Speak Up Symposium

Montana Football Hall of Fame Presents:

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The Speak Up; Let’s Talk
on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the Billings Hotel & Convention Center

Speak up, Let’s Talk: You Don’t Have to Just Live with It!

Register Online for the 2025 Event >>

Mental health challenges in the Montanan athletic community—such as depression, anxiety, and suicide—are urgent issues that demand attention. These challenges are often magnified in close-knit communities with limited mental health resources.

Concussions and other sports-related injuries further complicate this landscape. These risks are particularly concerning for youth athletes, who represent the future of Montana's vibrant sports culture.

Our expert panel will explore ways to recognize signs of mental distress, reduce stigma, and equip athletes, coaches, and families with tools to support mental well-being across all levels of competition. Coaches, trainers and others can also receive 2 hrs of CE.

Join us on June 28th, 2025, in Billings, as we work to ensure Montana’s athletes thrive both on and off the field. Together, we can create a culture where speaking up is a sign of strength, not weakness.

  • Research shows that athletes with a history of concussions are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, as the physical trauma can intensify emotional and psychological struggles.

  • Athletes across the state face unique pressures, including performance expectations, injury recovery, and navigating identity beyond their sport.

Together, let’s prioritize athlete wellness and safety!

Thank you to our committee members:

  • Jim Klemen

  • Jim O'Day

  • Capri Richardson

  • Dennis Harp

  • Mike Yakowich

  • Danny Desin

  • Joe McClafferty

  • Briann McClaffery

2025 Speakers

Izzi, Billings Clinic

Kira Kamrud, DPT

Jim O’Day

Jim O’Day was Director of Athletics at the University of Montana from 2005-2012. He also served as the Assistant Director of the Grizzly Athletic Association (1998-2000) and later as the Director of Development for UM Intercollegiate Athletics (2000-2005).

Prior to returning to his alma mater in 1998, O’Day was the owner/publisher of the family-owned Western Breeze newspaper in Cut Bank, MT. He was also sports editor of the Kalispell Daily Interlake from 1980-82.

In late 2013, Jim started his own consulting business, O’Day Enterprises, LLC.  His main clients include Farran Realty Partners, a private equity real estate development/investment firm based in Missoula;  Epio Solutions  of Seattle/Missoula, an agency primarily focused on branding/marketing/public relations utilizing various social media platforms for businesses, universities, non-profits and individuals; and  BancVue , a company based in Austin, Texas, that aligns itself with small community banks and credit unions across the country to compete against the large mega banks. In addition, Jim is consulting for various oil and gas firms, as well as providing valuable professional resource services for intercollegiate athletics, fund-raising, capital raises, employment opportunities, etc. 

Jim and his wife Kathy have three sons: Chris, Kevin and Brian – all three graduates of The University of Montana.

Capri Richardson, MA, LPC Associate

Capri Richardson has a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Mary Hardin- Baylor. She is a licensed professional counselor associate, supervised by Angela Bulls LPC-S in the Austin, TX area. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in Dance from the University of Montana, where she excelled as a member of the Women’s Volleyball Team, garnering accolades such as Big-Sky Player of the Week and Second Team All-Big Sky. Following her collegiate and professional volleyball career in Europe, Capri transitioned to coaching travel club volleyball and gained experience in mental health arenas, including work with children on the autism spectrum and clients with eating disorders. Combining her passion for athletics and counseling, Capri has served with Baylor Athletics and operates a private practice in Austin, TX, specializing in supporting athletes, coaches, and their families in coping skills, trauma processing, and holistic well-being for both on and off the court/field.

Capri Richardson, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Angela Bulls, MA, LPC-S
Sports Counselor
First Contact Athletic Counseling PLLC
Phone: (737) 359-1336