Missoula Down, But Not Out: Simple Ways To Cheer For a City on a Losing Streak

"Missoula is losing the game. We are a sad, broken community that is fully capable of making comeback, even if we feel like we are in the last quarter." - Justin Bowler (longtime Missoula resident)

Now is the time to execute the right plays, otherwise we will continue to live in a city that has a lackluster track record of success. Teamwork and a positive outlook on the future of our town rests solely on the players willing to get in the game. It's not too late to turn this losing streak around.

I compare the current mindset of this city's residents to that of a bullied gym class student. We've taken numerous beatings. Bruised from the continued, and frankly, unjustified punishment and abuse on the court and in the locker room. Heavy blows from rogue reporters, like cocky school seniors, setting foot into our town to make sweeping judgements about our community, losing money from major companies that closed their doors and leaving hard working team players in the dust, and even outsiders questioning if our town is a safe place to play in. Much like a coach in drafting season, we lose focus on the previous good qualities of an currently losing athlete forgetting that one day they will improve, regardless of if we are constantly beaten down by rivals in the process. It's almost enough to make us want to sit this next game out. We are confused, hurting, and we feel alone.   

"Nearly everyone I connect with in Missoula has something painful that they are trying to hide. Sure, we are all smiles on the outside, but deep down a majority of Missoulians are simply masking the depression they feel."-Anonymous local

Granted, this is something America in general is going through as a whole. On a recent road trip to Oregon I noticed that every little town along the way had a metaphorical (and in most cases, not so metaphorical) layer of dust upon it's streets. It's almost as if everyone has given up the fight. We are out of money, we have to work three jobs to make the same income we once had, and along the way we've simply disregarded the small things that make out towns beautiful. We don't have time to sweep out sidewalks, our cars are dinged up because we can't afford the repairs. We drink in excess to curb the current state of our emotions and as a result aren't treating our bodies as well as we should. The result? A nation in decay, with Missoula hit just as hard.

"We are down, but not out. Don't bench us yet, there is still plenty of time left in the game."- Paul Franklin (Missoula)

This city seems to be living out it's own football game, if you will. Similar to the last few times the Griz went to the playoffs, leading the pack and blowing out the competition along the way. Controversial off-field choices aside, the Grizzles have gone so far only to unfortunately lose out near the last quarter. What we seem to forget is that we were in the playoffs! We've come so close to victory but would rather focus on the loss. But stop and think about this: Sports players are similar to that of the town they represent. Our teams have brought success, enough to take us to a level of competitive notoriety. Shouldn't we apply our real-life successes to that of our own teams? Yes, we've lost, time and again, but we've won many small battles. We can choose to brush off the dust (metaphorically, and not so metaphorically) and play again, just like our team does each season. Re-invent. Apply the things that work, discard the things that may be setting us back.

If I can leave you with one last piece of advice, take a moment to reflect on the good things this community has to offer and offer assistance to those who may not share the same perspective. Be a team player, much like our own Grizzlies! We often tend to focus on our own needs, and yet the neighbor down the street may be in far worse shape than you. Take time to help, return favors, open doors. Granted, it may take time away from your personal needs but the universe works wonders for those who give back. Trust me, you'll be rewarded for the offerings towards others in our community.  I can't explain it, it just works. Then, and only then will Missoula be able to resurrect itself from the dust we've allowed to accumulate and put our losing streak behind us.

"Go Griz"- The People who still love Missoula