Another Griz mascot graduates to the pros...
http://missoulian.com/sports/colleg...tent=61676B28A8516E2E68047E8FE6161ABDA9420739
From one bear to another.
After five years as Montana's most beloved mascot, Monte has turned pro. The former University of Montana student who portrayed the Grizzlies' mascot is now in Houston performing as Clutch, the mascot bear of the NBA's Houston Rockets.
He is the second Monte to parlay his performance as the recognizable Griz into a professional mascot gig. After helping Monte earn a pair of National Mascot of the Year awards (2002-03 and 2004-05), Barry Anderson was hired by the Chicago Bulls as Benny the Bull.
Anderson retired from the gig earlier this year after 12 seasons in Chicago.
Per his agreement with UM athletics and the Rockets, Monte's and Clutch's identity behind the mask remains anonymous.
The newly hired Clutch began work in Houston in early October and the Rockets played their first regular-season game Wednesday night. Houston's home opener at the Toyota Center is this Sunday.
From one highly decorated character to another, Houston's Clutch is a two-time NBA mascot of the year. Clutch was named the pro basketball league's top mascot in 2005 and 2013 and was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2006.
The Rockets debuted Clutch the Bear for the 1995 season.
Like Monte is Missoula and greater Montana, Clutch is a highly sought-after entertainer. The mascot makes 250 Houston-area appearances each year, along with about 20 out-of-town and international trips.
http://missoulian.com/sports/colleg...tent=61676B28A8516E2E68047E8FE6161ABDA9420739
From one bear to another.
After five years as Montana's most beloved mascot, Monte has turned pro. The former University of Montana student who portrayed the Grizzlies' mascot is now in Houston performing as Clutch, the mascot bear of the NBA's Houston Rockets.
He is the second Monte to parlay his performance as the recognizable Griz into a professional mascot gig. After helping Monte earn a pair of National Mascot of the Year awards (2002-03 and 2004-05), Barry Anderson was hired by the Chicago Bulls as Benny the Bull.
Anderson retired from the gig earlier this year after 12 seasons in Chicago.
Per his agreement with UM athletics and the Rockets, Monte's and Clutch's identity behind the mask remains anonymous.
The newly hired Clutch began work in Houston in early October and the Rockets played their first regular-season game Wednesday night. Houston's home opener at the Toyota Center is this Sunday.
From one highly decorated character to another, Houston's Clutch is a two-time NBA mascot of the year. Clutch was named the pro basketball league's top mascot in 2005 and 2013 and was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2006.
The Rockets debuted Clutch the Bear for the 1995 season.
Like Monte is Missoula and greater Montana, Clutch is a highly sought-after entertainer. The mascot makes 250 Houston-area appearances each year, along with about 20 out-of-town and international trips.
