Support pours in for Finny's big fight

The stories keep piling up, from former players to fellow neighbors, and one thing is very clear - Craig Finberg is more than a legend on the court.

The Columbia Falls native, who entertained Wildcat basketball fans and almost brought home a state championship in 1975 and then went on to dazzle at Montana State University, embodied enthusiasm and spirit on the hardwood. The same is said of his work off of it, where Finberg was a longtime teacher and retired as one of the state's most successful high school coaches.

So when the news hit after Jan. 23 that Finberg had pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease, there was a collective moment of disheartenment in the valley and across the state for those who know "Finny," now an assistant coach at the University of Montana-Western

But that's when the wave of support converged. Within days of a Web site being set up by friends and family (www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigfinberg), thousands had visited and gave support to Finny, who currently lives in Dillon with his wife, Tammy.

On Feb. 6, just before heading to Illinois to begin initial treatment that includes chemotherapy and embarking on the fight of his life, Finberg responded.

"I really do not know where to begin but I feel like the luckiest man alive," he wrote on the Web site.

He later went on to say: "My immediate family has worked so hard and for that I am deeply indebted. I have followed their lead and we will fight the fight as long as need be."

Hundreds of heartfelt messages keep pouring in for the Montana State and Columbia Falls Hall of Famer.

"I just wanted to let you know that I was praying for you and that I will keep you in my thoughts," one supporter wrote on Finberg's Web site guestbook.

"You mean so much to the town and the kids of Dillon … Besides my father, there is nobody who I would rather have teach my child to shoot."

Another person wrote: "I've been reading all the posts and I can't help thinking of how many people's lives you've touched. You're a good guy, Finny!"

Finberg, who is one of the Bobcat's all-time leaders in field goals, free throws and assists, coached at Dillon's Beaverhead County High School for nearly 20 years and amassed a 281-160 record and two state championships.

Current Glacier girls basketball coach Doug Hashley was Finberg's roommate and teammate at Bozeman.

"Finny is my hero, always was and always will be," Hashley said.

"He's the type of guy who will give you confidence either on the playing field or anywhere."

Finberg's brother, Cary, has coached at Columbia Falls for 14 years and brought three state championships to the school since 2003.

At tonight's Columbia Falls-Whitefish boys basketball game, a fundraiser co-sponsored by the CFHS Student Council is being held to support Finny and his family. Other fundraisers have been set up across the state. For information, visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigfinberg.