If they're as bad as they were this year then I think we can beat them. There's no way they're gonna be that bad again though will they? They have to be better. That was like all time terrible.
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What We Can Do As Griz Fans
- Thread starter PDXGrizzly
- Start date
Silenoz
Well-known member
Here's my small idea/contribution to this thread:
@MarcusWelnel
I'm going to keep banging this drum/beating this dead horse, but please have the UM AD reach out to Next Level Sports
The upcoming Bobcat flag football season for Grades K-7 is now up to 667 players. It will reach towards 1,000 by March. At $275/pop minimum.
That's 667 of the most athletic kids in this area of the state being further indoctrinated to Cats football. 667 families making Cat football a big part of their lives even in the off-season. More than a few of them future FCS players.
Dozens of current Cats players acting as coaches, building ties to the community, which keeps them here. And not in the portal. A grand total of one of the player-coaches has left to the portal (Ryder Trujillo) that I've seen.
$187,000+ (so far) going to NL and MSU. I do not know how much of that goes to the players, but it must be enough if they have no shortage of volunteers.
(these photos are found with google so I'm considering them appropriate to use)
@MarcusWelnel
I'm going to keep banging this drum/beating this dead horse, but please have the UM AD reach out to Next Level Sports
The upcoming Bobcat flag football season for Grades K-7 is now up to 667 players. It will reach towards 1,000 by March. At $275/pop minimum.
That's 667 of the most athletic kids in this area of the state being further indoctrinated to Cats football. 667 families making Cat football a big part of their lives even in the off-season. More than a few of them future FCS players.
Dozens of current Cats players acting as coaches, building ties to the community, which keeps them here. And not in the portal. A grand total of one of the player-coaches has left to the portal (Ryder Trujillo) that I've seen.
$187,000+ (so far) going to NL and MSU. I do not know how much of that goes to the players, but it must be enough if they have no shortage of volunteers.
(these photos are found with google so I'm considering them appropriate to use)
Man...you see all of the little things they're doing, and it sure seems like the gap is bigger than we'd like to admit.Here's my small idea/contribution to this thread:
@MarcusWelnel
I'm going to keep banging this drum/beating this dead horse, but please have the UM AD reach out to Next Level Sports
The upcoming Bobcat flag football season for Grades K-7 is now up to 667 players. It will reach towards 1,000 by March. At $275/pop minimum.
That's 667 of the most athletic kids in this area of the state being further indoctrinated to Cats football. 667 families making Cat football a big part of their lives even in the off-season. More than a few of them future FCS players.
Dozens of current Cats players acting as coaches, building ties to the community, which keeps them here. And not in the portal. A grand total of one of the player-coaches has left to the portal (Ryder Trujillo) that I've seen.
$187,000+ (so far) going to NL and MSU. I do not know how much of that goes to the players, but it must be enough if they have no shortage of volunteers.
(these photos are found with google so I'm considering them appropriate to use)
If I could distill the main messaging differences, it seems the cats' overall message from the school and football program is "we are here for you", while ours is "it is a privilege for you to be here with us".
Silenoz
Well-known member
I can go on and on with this stuff.
Here is the "movie night" at WaGriz I found a google image of:
This is Bozeman. I literally had to stand behind the fences at midfield at the last one because there was no room for us.
My kids have caught balls from, or performed dance moves for Tommy Mellott, Sean Chambers, Taco Dowler, Adam Jones, Troy Andersen, Lance McCutcheon, Justin Lamson, Daniel Hardy, Ty Okada, and dozens of players currently on the roster. All in the last two years in many different events. Some organized by MSU. Some by alumni. Some by the Bobcat Collective. What is UM doing?
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Texas
BrownBear9501
Well-known member
The problem is he won’t bring in someone on staff to shake things up. Let’s not forgot the team was 9-5 last year with an early exit. I’m sorry but with the schedule and home games the Griz played they should have gone 13-2. 10 games were at home!!! I guarantee if Bama went 13-2 with two losses to Auburn and Auburn went on to win it all…..shit would be hitting the fan!
GriznMN
Well-known member
You laid out the areas for improvement very well. Thanks! AI says the tone of your post is Highly Sarcastic, Bitter, and Frustrated
According to AI, here's a more constructive message:
I’m proud of the 13‑win season and the progress the program has made, but I think it’s fair for fans to look at the bigger picture and ask where we can still improve. Success shouldn’t prevent honest evaluation.
There are a few areas that deserve attention:
1. Communication and leadership I’d like to see more transparency and professionalism from the staff when interacting with media, fans, and boosters. Strong programs usually pair on‑field success with clear, consistent communication off the field.
