Podcast
The ButteCast with Bill Foley
Hosted by Bill Foley · EN
Let's get to know some of the characters who make Butte, Montana the "Richest Hill on Earth."
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No. 349: Eric Dunmire
2w ago01:30:15Tap to summarizeEric Dunmire is a Butte wrestling legend.The 1998 Butte High graduate became the first Bulldog — and just the 10th wrestler in Montana history — to win four individual state titles. He compiled a high school record of 152-2, and he never lost to a Montana wrestler in his prep career.Eric won his first title at 105 pounds in 1995, helping the Bulldogs win the team title for the first time since 1992. He won again at 112 pounds as a sophomore, 119 pounds as a junior and 125 pounds as a senior. The Bulldogs won the team title again in 1997.After beginning his college career at Northern Iowa, Eric transferred to MSU-Northern. He placed third at 141 pounds at the 2002 NAIA National Championships, earning All-American honors while competing for the Lights.Eric was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.While Eric has not wrestled competitively in more than 20 years, wrestling never left him. He put in countless hours coaching with the Butte Wrestling Club. He also served as an assistant coach at Butte High under multiple head coaches.Earlier this month, Eric was named head coach of Butte Central’s wrestling team, and he is eager to get going even though the season is more than 6 months away.Yesterday, I met with Eric at the Knights of Columbus for a fun conversation. Listen in as Eric talks about his wrestling career that began when he was 5 years old. Listen as he describes the impact his parents, Pearl and Terry, had on his career.Listen as he talks about the coaches who helped him along the way. Listen as he describes why Jim Street was such an incredible coach.Listen in to hear how Eric is ready to take his love of the sport to Butte Central.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.This episode is also available on YouTube.
Transcribe →No. 348: Will McGree
2w ago01:09:58Tap to summarizeWill McGree is just finishing up his education at Butte Central.The future Montana Tech golfer is graduating near the top of his class — but not high enough that they will make him give a speech. That is just how he likes it.Will was a three-sport athlete for the Maroons. In addition to playing four years of golf, he competed in basketball for three seasons and track for four seasons. He will be competing in the Western A Divisional track meet this Friday and Saturday in Frenchtown. Since he is a McGree, Will competes in the long jump and triple jump. He also throws the javelin and has run the 100- and 400-meter races as well as the 1,600-meter relay this season.In early October, Will tied with his younger brother Beau for 13th place at the Class A State golf tournament in Sidney. That was good for All-State honors for the McGree boys. A week earlier, the two tied for seventh place at the Western A Divisional tournament in Hamilton.The boys’ sister Mya also qualified for State as an eighth grader last fall.On Thursday night, Will is set to be honored as one of the 18 recipients of the 2026 Mariah Daye McCarthy Scholarship. That award goes to graduating seniors who have lived by the ideals of Mariah’s Challenge. That means they got through high school without drinking alcohol or getting into a car with a driver who has been drinking.I have known Will since he was very young, and I always really enjoyed talking to him. Even as a young boy, talking to Will was like talking to an adult. So, I was extremely proud to see him among the names of the newest Mariah’s Messengers.The 18th Annual Mariah Daye McCarthy Scholarship Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at Montana Tech’s library auditorium. If you have never been to one of those ceremonies, I highly recommend that you do. You will get a first-hand look at how remarkable these 18 scholarship winners are.Earlier today, I met with Will inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill to talk about the Mariah’s Challenge scholarship and much more.Listen as he talks about growing up a McGree and his years playing sports for the Maroons. Listen as he talks about his plans at Montana Tech, where he will at least start in civil engineering.Listen as he talks about how living up to the ideals of Mariah’s Challenge is just something that came naturally to him.Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
Transcribe →Tap ’er Light: Think about the ‘Tony C’
2w ago00:11:46Tap to summarizeBefore you teach your baseball players to “wear” a pitch or “take one for the team,” read a little bit about the great Tony Conigliaro and how one pitch ruined a would-be Hall of Fame career.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
Transcribe →No. 347: Bernie Brophy
3w ago01:22:13Tap to summarizeBernie Brophy is heading into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame. Again.He was already inducted four times with championship teams — once as a player and three times as a coach.This July, Bernie will finally go in as an individual, and it is a long-overdue honor.Bernie was a three-sport standout for Butte Central in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He started at tight end for the 1969 state champion Maroons football team. A year later, he was a captain who started at tight end and safety. He earned first-team offensive and defensive All-Conference honors that season. For some strange reason, however, an All-State team was not selected that year.He was selected to play in the 25th annual Montana East-West Shrine Game in 1971.During his senior season, Bernie started all 18 games for the Butte Central basketball team. He excelled in track, winning the city championship in the 100-yard dash. He also ran the anchor leg on BC’s third-place team in the 800-yard relay at the Class A state track meet.Bernie concluded his athletic career playing safety on the Montana State University football team under the legendary Sonny Holland.Bernie was an assistant coach