I never beat Craig Finberg. I don’t recall how many times I lost to his Dillon Beavers while playing basketball for Livingston in high school, but I know I never won. You see, Finberg was born to be in a gymnasium – on the court, on the sidelines and eternally in Montana. There are very few true legends in Montana basketball, but “Finny,” a Columbia Falls native, is one of them. And now, as he enters his battle with pancreatic cancer, it’s time for us to show our support and gratitude.
On Jan. 23, Finberg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has a low survival rate. He is now undergoing treatment and any funds to help pay for medical expenses would be greatly appreciated by the Finberg family. On Feb. 13 at Columbia Falls High School, Schwan’s trucks will be on hand from about 2 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. When you purchase food – all of Schwan’s selection will be available – your money will go toward Finberg’s medical costs.
The event will be held in the school’s foyer and will coincide with a home basketball doubleheader against Whitefish. Varsity action for girls begins at 6 p.m. and then the boys start at 8 p.m. Finberg’s younger brother, Cary, is the boys’ head coach.
There are also bank accounts set up in Dillon and Columbia Falls at:
-State Bank, P.O. Box 1257, Dillon, MT 59725
-Glacier Bank, 822 Nucleus Ave., Columbia Falls, MT 59912 (please make checks out to Craig or Tammy Finberg – account # is 50121504).
Click here for more information on how to help.
Finberg was an all-state basketball standout for Columbia Falls in the 1970s. He then went on to play at Montana State University, where his roommates were Mick Durham and Glacier High School’s current girls coach Doug Hashley. Finberg finished his MSU career as one of the best guards in school history.
“Finny” is known throughout hoops circles for possessing a rarely equaled basketball mind. This was evident in his coaching. He was a great coach. When I played for Livingston, Dillon was our nemesis – supremely talented and impeccably coached. During my career, we never beat them. He went on to coach as an assistant at the University Montana-Western in Dillon.
Livingston still remembers Finberg well: Last week when Dillon was in my hometown for a basketball game, the school declared it “Craig Finberg Night” to raise funds.
I would encourage you to look at the stories that have been written recently about Finberg. Here are two good ones to check out.