Alight folks. I’m done complaining. I’m now in the part of the process where action is needed. So what can we do as fans to further the university? What can we do to attract more students and the athletes we need across all sports (not just football)?
We need to organize. We need to create NIL chapters in every alumni hub, not just in Montana but nationwide. Montana has fantastic academic programs that do fantastic work and need a broader connection to the outside world. These alumni groups and networks can act not only as a revenue generating mechanism, but as support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for student athletes, students, and other alumni. Many of us can’t join programs like QB club ($1,000?? In THIS economy??), but we can donate time, mentorship, networks, and expertise. In this, everyone can participate. NIL doesn’t need to just be about money. It can be about opportunity as well after the final whistle and that walk across the stage.
There needs to be a broader push to market these things from the university, but also from the alumni groups as well. It can’t be simply a social thing where people meet once a year to watch a football game. This is our school, our community, and its high time we act like we have a stake in this.
The coaches aren’t in this alone (regardless of who they are). If we want improvement we can’t stand passively by and expect others to make the change. I’ve already reached out to Marcus Welnel to try and get something moving. This is not a name drop ( his email is public), but it’s me trying to take action. To do something. I’ve had some conversations out in the world with other folks that are like minded and motivated. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
We need to organize. We need to create NIL chapters in every alumni hub, not just in Montana but nationwide. Montana has fantastic academic programs that do fantastic work and need a broader connection to the outside world. These alumni groups and networks can act not only as a revenue generating mechanism, but as support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for student athletes, students, and other alumni. Many of us can’t join programs like QB club ($1,000?? In THIS economy??), but we can donate time, mentorship, networks, and expertise. In this, everyone can participate. NIL doesn’t need to just be about money. It can be about opportunity as well after the final whistle and that walk across the stage.
There needs to be a broader push to market these things from the university, but also from the alumni groups as well. It can’t be simply a social thing where people meet once a year to watch a football game. This is our school, our community, and its high time we act like we have a stake in this.
The coaches aren’t in this alone (regardless of who they are). If we want improvement we can’t stand passively by and expect others to make the change. I’ve already reached out to Marcus Welnel to try and get something moving. This is not a name drop ( his email is public), but it’s me trying to take action. To do something. I’ve had some conversations out in the world with other folks that are like minded and motivated. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.