2. Recruiting approach Montana has great in‑state talent, but relying on the brand alone isn’t enough anymore. Other programs—especially MSU—are recruiting aggressively and building strong relationships. I think our staff needs to be more visible and engaged, especially with top Montana prospects.
3. Strength & conditioning and defensive structure The last few Cat‑Griz matchups have exposed some issues in physicality, gap integrity, and defending mobile quarterbacks. It might be time to take a hard look at our S&C program and whether our defensive scheme is putting players in the best position to succeed.
4. Results against MSU We’ve had a lot of success overall, but MSU has consistently gotten the better of us in key games, including the conference title race. That trend matters, and it should motivate us to evaluate what they’re doing well and where we need to adjust.
5. Listening to former players and constructive voices When multiple former players raise concerns, even privately, it’s worth taking seriously. They know the program from the inside and often want what’s best for it.
None of this is about tearing down the program or ignoring what’s been accomplished. It’s about wanting Montana to reach its full potential. Celebrating wins and demanding improvement aren’t mutually exclusive—we can do both."
GriznMN
Well-known member
Here's another version:
I’m incredibly proud of what this program accomplished this year. Winning 13 games is no small feat, and it speaks to the talent, tradition, and commitment that make Montana football special. We have a lot to celebrate, and we should never lose sight of that.
At the same time, part of being a strong program—and a strong fan base—is being willing to look honestly at where we can still grow. Supporting this team doesn’t mean ignoring areas that need attention. It means caring enough to want us to reach our full potential.
Here are a few things I believe we can rally around together:
1. Strengthening communication and leadership Our coaches represent the University of Montana everywhere they go. I’d love to see more consistent, professional communication with fans, boosters, and media. Transparency builds trust, and trust strengthens the entire program.
2. Elevating our recruiting presence Montana kids matter. Relationships matter. We can’t rely on the brand alone—especially when our rivals are working the state hard. I want to see our staff fully engaged, visible, and aggressive in recruiting the best talent in Montana and beyond.
3. Evaluating our S&C and defensive approach We’ve made strides, but the results in key games—especially against MSU—show that we still have work to do. Let’s take an honest look at our physical development, our defensive structure, and how we handle mobile quarterbacks and long‑yardage situations. These are fixable issues with the right attention.
4. Closing the gap in rivalry and championship moments We’ve had great seasons, but the Cats have taken the upper hand in too many big games. That’s not a criticism—it’s a challenge. We should expect to compete for and win conference titles, and we should expect to show up in Cat‑Griz with our best football.
5. Listening to former players and constructive voices When former players speak up, it’s because they care. Their perspective is valuable, and incorporating their feedback can only make the program stronger.
None of this takes away from what we’ve achieved. In fact, it’s the opposite. We’re close—very close—to being the program we all believe Montana can be. But getting there requires honest evaluation, accountability, and a willingness to adapt.
Let’s keep supporting this team with everything we’ve got, while also pushing for the improvements that will take us from “very good” to “elite.” That’s how great programs stay great.
I’m incredibly proud of what this program accomplished this year. Winning 13 games is no small feat, and it speaks to the talent, tradition, and commitment that make Montana football special. We have a lot to celebrate, and we should never lose sight of that.
At the same time, part of being a strong program—and a strong fan base—is being willing to look honestly at where we can still grow. Supporting this team doesn’t mean ignoring areas that need attention. It means caring enough to want us to reach our full potential.
Here are a few things I believe we can rally around together:
1. Strengthening communication and leadership Our coaches represent the University of Montana everywhere they go. I’d love to see more consistent, professional communication with fans, boosters, and media. Transparency builds trust, and trust strengthens the entire program.
2. Elevating our recruiting presence Montana kids matter. Relationships matter. We can’t rely on the brand alone—especially when our rivals are working the state hard. I want to see our staff fully engaged, visible, and aggressive in recruiting the best talent in Montana and beyond.
3. Evaluating our S&C and defensive approach We’ve made strides, but the results in key games—especially against MSU—show that we still have work to do. Let’s take an honest look at our physical development, our defensive structure, and how we handle mobile quarterbacks and long‑yardage situations. These are fixable issues with the right attention.
4. Closing the gap in rivalry and championship moments We’ve had great seasons, but the Cats have taken the upper hand in too many big games. That’s not a criticism—it’s a challenge. We should expect to compete for and win conference titles, and we should expect to show up in Cat‑Griz with our best football.
5. Listening to former players and constructive voices When former players speak up, it’s because they care. Their perspective is valuable, and incorporating their feedback can only make the program stronger.
None of this takes away from what we’ve achieved. In fact, it’s the opposite. We’re close—very close—to being the program we all believe Montana can be. But getting there requires honest evaluation, accountability, and a willingness to adapt.
