Was It Failure… or Preparation?

Big news is coming out of Shields Valley! In this special Owl Take, the crew breaks down Shields Valley FFA’s road to the national stage, including National Chapter recognition, Marketing Plan, Coffee with the Owl, chapter history, and a new era of leadership. Indianapolis is calling, and the Owls are Indy bound!

In this episode of Coffee with the Owl, we sit down with Shields Valley’s own maintenance manager, Mitch Marks, a true jack of all trades with stories you won’t believe.From crawling through tunnels under the school to solving decades-old problems, Mitch shares what it actually takes to keep a school running… and it’s a lot more than just “fixing things.” Along the way, we get laughs (including a legendary gopher story), real talk about life, and a powerful look at how hard work, grit, and a few life changes can completely transform your path.This episode is funny, honest, and full of perspective and it also marks the end of an era as we pass the mic to the next generation of Coffee with the Owl.Trust us… you’ll want to hear this one.

After losing by just 3 points, this team had a choice, run it back or completely reinvent their strategy.In this episode, Shields Valley’s State Champion Marketing Plan Team breaks down the moment everything changed: the risky shift, the pressure at state, and what it actually takes to beat a powerhouse program.From a freshman stepping up, to a team finding its edge, to finally hearing their name called, this is the inside story of a championship run.If you’ve ever come close… this one hits.

In this special episode of Coffee with the Owl, we sit down with Shields Valley FFA seniors Rylan, Mylee, Teah, and Hagen as they reflect on their final ride through Great Falls, right where it all began their freshman year. From early struggles and pressure-filled moments to championship performances and career-defining lessons, this episode captures what it truly means to grow through FFA.You’ll hear stories of resilience, missed opportunities that turned into motivation, and the mindset it takes to compete at a high level. From State Star Farmer honors to a Marketing Plan State Championship, each senior shares what made their final convention meaningful and what they’ll carry forward into life beyond the blue jacket.More than anything, this episode is a reminder: the future is in good hands.

This week on Coffee with the Owl, we sit down with the legendary “Melstone Cowboy” Brody Grebe, a small-town Montana kid who turned grit, discipline, and work ethic into a journey that reached the Division I level, the NFL door, and even Olympic trials.From growing up on a ranch in a town of under 100 people… to navigating prep school on the East Coast… to competing at Montana State and beyond, Brody shares what it really takes to chase big dreams from a small place.

What happens when the hardest decision of your career becomes the foundation for your greatest impact? Ambra Tennery opens up about leaving the classroom, building culture, and finding purpose beyond what she originally planned.

Mr. Pierce, Everly, and Teah sit down with Montana State FFA Sentinel Weston Sondeno for a powerful conversation about growth, service, and timing. Weston reflects on his journey to state office, sharing stories from the road, the lessons learned through travel, and the deep sense of responsibility he feels serving the FFA organization.He opens up about the disappointment of not earning a state office on his first attempt and explains why, in hindsight, that setback became a blessing, shaping him, strengthening him, and ultimately preparing him for this year. Weston also shares exciting breaking news about what the future may hold in the months ahead.Sit back and enjoy an honest, thoughtful episode with a young man who truly was Built for This Year.

Shields Valley 1st VP Mylee and Advisor Mr. Pierce talk with Shields' Math and Business Education Teachers Mr. Teddy Bostley and Mr. Sam Asktin. They talk about the pleasant surprises coming from urban areas to teach in Small Class C Montana. They talk about the joys and struggles taking over programs that were run previously from well respected tenure teachers of Shields Valley. We had laughs and new ideas on how to approach education in the world of today!

National FFA Champion Josie Roberts joins Coffee with the Owl to share her journey to winning Prepared Public Speaking at the National FFA Convention. We discuss her powerful speech on mental health in rural America, what it’s like competing on the biggest stage, and how Wisconsin and Montana FFA compare. Josie’s insight, authenticity, and future ambitions make this one of our most inspiring episodes yet.

Today, before we celebrate a hopeful Bobcat victory, we sat down with Shields Valley Football Coach Dennis Morris, as he shares his story of life in Great Falls, the unexpected changes that got him to Shields Valley and how small town culture made him fall in love with Shields Valley. We hope you get some laughs as you get ready for today's FCS 2nd Round Matchup.