, Republican businessman and former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, as a wealthy transplant out of touch with local values. “He doesn’t know Montana, and that’s the problem,” Tester told the crowd. “He doesn’t know Butte, America, and that’s the problem. He doesn’t know the labor movement started here, and that’s the problem.
All eyes on Montana: The Kaimin voting guide
Editor's note: These stories have been edited for print. For the full pieces, please visit the News tab. This year, the state of Montana has been thrown into the middle of political races that involve the University of Montana and its students more than you might think. From the ads that pop up while you’re trying to watch the Mormon moms TikTok show to the fliers filling your mailboxes in between your Amazon packages, one thing is clear: Nationally and statewide, candidates want the student vote.
The big one: The 2024 Senate race
On a sunny September afternoon in Butte, Democratic Sen. Jon Tester stood in a small room in a brick building and rallied a group of volunteers by casting his opponent, Republican businessman, and former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, as a wealthy transplant out of touch with local values. “He doesn’t know Montana, and that’s the problem,” Tester told the crowd. “He doesn’t know Butte, America, and that’s the problem. He doesn’t know the labor movement started here, and that’s the problem.
50 years later: Montanans forced to leave Vietnam in chaos of war
Reporting by Clayton Elmore, University of Montana School of Journalism As the Vietnam War heated up and then wound down in the ‘70s, Americans who were there for multiple reasons had to find a way out. Two Montanans – one who was a boy then and another who was working with the CIA – talk about what that was like nearly 50 years after the end of the war. In 1975, Kurt Keith’s father flew the family from Helena to Vietnam on a work trip. Kurt was 8 years old.
Espenmiller-McGraw is shining as starter for Lady Griz basketball
Fifth-year guard Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw has been shining on the Lady Griz basketball team since arriving through the transfer portal at the beginning of the year. Espenmiller-McGraw is a transfer from Iowa State University and has brought a new versatile offensive element to the Lady Griz. Head coach Brian Holsinger has enjoyed not just the basketball intelligence she brings, but the presence she has brought to the locker room.
Montana volleyball finishes season with growth and big expectations
Griz volleyball lost out in the Big Sky Conference Tournament on Nov. 22 to the Montana State University Bobcats 3-0, but its turnaround as a program and its strong senior class keeps the team’s growth going. “Our seniors have goals to be in the NCAA tournament, and the best way to get there is through experience,” head coach Allison Lawrence said. “There are just some things you can’t teach how to manage.” Montana’s middling season this year was a sign of progress for Lawrence.
Montana head coach Bobby Hauck notches a historic win
Montana football head coach Bobby Hauck became the all-time winningest coach in Big Sky Conference history with his 124th win against Sacramento State University on Nov. 4, adding to his long list of Grizzly career accolades.
Bergen and Fontes boost wide receiver core as season progresses
Montana wide receivers Junior Bergen and Aaron Fontes have been tearing up the turf this season, but their success doesn’t come without preparation. The University of Montana football team has exceeded its preseason ranking by becoming the top team in the Big Sky Conference this season. Two of the biggest contributors to the winning cause are Bergen and Fontes. The receivers came into the season projected to be two starters due to their experience.
Joslyn Tinkle follows family legacy by creating her own at UM
Joslyn Tinkle is the assistant head coach for the University of Montana’s Lady Griz basketball team and her journey to the position has been one piece of a strong basketball legacy. Tinkle was born in Stockholm, Sweden to Wayne and Lisa Tinkle, both UM alumni and basketball players. Tinkle’s father accepted a job at the University of Montana to be the assistant head coach before he eventually, became head coach and moved his family to Missoula to start a new chapter.
Montana men’s basketball embraces new faces but holds the tradition of winning to same level
The Montana Grizzly men’s basketball team has been retooling its roster after losing some of its impact players and leaders from last year but continues to instill winning and hard work at its core. UM men’s basketball is looking to build off a decent year in 2022, where the team finished 10-7 in conference play and made it to the Big Sky Conference Tournament. The Grizzlies won its first game against Idaho State University before losing out to Northern Arizona University in its second game.
‘Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer’ wins awards, gets PBS screening
In 1992, the odds were low that a Native American woman would receive a full-ride scholarship out of high school. Malia Kipp was the first to do so that same year. Malia Kipp is the focus of a new documentary named “Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer.” This telltale story is about her journey to becoming the first Blackfeet woman to play in an NCAA Division I tournament.
Playing for purpose: Montana women’s tennis wants leaders
The University of Montana women’s tennis team finished the Barb Chandler Classic with a doubles championship, but head coach Steve Ascher is pushing his team to strive for more than just wins. Ascher has been with UM for 14 years as the women’s tennis coach. Ascher has brought success to the program since he took over, taking the Grizzlies to its first regular-season league title in program history in 2014.
Inclusion and leadership: What makes esports a sport?
The University of Montana’s esports program celebrates its many members, disperses thousands of dollars in scholarships and supports its players through camaraderie at the University. Esports is one of the most inclusive programs the University has to offer. It is a no-cut system that includes more than 170 members and scholarships for everybody, that range from $500 to $50,000, depending on the level of commitment from the players.
Montana football was upset, why?
Montana football was stunned in its conference opener against Northern Arizona University after winning its first three games of the season with the looming question of how to salvage the start of the conference season. Through four games, the Grizzlies have looked imperfect on offense but more complete in its first two wins. Montana’s challenges stem from new faces at skill positions and the time it takes to build chemistry within a locker room.
International players are helping improve chemistry on men’s tennis team
The University of Montana tennis team is looking to change the lack of success last year through more experienced players and improved chemistry within the team. “This might be the best chemistry we’ve had in a long time at the University,” head coach Jason Brown said. Brown has been the head coach of the Grizzly tennis team for seven years since being promoted from assistant coach in 2016. Brown said he is motivated through his players and team dynamics.
Montana football’s Clifton McDowell uses faith to succeed on and off the field
The University of Montana Grizzly football team is now 2-0 with many new faces contributing to its success, including a new quarterback from down south: Clifton McDowell. McDowell replaced fellow transfer Sam Vidlak in the second half of his first game as a Grizzly and immediately made an impact by rushing up the middle to gain a first down. He would stay in for a couple more plays, leading the Grizzlies on a 63-yard drive.
From Local Club to Missoula’s Friday Pastime: Griz Hockey
The University of Montana Grizzly hockey team is one of the hottest fan bases in the city today. Its games are packed with fans in a matter of minutes—leaving most students and fans having to watch from the aisle. But how did a hockey club created in 2020 gain so much steam? Coming out of COVID-19, people were looking for anything that resembled community. The Griz hockey club did that. At a cheap price and an exciting live experience, people loved it.
Paige Clark primed to lead newfound success at Montana
The University of Montana’s volleyball team is on the rise, led by one of the most efficient hitters in the Big Sky Conference. This, year the expectations couldn’t be higher because of the success of last year’s roster. One of the crucial players for Montana is junior outside hitter Paige Clark. She was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho, establishing herself early as one of the best volleyball players nationally.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Clayton
Contact Clayton, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack