Main Line Trophy gives Griz-Cat volleyball rivalry extra meaning

A good rivalry consists of several things.

First, rivalries are generally about proximity. Two schools located within close distance of each other, perhaps playing in the same state or sharing a border. Montana and Montana State definitely fit that bill, being the two flagship universities in the Treasure State, located just 200 miles apart.

Second, good sports rivalries are competitive. The Griz-Cat volleyball rivalry has been played 115 times dating back to 1975, at least twice every season for the past 45 years. Entering this weekend, Montana State (58) and Montana (57) hold nearly identical records.

Finally, the best rivalries have something to play for. In the past, the Montana-Montana State volleyball series has been played for bragging rights, pride and a rise in the Big Sky Conference standings. Starting Sunday, there will be extra meaning.

Montana and Montana State jointly announced on Saturday the debut of the Main Line Trophy, a volleyball-only award that features a bronze bell with each school's logo represented. It is housed in a black, cast-iron frame and mounted on a wooden base.

"Playing for the Main Line Trophy adds even more depth to an already incredible experience," Montana head coach Allison Lawrence said. "The Griz-Cat rivalry is so unique and special, and now we have a visible, tangible representation of what this rivalry means to our players, fans and the state of Montana."

The idea for a traveling trophy was created due to the significance of the rivalry. It's rare for a volleyball series to produce the excitement level that the Brawl of the Wild features, annually drawing more than 1,000 fans for contests in both Missoula and Bozeman.

"There is no doubt the competition between Montana State and the University of Montana is one of the most storied and highly contested rivalries in collegiate athletics," Montana State head coach Daniel Jones said. "Since my first Cat-Griz contest back in 2015, it has made a huge impression on me and on every member of the program just how much these matches mean."

The trophy that each team will play for is a symbol of longevity, resilience and strength. It is a whimsical throwback to the early mining boom and the railroad that brought only the toughest citizenry to the Treasure State. It was a time when you could hear the railway bells resonating from Hellgate to Gateway.

The locomotive bell represents the railroad industry that played a major role in the present state of Montana.

Prior to the 1880s, transportation throughout the state was seasonal, mostly by foot or horseback. Railroads represented the coming of age in 19^th-century America, but until they reached Montana, the territory remained in its infancy. That changed in 1881, when the first railroad expanded to the Treasure State. Two years later, the Northern Pacific reached Gold Creek, east of Missoula. Four years after that, a second transcontinental cut across the Hi-Line to Havre, then southwest to Helena and Butte. With it came an influx of people, supplies and money, with the state suddenly welcoming miners, merchants, farmers and cattlemen.

Throughout history, railroads have connected regions and states, but they have also connected time and eras. It is no different with the annual Griz-Cat volleyball rivalry.

"We're not just playing for our current team but we're playing for our alumni and those who have gone before us," Lawrence said. "The history and emotion surrounding this rivalry is one of the most unique, coolest things you can be part of. It's a pure rivalry, and you can't help but to get goosebumps thinking about what this rivalry represents to so many."

Starting Sunday, the Main Line Trophy will be awarded to the victor after each match between Montana and Montana State. Montana State won the first 24 meetings from 1975-80, before Montana earned its first win in 1981, going 57-34 against the Bobcats since.

Matches this week will be streamed on Pluto TV (channel 1056). First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. on Monday.

University of Montana Athletics

Main Line Trophy gives Griz-Cat volleyball rivalry extra meaning

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