EWU hires Chad Germer 

Former Montana Grizzlies offensive line coach Chad Germer has accepted the same position at Eastern Washington, the school announced Thursday.

Germer, a Three Forks native, played for the Grizzlies and was their O-line coach from 2015-21 and guided their centers and guards from 2022-23. It was his third stint with his alma mater, where he was an All-America center in 1991. 

Germer spent last season, his 29th as a college assistant, as O-line coach at MSU-Northern. He replaces Hayden Mace, who left to take the same position at Central Michigan, at Eastern. 

Jr. Referee Clinic March 22  

Fairfield will host its third annual Junior Referee Clinic on Saturday, March 22. 

The clinic is open to all boys and girls in grades 6-12 and is aimed at encouraging people to join the world of officiating.  

Last year the clinic drew 38 participants, and the goal is to reach its goal of 35 campers and future officials this year. 

The clinic costs $35 and runs from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Fairfield High School. Post-instruction, participants will officiate grade-school games to apply their new skills in a live setting. Montana Officials Association referees will be on hand for the clinic. 

To register head to www.fairfieldeagles.com/refclinic or text 406-530-2677. 

Coyotes coach Nielsen retires 

Bob Nielson, who guided the South Dakota Coyotes to the best football season of their Division I era, intends to retire. 

The school announced it Thursday; Nielsen spent the last nine seasons at USD and has been a head coach for 32 years. His 2024 team fell in the FCS semifinals, 31-17 at Montana State. 

Nielsen guided Minnesota-Duluth to Division II championships in 2008 and ‘10, At USD he went 53-48; he went 239-128-1 in 32 seasons. including several at DIII programs Wartburg and Wisconsin-Eau Claire.