Buehler, a defensive end at the University of Montana from 1995-98, is a probation officer in Billings. The nature of the job, which the Butte native describes as a “hazardous duty position,” forces him to be aware of any potential dangerous situations.
“You always have to be on your toes,” said Buehler, who has worked in law enforcement in Billings and southeastern Montana for the past seven years. “You have to be aware of people you’re working with.”
“Uh, I’ll say my son,” Buehler said of his 2-year-old son, Austin.
Buehler said he once listed himself as the better athlete for a personality profile for couples shortly before getting married to Koss, who coaches girls’ basketball at Billings West.
“I ranked her lower than me and I’m still hearing about that,” he said laughing. “I always figured I had more athleticism because I played more sports in high school.”
Buehler said his wife gets the nod in one-on-one basketball.
“If she doesn’t let me foul, she beats me nine out of 10 times,” he said.
Buehler said his duties as a probation officer involve supervising people who are awaiting trial in federal court and making recommendations to judges before a trial has begun.
“I evaluate a person’s risk of flight, as well as the potential danger they pose to themself and to society,” he said.
Buehler, 31, said he had an interest in working with criminals at a young age, which led him to earn a degree in psychology and sociology.
“There’s a different life path that people in crime take,” Buehler said. “It’s always a mystery to me why. It’s the old nature vs. nurture argument. Is it just them or is it their environment? Hopefully my involvement can shed some light on these questions or at least help someone move toward a law abiding life path.”
As a junior, Buehler shared the Tony Barbour Award, which is presented to unselfish players who exemplify dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the Grizzlies. He was awarded the Larry Miller Award (outstanding defensive lineman) as a senior in 1998.
As for his memories of playing for the Griz, Buehler said he’s proud of the 1995 Division I-AA national title and also never losing to Montana State. Buehler said the safety on then-Marshall quarterback Chad Pennington by fellow Butte defensive lineman Randy Riley and Brian Toone in the 1995 national championship game still resonates because of the Grizzlies’ two-point margin of victory.
Buehler, who had 12 sacks himself during his Griz career, also remembers a hit on former roommate Paul Jenkins during a punt return, which made the rotation of highlights on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”
“He got drilled in the ear hole,” Buehler said of Jenkins. “They also both wore No. 39.”
Buehler said the two head coaches he played for, Don Read (1995) and Mick Dennehy (1996-98), shared a common trait in how they treated players.
“Don Read was a mastermind of the game,” Buehler said. “He was an Xs and Os guy. There were so many things he developed and perfected. His coaches would then put them into action and he’d just watch it all work. I respect him to this day. He knew us as people and not just players.
“It wasn’t really any different for Coach Dennehy,” Buehler said. “He’d motivate you for the team’s benefit and for your own benefit. He’s a guy that I would’ve done anything for.”
Buehler enjoys spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing, as well as playing golf when he’s not spending time with his family. He usually attends a couple Griz games a year and hopes to attend more once his son is older.
“It’s neat to be a part of the history of a program that continues to get better,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of a program that continues to excel and turn out a lot of guys that contribute to society and they’re good people.”
Scott Johnson is a freelance writer in Missoula. If you have an idea for a player to be profiled as the subject of a Where are they now?, please contact him at sjohnson2930@msn.com.
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