for the 1981 and 1982 Butte Central girls’ and boys track teams. The girls’ team won the state championship in 1981 and 1982. The boys won the state title in 1982. Bernie was also an assistant coach on the 1981 BC football team that advanced to the state championship game. After a brief career as a teacher, Bernie went into the granite business. He owned and operated Butte Granite Works for three decades, and his incredible work helped honor the lives of so many.He has also long been known for being one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.Yesterday, I met with Bernie at the Knights of Columbus for a fun conversation. Listen in as he talks about some of the incredible athletes that he competed with and some of the legendary coaches he played for.Listen as he talks about growing up in Butte and how the Mining City was just full of incredible athletes. Listen as he talks about coaching great players like Brian Morris.Listen in to hear as he talks about the honor of being called to the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.Today’s podcast is presented by the Kvichak Fish Co. Think of it as salmon and halibut gone Girl Scout cookie. Place your order today.Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
Transcribe →Tap 'er Light: A piggyback ride down the ‘family run’
3w ago00:11:27Tap to summarizeFriday will mark 38 years since my cousin Jerry D’Arcy was killed in a crash in the highlands. He was only 20.So, today I am bring back a column that I first published on May 14, 2013.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
Transcribe →No. 346: Russ and Jamie Cleveland
3w ago01:24:57Tap to summarizeEvery time you hear Russ Cleveland talk, you will hear another amazing story.He documented many of those stories on his “60 for 60” videos that he has been posting on his campaign’s social media sites in the run up to the June 2 primary election. Russ is running as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Montan’s 1st Congressional District.He tells stories of meeting his wife when he was 14 years old, but claimed to be 16. He tells a story of working at a bank and having a gun pulled on him during a robbery. He tells the story of his oldest daughter and her courageous battle with leukemia. Today, we hear another incredible story as we talk to Russ and his daughter Jamie. Last week, Jamie signed to compete in track for the Orediggers when she attends Montana Tech. She is following her mother into her field of study, and she is following her father as an Oredigger. Russ played football for coach Bob Green.Jamie is a senior in high school in St. Regis, and she already earned an associate’s degree, thanks to dual credits offered through the high school.She really seems to have a head start on college and life in general, and none of that would be possible if it was not for Russ, his wife Kate and their family.Russ and Kate adopted Jamie when she was a freshman in high school. They first met her when Kate was coaching basketball and Russ was coaching track.Jamie came from a life of abuse and neglect, and the Cleveland family welcomed her in as one of their own. She is not their “adopted daughter.” She is simply their daughter.This morning, I met with Russ and Jamie at The Local on Galena Street to listen to them tell their story.Listen in to hear what it was like for Jamie to become a Cleveland. Listen to what led her to Montana Tech. Listen to hear Jamie describe Russ as a coach and a parent. Listen as she talks about Russ’ unusual style of eating cereal, which I find to be ingenious.You can meet Russ in person Wednesday when he holds a rally and a cookout at Stodden Park. The family event begins at 6 p.m. and hotdogs will be provided. If we’re lucky, Russ might even tell you another one of his incredible life stories.Today’s episode of the ButteCast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
Transcribe →No. 345: Max Demarais
4w ago01:14:32Tap to summarizeAs a sophomore in high school, Max Demarais could have probably run for any office in town — and won easily.Around here, he was as famous as he is likable.Max was diagnosed with a tumor behind his right eye after he struggled with the vision test while taking the driver’s education program. It was the summer before his freshman year at Butte High School.That led to rounds of chemotherapy before he eventually made the incredibly tough decision — as a sophomore — to have his eye surgically removed.That, did not stop Max. While the vision problem might have ended his basketball career a little early, he still went on to a great career playing defensive line for the Bulldogs. He also played baseball after the removal of the eye, hitting over .300 one season for the Butte Muckers and wiping away excuses for people like me who couldn’t hit the ball with two eyes.Max grew up dreaming of playing football for the Montana State Bobcats. His family has long held season tickets, and Max went to his first Bobcat game in the first few days of his life.He did not end up playing for the Cats, but this morning he graduated from the school with an engineering job already in hand. He graduated as a highly-decorated student with some prestigious scholarships in his pocket.Before he starts that new career in Missoula — where he will not become a Grizzly fan — Max is going to spend a month traveling around Europe for a well-deserved vacation after graduating from MSU in four years.Yesterday, I met up with Max over Zoom for a conversation on the eve of his college graduation. Listen in as Max talks about his fight with cancer and how he kept a positive attitude throughout.Listen as he talks about the support he received from his teammates, friends and people from the community who he never knew.Listen as he talks about his four years of college and find out how much MSU national championship gear he already owns.Today's podcast is brought to you by Leskovar Honda, home of the friendly non-commission sales staff that always has your back. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.Today's episode is also available on YouTube.
