[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE GLACIER RANGE RIDERS AND THEIR GROWING IMPACT ON THE 
                FLATHEAD VALLEY AND THE STATE OF MONTANA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RYAN K. ZINKE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2026

  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Glacier Range 
Riders and their growing impact on the Flathead Valley and the State of 
Montana.
  Baseball has long been considered America's pastime, bringing 
communities together through a shared love of competition and 
tradition. The Glacier Range Riders have brought professional baseball 
back to Northwest Montana since their founding in 2021. As members of 
the Pioneer League, an MLB Partner League, the Range Riders provide 
athletes with an opportunity to continue pursuing their dreams while 
giving Montana families the chance to experience professional baseball 
in their own backyard.
  The creation of the Glacier Range Riders required a community coming 
together to build a home for baseball in Northwest Montana. Through the 
vision and commitment of community leaders, Glacier Bank Park rose from 
an empty field into one of the best venues in the Pioneer League. This 
undertaking proved the desire of the local community to create 
opportunities for families, athletes, and visitors while investing in 
the future of the Flathead Valley.
  The name ``Range Riders'' was chosen to reflect Montana's rich 
western heritage and pays tribute to the generations of ranchers, 
outdoorsmen, and pioneers who forged a life on the frontier. These men 
and women left a legacy of hard work and determination that remains 
woven into the fabric of our state and is carried on through the Range 
Riders.
  From the name of the team to the stadium, even the logo has a 
history. The Glacier Range Riders' logo reflects the rich cultural 
heritage of Montana and pays homage to the Native American traditions 
that remain an important part of our state's identity. The arrowhead 
design honors the history of the region while serving as a symbol of 
strength, perseverance, and community. Like the game of baseball 
itself, the logo brings people together to celebrate Montana's history 
and create new memories for future generations.
  More than a baseball team, the Glacier Range Riders have created a 
place where families can gather, veterans can be honored, and lasting 
memories can be made. Each summer, friends and neighbors come together 
at the ballpark to enjoy America's pastime, celebrate their community, 
and share experiences that span generations. In an age when 
opportunities to bring people together are increasingly important, the 
Range Riders have created a venue that strengthens community ties and 
shows the very best of Montana. Throughout the summer months, thousands 
gather to watch the Range Riders, making a trip to the ballpark, 
another memorable part of the Flathead Valley experience.
  Beyond the game itself, the Glacier Range Riders have had a 
meaningful impact on the local economy and community. The organization 
has helped attract visitors to Northwest Montana, supported local 
businesses, and created opportunities for young athletes to engage in 
the sport. The team's success demonstrates that professional sports can 
thrive in Montana while remaining closely connected to the people and 
communities they represent.
  Mr. Speaker, the Glacier Range Riders represent more than wins and 
losses on a baseball field. They represent community, opportunity, and 
the enduring spirit of the American West. In just a few short years, 
they have become an important part of the Flathead Valley's identity 
and a source of pride for Montanans across our great state.

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