Kyle Samson was the Gatorade Montana Football Player of the Year while leading Helena Capital to the Class AA State championship as a senior in 2002.

The next year, he played quarterback at the University of Montana. The 5-foot-7 Samson ran the option during Coach Bobby Hauck’s first year with the Grizzlies.

A couple of things then made him transfer to MSU-Northern after one season. No. 1, he knew he would not be a long-term option at quarterback with the Griz because of his size. No. 2, his father, Mark, accepted a job at MSU-Northern in Havre.

So, Samson transferred to Northern to help his dad start an incredible run of football on the Hi-Line, both as a player and as an assistant coach.

After a successful run at Kalispell Flathead, Kyle Samson took over as offensive coordinator at Montana Tech before the 2019 season. When head coach Chuck Morrell left for an assistant job at Fresno State, Samson was named his successor.

After a lost season because of COVID, the Orediggers went 5-5 in 2021. Last season, Tech went 7-3, and the Orediggers appear to be on the verge of competing for a Frontier Conference title — and more — when they open the season at home against Carroll College on Aug. 31.

That game will be a Thursday night battle on the Bob Green Field.

Listen in to this podcast as Samson talks about growing up and playing football for his father. Listen to how his grandfather, legendary Carroll College coach Bob Petrino, was his best friend. Listen to how much the Oredigger coach loves the Mining City.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Casagranda’s Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat.