A Season of Firsts
Ed McNamee, head coach of Great Falls High, and Tony Forster, leader of CMR, recently spoke about the significance of their first varsity baseball seasons in the city, emphasizing how the experience has been both meaningful and honorable for them.
The two programs began practice on the Great Falls Little League fields, a location that initially proved less than ideal but soon evolved into a focal point for community activity as families and local supporters rallied around the new teams.
Although the coaches faced each other in two games during the season, they stressed a deep mutual respect, noting that they have worked together for eight years within the Great Falls Chargers Legion program and that their rivalry never compromised their friendship.
Forster recalled the opening home game as a standout moment, especially the sight of the school principal throwing the first pitch, a memory that still brings a smile to his face.
McNamee’s son had initially worried that the competitive edge between the coaches might strain their personal bond, but the season’s outcomes reinforced the notion that the experience could spark lasting enthusiasm for baseball in Great Falls.
Looking ahead, McNamee expressed confidence that the inaugural season will lay the groundwork for a bright future, while Forster echoed the sentiment, citing the nostalgic excitement the crosstown games have generated for players, families, and the broader community.