RollDiggs

On this episode of RollDiggs, we sit down with Montana Tech Head Volleyball Coach Brian Solomon, who’s gearing up for his 14th season at the helm. From building a powerhouse program to navigating the highs and lows of competition, Coach Solomon shares what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and why he’s more fired up than ever for the season ahead. We talk team culture, new Frontier Conference opponents, and the excitement of a season packed with more home games than ever before. Dig in—this one’s full of insight, energy, and a few good sideline stories.

You can find the volleyball schedule and purchase season tickets here : https://godiggers.com/

In this episode of RollDiggs, we follow the journey of Asa Williams—from his roots in Ohio to his rise as a leader on the Montana Tech basketball team. Asa opens up about the lessons he's learned along the way, the grind of becoming an impact player, and the connection he feels to the campus and community. It’s a story of persistence, purpose, and playing with passion.

The episode was recorded while Asa was in town helping with the Orediggers' high school high-intensity camp.

In this episode of RollDiggs, we sit down with two familiar voices that help bring Oredigger Athletics to life. Josh Margolis of NBC Montana shares his perspective on covering Montana Tech and what makes Oredigger sports special from the media side. We’re also joined by Tom O’Neill, the longtime P.A. announcer who’s been the voice echoing through Alumni Coliseum and the HPER for years. Together, they talk storytelling, game day energy, and their unique roles in shaping the fan experience.

If you ever listened to Tom and me when we were on the air together, you know that we could rarely keep the train on the tracks. This conversation is no different at all.

Join us for a special edition of RollDiggs as we sit down with retiring Montana Tech Chancellor Dr. Les Cook—a visionary leader whose impact on campus and the broader Butte community will be felt for years to come. In this candid, heartfelt conversation, Dr. Cook reflects on his years at the helm of one of the nation's top STEM institutions, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and a deep love for the Oredigger family. Whether you're a student, alum, or just a fan of great stories from inspiring leaders, this episode is a must-listen.

This week on the RollDiggs Podcast, we're joined by special guest Abby Clark, All-American track and field standout for Montana Tech. With the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Nationals just around the corner, Abby shares her mindset heading into competition and what it means to represent the Orediggers on the national stage.

We dive into her journey to Montana Tech—how she found her stride both on the track and in the classroom—and what drives her to compete at the highest level. From training routines to academic goals, Abby brings insight, inspiration, and the grit that defines true student-athletes.

Tune in to hear her story and get hyped for nationals. Go Diggers!

In this episode of RollDiggs, we dig deep into the legacy and grit behind another of Montana Tech’s more unique and successful programs—the Mining Team. Host Paul Panisko is joined by special guests Kodis Campbell and Scott Rosenthall to talk all things international mining competition.

From the history and traditions of this storied event to the dedication, training, and teamwork it takes to compete, Kodis and Scott share what makes Montana Tech a perennial powerhouse on the world stage. Whether you're an Oredigger fan or just curious about the intersection of athletics and engineering, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

You can view the archived 46th Annual Mining Competition HERE.

In this episode, we sit down with Chuck Merrifield, the newly appointed head coach of Montana Tech’s track and field program. After spending 27 years as the athletic director at Butte High School, Merrifield brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep connection to Montana athletics to the Orediggers.

We’ll talk about his transition from A.D. to head coach, his vision for Montana Tech’s track program, and what excites him most about building a competitive team. Tune in for an insightful conversation about coaching, competition, and the future of Oredigger athletics!

Thank you for listening. If you are enjoying the show, please Like, Share, and drop a comment.

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"Wakanda" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free download: bit.ly/wakanda-download

Kyle Samson became Montana Tech's head football coach on January 21, 2020 after serving as the program's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach the season prior.

In just his fourth season, Samson and his staff have led the Orediggers to back-to-back NAIA National Tournament appearances, and a 28-15 overall record.

This episode focuses on the recruiting process, from first contact until signing day. Coach talks about what is important to the program, the things he looks for in a possible Oredigger, and the 'red flags' that they look for as well.

The full list of the 39 incoming freshmen can be found HERE.

Thank you for listening. If you are enjoying the show, please Like, Share, and drop a comment.

#RollDiggs

"Wakanda" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free download: bit.ly/wakanda-download

Episode 3 celebrates our Oredigger seniors. The women's team will honor Aubrie Rademacher, Brooklynn Hankwitz, Kia Wasson, and Macy Mayer, while the men will recognize Ifeanyi Okeke, Keeley Bake, and Michael Ure.

I was able to sit down and talk to Aubrie, Michael, Keeley, and Ifeanyi about their time here at Tech. We discussed what the carrot was that convinced them to sign with the Orediggers, as well as some fond memories while playing for Montana Tech.

I also talk to both basketball head coaches about this truly wonderful group of student-athletes. Grab a beverage, and maybe lunch, as this episode is a bit on the long side.

The drinking game will be -every time I say how much I Love senior day.

"Wakanda" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free download: bit.ly/wakanda-download

Jeff Graham was introduced as Montana Tech's head women's basketball coach on August 1, 2022.

Graham came to Butte from Belt, Montana, where he built a powerhouse girls’ basketball program at Belt High School. During his tenure, the Huskies accumulated a 358-42 overall record, including six Class C state championships, seven divisional titles, 11 conference titles, and 11 district titles in 15 seasons. For his efforts, Graham was named the Montana Coaches Association Coach of the Year six times in girls’ basketball.

Graham was also the head football coach at Belt for 15 seasons, head track & field coach for nine, and the athletic director from 2012-22. Graham's Huskies posted an 89-51 record on the gridiron, a run that included four divisional championships. His track teams garnered 18 district titles and 11 divisional titles along with six state placings.

"Wakanda" by Mona Wonderlick — bit.ly/youtube-monawonderlick Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free download: bit.ly/wakanda-download