1. How incredible is it that the Billings Scarlets became the first team from Montana to reach the American Legion Baseball World Series in 62 years?

John Letasky: What a performance by the Scarlets. There was an electric atmosphere at Dehler Park. From an extra-inning win in the first game to the Scarlets’ historic win in the second game. That is something that will be hard to top.

Lindsay Rossmiller: It’s fun to see a winning streak broken.

Jeff Welsch: It’s unbelievable that no team from Montana has made it in 62 years. Somewhere, Dave McNally is smiling.

Daniel Shepard: Adam Hust told me at the state tournament that they would do well. I guess he was right. Hopefully the guys have fun in North Carolina. Try Bojangles’ chicken, guys.

Briar Napier: The most impressive thing was the way the Scarlets did it – losing on the first day, then winning five in a row, winning two on Sunday, etc. – that was the most impressive thing. They’re one to watch out for in North Carolina.

2. Were you impressed by the performance of the Olympians from Montana?

John Letasky: How could it be otherwise, because just being in the Olympics is amazing. And then Brady Ellison and Katharine Berkoff each won two medals… unbelievable.

Lindsay Rossmiller: It’s impressive to get this far, regardless of the medal haul, but I read in a Washington Post article that Montana is tied with Alaska for the most medals per capita state in Paris.

Jeff Welsch: Overcoming our innate disadvantages makes every Olympic moment all the more impressive.

Daniel Shepard: It’s definitely impressive how Montana does an above-average job of producing Olympians for its population, even if it did affect my NASCAR enjoyment for a few weeks.

Briar Napier: Without a doubt, especially Berkoff’s performance in one of the most competitive and exciting disciplines of the Olympic Games, swimming.

3. What do you think of the Associated Press preseason college football poll?

John Letasky: I’m not surprised Georgia is number one, but I haven’t been watching the poll as closely as I have in years past. I’m hoping some of my favorites will be at the top by the end of the year.

Lindsay Rossmiller: I haven’t looked closely, mostly because I know preseason rankings don’t really affect results, but I’ve heard the Ducks are in the top three.

Jeff Welsch: I will fight against college football until the NCAA holds Michigan accountable for its three-year streak of cheating that has completely undermined my faith in the credibility of the game.

Daniel Shepard: The NAIA poll comes out on Monday, which worries me more. Two Frontier Conference teams will likely be in the top 10, two more in the top 25.

Briar Napier: My Missouri Tigers are ranked 11th! If you don’t know the name Luther Burden III, get to know him.

4. Are you a fan of Colorado coach Deion Sanders and his spirited style of leading the Buffaloes?

John Letasky: I don’t mind, and I actually like Coach Prime’s X-Feed. The coaching has changed, and Sanders has brought some excitement back into the game.

Lindsay Rossmiller: I don’t know if “animated” is the right word to describe his methods. Let’s just say it’s not my preference.

Jeff Welsch: I like him as a person and as an athlete, but I think Colorado will be in total chaos sooner or later when his son runs out of eligibility.

Daniel Shepard: At least he’s not boring, I guess. But he’s got to win at some point.

Briar Napier: What did he win at CU to be such an arrogant idiot? A North Dakota State win in Boulder in Week 1 would be music to my ears.

5. What is your favorite fruit or vegetable in summer?

John Letasky: I love flathead cherries. I have my uncle to thank for that. And you can’t beat fresh, local sweet corn.

Lindsay Rossmiller: Freshly picked raspberries from the garden.

Jeff Welsch: Frozen blueberries. Tastes like a popsicle and I can feel the antioxidants coursing through my veins.

Daniel Shepard: Do DQ’s Butterfinger Blizzards count? Probably not, right? I have to keep cool somehow in my house with no air conditioning.

Briar Napier: I got my first flathead cherry from Letasky a few weeks ago—which was delicious, by the way—but strawberries are still my favorite summer fruit.