Let’s keep supporting this team with everything we’ve got, while also pushing for the improvements that will take us from “very good” to “elite.” That’s how great programs stay great.
Does not cause me to presume a loss, nevertheless.
grizgrad99
Member
Thanks for sharing these, Silenoz.I can go on and on with this stuff.
Here is the "movie night" at WaGriz I found a google image of:
This is Bozeman. I literally had to stand behind the fences at midfield at the last one because there was no room for us.
My kids have caught balls from, or performed dance moves for Tommy Mellott, Sean Chambers, Taco Dowler, Adam Jones, Troy Andersen, Lance McCutcheon, Justin Lamson, Daniel Hardy, Ty Okada, and dozens of players currently on the roster. All in the last two years in many different events. Some organized by MSU. Some by alumni. Some by the Bobcat Collective. What is UM doing?
I think these images do a great job of highlighting the broader trend re: UM and Missoula. For a program that preaches the importance of "details" and "doing the little things right," these kinds of events sure seem to be an easy way to do that. These events (movie nights at the stadium, football camps, Lady Griz School Day, etc.) are simple ways to build a positive perception of the University of Montana within the broader Missoula community. Get kids and families on campus, make sure they have a positive experience with our students, faculty, and staff, and you start to build momentum in recruiting and beyond. This is true for our student-athletes and our student body as a whole.
I'm not sure when the relationship between Missoula and UM changed, but it was apparent when I was a student that UM and Missoula are two separate entities. That's a problem. Walk down Main Street in Bozeman and look at all the small businesses with "Montana State University, YOUR University" stickers in the window, the street signs with cat logos, etc. Waded Cruzado fully took advantage of the growth in/around Bozeman and made sure that the community was aware of the symbiotic relationship between MSU and Bozeman. While our administration has definitely made some progress in this area (Paint Missoula Maroon, The Big Sky Experience (new student orientation), it's clear we have a long way to go.
Something needs to be done to inspire some Grizzly pride in Missoula and Western Montana as a whole. Not everything needs to be done at once, but leaning heavily into these youth and community events is a great way to start.
Silenoz
Well-known member
Yeah, there's just so many little things like that.
Just another example is how the summer Bozeman Sports Camp (run by a former Cat player, and staffed by current Cat players) brings in a couple dozen freshman Bobcats to spend the day with the kids, and sign posters.
Stuff like that is CONSTANT around here.
I don't know how much he actually checks here since UM hired him, but I emailed @MarcusWelnel at the AD. If I don't hear back I'll email other associate ADs. Setting up the flag football league at UM would be a small step in the right direction, but it's something. Even if it takes 1,000 small steps.
Just another example is how the summer Bozeman Sports Camp (run by a former Cat player, and staffed by current Cat players) brings in a couple dozen freshman Bobcats to spend the day with the kids, and sign posters.
Stuff like that is CONSTANT around here.
I don't know how much he actually checks here since UM hired him, but I emailed @MarcusWelnel at the AD. If I don't hear back I'll email other associate ADs. Setting up the flag football league at UM would be a small step in the right direction, but it's something. Even if it takes 1,000 small steps.
SinCityGriz2005
Well-known member
I'd participate in that.
Love it! Now to get someone in UM admin to listen…
UM Foundation would probably be your best bet!
Silenoz
Well-known member
Update. In the last month we did a team celebration with our Bobcat player coach, have been doing QB camp with Grant Vigen, just wrapped up baseball with our former Cat QB coach, have football tonight with another former Cat QB, start both football camps with Bobcat players next week, followed by the Bobcat NFL combine camp and then the Justin Lamson camp, and summer-long camp with Titan Fleischman. No Taco Dowler and Adam Jones camp this year because they're doing it in Missoula to steal all your kids' fandom. Then we start Next Level basketball with those MSU players. And then back to travel basketball where guys like Kash Embry, Zac Crews, and Grant Vigen are reffing all of the Bozeman games.
One community has made this a deeply ingrained and key piece of their youth culture. One needs to catch-up. It kills me that they are so good at this.
One community has made this a deeply ingrained and key piece of their youth culture. One needs to catch-up. It kills me that they are so good at this.
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mthoopsfan
Well-known member
Who cares? That's a big nothing.
horribilisfan8184
Well-known member
I hear in Bozeman sCats will pay a nickel to see a cow piss on a flat rock, so the sCats have that going for them too.
5280Griz
Well-known member
UM’s is slightly larger but they are more or less the same. Like $320m at UM and $319m at MSU.
MontanaGrizSoccer
Well-known member
What good is having 322 million if you don’t use it.
