As we count down the clock to the New Year -- probably with even more enthusiasm than years past -- we do what we've always done: reflect on the previous year.
Here at MontanaSports.com, that means recalling some of the biggest sports stories of the past 12 months. In 2020, there was really only one "sports" story, as the coronavirus pandemic dominated our headlines. It was the biggest story in the world, and it certainly had its tentacles stretched into the Montana sports scene ever since the high school basketball state tournaments were canceled after the Friday semifinal games. Its effect on sports in the Treasure State was reflected in our most-read stories of the year. Our two most-read stories were centered around COVID-19 guidelines and four of the top 10 were coronavirus-related stories.
In a normal year, our most-read stories feature teams and athletes, and we did have some of those in 2020, as well. You can find MontanaSports.com's most-read stories from 2020 below. We usually only highlight the top 10, but we've expanded the list to include our top 20 stories this year.
MontanaSports.com 20 most-read stories of 2020
20. Missoula's Tres Tinkle signs professional deal with Los Angeles Lakers
19. 2021 Montana East-West Shrine Game rosters revealed
18. Shannon Schweyen will not be brought back as Montana Lady Griz head coach
17. Bozeman Gallatin High School announces new head coaching hires
16. ‘Scared-a-money’: Winning always goal for late St. Labre basketball standout Dane Fisher
15. Hardin's Famous Lefthand walking narrow path seeking greatness
14. Joslyn and Elle Tinkle finding success in life after basketball
13. Montana towns join in 'Turn on the Stadium Lights' campaign to honor students, staff and communities
12. State title matches set at Montana high school state wrestling championships
11. 'Tired of seeing our little town dying:' Frustration sparks Big Timber PRCA Rodeo
10. Montana High School Association cancels state basketball tournaments
9. #FinnleyStrong: “My dad is my superhero”
8. Glendive’s Mike Person, San Francisco 49ers headed to Super Bowl LIV
7. Vieira in coma after PBR Touring Pro accident
6. Montana High School Association announces indefinite suspension of spring sports due to coronavirus
5. Former Montana track and field coach Brian Schweyen explains resignation from program
4. New wrestling movie ‘The Last Champion’ features Montana connections
3. Country music legend Charley Pride still a Montanan at heart
2. Play ball, Montana: Montana High School Association releases return to fall activities guidelines
1. MHSA to delay winter sports; adjusts spectator numbers for fall postseason
