http://www.kpax.com/news/griz-get-back-on-the-football-field/
MISSOULA - The University of Montana football team is back at work, and is ready to put all the distractions behind them.
The program doesn't have to fear an NCAA investigation anymore, and their quarterback is back under center - not in a courtroom.
You can't predict success from the first practice of the season. But first impressions can go a long way, and head coach Mick Delaney likes what he sees.
"You look at what our kids have done, every single one of them have gained anywhere - depending on the position - from eight to 27 pounds. Our strength numbers are way up. So you know, those things indicate you are getting better."
"We had a really successful summer program. [We] worked hard. A lot of guys stayed here. We're really happy with what we did as a team during the summer. We're coming in with a lot of confidence. But we're still coming in with a chip on our shoulder from last year. And we're ready to get to work," offensive lineman Danny Kistler observed.
Last year marked the first losing season for the Grizzlies since 1985, and it follows these players and coaches around wherever they go. Although there is plenty of reason to believe they will bounce back this fall, the questions will always be present until they provide the answers.
"I think anybody would be lieing if you say we don't talk about it or think about it. It's something that has kind of lit a fire underneath us this year. But at the same time, we're always looking forward," Kistler told us.
"The effort on focus all winter long have been on, you know, we've got to finish, we've got to play four quarters...so yeah, there's a whole different outlook on coming off a season like last year and going into this season," Delaney adde