Griz legend to headline Boys and Girls Club event

Legendary retired University of Montana women’s basketball coach Robin Selvig will headline the Boys and Girls Club Great Futures Breakfast Feb. 15.

The third annual affair, to be held at KwaTaqNuk Resort-Casino, will feature a free Continental breakfast.

According to Executive Director Aric Cooksley, the event is an opportunity for the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County Club to explain the vital services they offer and the positive influence they work to provide for the area’s children.

“The annual breakfast gives us a chance to explain the work we do daily to provide programs that have life changing effects on youngsters,” he said.

Now in its 18th year, the Ronan facility is located on Highway 93 while the Polson club is temporarily located in the basement of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church.

Approximately 500 youngsters utilize the non-profit club’s after-school programs, which work tirelessly to provide a positive and safe environment for children ages six to 18.

Daily attendance at the Polson club has reached capacity at 40 (with a waiting list), 60-70 visit the Ronan facility which is open from 3:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. during the school year and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer.

Attendees receive both an afternoon snack and an evening meal.

“The feeding program guarantees a nutritious meal ensuring a full tummy no matter what other challenges they might encounter on the home front,” said Cooksley.

With some 4,000 locations nationwide, the community-based clubs provide services for close to 4 million youngsters looking to expand opportunities for a member to graduate from high school with future plans which demonstrate good character and citizenship in addition to living a healthy lifestyle.

“Every decision that we make in any area of the clubs operations focuses on these vital priorities,” Cooksley said.

At the breakfast, the Club also will recognize the Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation for their longtime and vital commitment to overall operations.

Selvig retired as Lady Griz head coach at the end of the 2016 campaign after a 38-year career which saw him compile an 865-286 record which stood eighth among active women’s coaches.

A former University of Montana player from Outlook, Mt., Selvig’s teams had but two losing seasons, reached the elite 20-win pinnacle 31 times and advanced to the NCAA Tournament 21 times.

A former Grizzly player who played for the legendary Jud Heathcote, Selvig’s teams also captured 24 conference titles

He was honored as league Coach of the Year 21 times, was District Coach of the Year numerous times and was recognized on the national level by being nominated to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame three years ago.

He is a member of the University of Montana Sports Hall of Fame and the Montana Indian Hall of Fame which recognized his commitment to recruiting Native American players. Ronan’s Malia Kipp played four years for Selvig.

At a recent community celebration, the University of Montana retired the No. 38 jersey to recognize his unprecedented years of service. Players from all generations were on hand and during the football season more than 100 former players came to Missoula to recognize his contribution to their lives.

Selvig’s teams, yearly comprised of the best of Montana and especially local talent, have epitomized the family yet highly competitive nature of collegiate athletics similar to lessons youngsters are exposed to at Boys and Girls clubs.

The breakfast starts at 7:40 a.m. with the program lasting from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Because of the expected high attendance, early arrival is encouraged.