Transcribe →No. 344: Jamie Campbell
4w ago01:19:36Tap to summarizeJamie Campbell is a standup comedian who will be performing at Butte’s Covellite Theatre on Thursday, May 14. Advanced tickets are recommended for this show because it just might sell out. (Click here to buy tickets.)Jamie will bring his high-energy, storytelling and positive vibe to the Mining City all the way from Kansas City, where he is still getting used to that Midwest nice. Known for finding humor even in life’s toughest moments, Jamie delivers sharp, relatable comedy that connects with audiences across the country.You may recognize Jamie from his Drybar Comedy special Middle Man, as well as appearances on Chicago Fire, Hollywood Darlings, and the Emmy-nominated ABC series Boondoggle. His style blends heartfelt perspective with big laughs, shaped by a life story that proves comedy can shine light in even the darkest places.Thursday’s show will be hosted by Brittani Ferris, owner of Uptown Comedy. Kane O'Neil will also be the opener, and Jamie will take part in a meet and greet at the 51 Below Speakeasy after the show, which is rated PG-13 and family friendly.Earlier today, I met with Jamie over Zoom for a fun conversation.Listen in to hear how he became a comedian in the first place. Listen as he talks about working with people like Damon Waynes, Jeff Garlin and Dana Carvey.Listen as he talks about his comedy influences and how he wants audience members leaving his shows feeling good about themselves. Listen in to see that next Thursday will be a show that you do not want to miss.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.This episode is also available on YouTube.
Transcribe →Tap 'er Light: Holy buckets, we need to learn the rules
4w ago00:11:14Tap to summarizeBaseball is our national pastime. So, too, is yelling at the umpires.Yelling at the men and women calling balls and strikes is as American as Apple Pie, road rage and not being able to afford health insurance.It is something that we all do from time to time.It is, however, a good idea to know what you are talking about if you are going to yell at the umps during a game. Most fans have not read the rule book, and that usually shows when they yell at the umpire who did.When that happens, the fans are the ones who look bad in the end. We saw that recently when the umpires got the call right in a Butte Central-Dillon baseball game at 3 Legends Stadium.The fans were wrong, and GameChanger video gave the umpire the last laugh.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
Transcribe →No. 343: John Kovacich
Apr 3001:35:38Tap to summarizeJohn Kovacich is going to double dip this summer as the Butte Sports Hall of Fame inducts its 20th class.John will finally go in as an individual inductee during the July 24-25 ceremonies at the Butte Civic Center. He was voted into the Hall by the selection committee earlier this year. John will also go in as a member of the 1972 Mile High All-Star baseball team. That team is still Butte’s only 12-year-old (and under) Little League baseball team to win a state title and advance to the West Regional in San Bernardino, California.Oh, and John was a member of the 1977 Butte High state championship football team that was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. John was a first-team All-State defensive back and a second-team All-State punter on the team that finished the season with an 11-0 record. The Bulldogs gave up just 20 total points that season, and it was named as Butte High’s best team of the 20th Century by Pat Kearney.John, who also started two seasons on Butte High’s basketball team, took his talents to the University of Montana. He helped the Grizzlies win the 1982 Big Sky Conference football title.Today, John is retired and living in Missoula, though that’s not how he puts it. He says he’s from Butte and vacationing in Missoula.Earlier today, I met with John inside the Vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation. Listen in as John talks about playing for championship teams in Little League, high school and college.Listen as he talks about many of his coaches and teammates and how he is still connected with so many of those great people. Listen as he talks about joining so many of them in the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
Transcribe →