Traditions - University of Montana Athletics

TRADITIONS AT MONTANA

THE NUMBER 37 JERSEY AND FLAG

Griz football jersey #37 began its legacy in 1983. Griz fullback and Plentywood native Kraig Paulson began the tradition of passing #37 on to a younger player who hailed from the state of Montana. Paulson was known for his hard-nosed play and workman mentality. So the tradition began. Number 37 has come to represent the Spirit of Montana… hard work, dedication to the team, and tough play on the gridiron. A 37 flag is raised during pre-game of every home game at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in honor of these men.

Marcus Welnel	Linebacker	2022	Helena
Jace Lewis	Linebacker	2021	Townsend
Jesse Sims	Defensive End	2018-19	Stevensville
Tucker Schye	Defensive End	2017	Malta
Caleb Kidder	Defensive End	2015-16	Helena
Zack Wagenmann	Defensive End	2014	Missoula
Jordan Tripp	Linebacker	2012-13	Missoula
Ryan Fetherston	Defensive End	2011	East Helena
Carson Bender	Defensive Tackle	2008-10	Deer Lodge
Loren Utterback	Linebacker	2004-07	Fort Benton
Ciche Pitcher	Defensive End	2001-03	Anaconda
Andy Petek	Defensive End	1998-00	Helena
Jason Crebo	Linebacker	1994-97	Helena
Todd Ericson	Safety	1990-93	Butte
Tim Hauck	Safety	1987-89	Big Timber
Kraig Paulson	Fullback	1983-86	Plentywood

HOMECOMING WEEK RALLIES AND EVENTS

YELL NIGHT PEP-RALLY

Held typically on the Friday night of Homecoming week, the Yell Night Pep Rally begins on the Oval just after 8 p.m. The UM Alumni, accompanied by the forestry department, UM choir, marching band, spirit squad, and Griz football team rally around the oval and watch the M on Mount Sentinel get lit up by community members. Fireworks round out the night after speakers tell the traditions of our great University.

HOMECOMING PARADE AND GAME

Generally held on a Saturday in the middle of the football season, the Homecoming Game is a time for alumni and members of the Missoula community that may no longer be in the area to return to Washington Grizzly Stadium to cheer on the Griz. Before heading to the big game, fans can gather on Higgins Ave from Spruce all the way to Arthur lead by the UM Marching Band. Community Members can see UM clubs and organizations along with business from around Missoula!

MONTE / SPIRIT SQUAD AND MARCHING BAND

TROPHY GAMES

BRAWL OF THE WILD
Rivalry games always have a bigger feel to them, and that's especially true of the Brawl of the Wild series between Montana and Montana State. Separated by just 200 miles along I-90, the two institutions compete in Football, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Volleyball, Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis, Golf, and Men's & Women's Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field and Cross Country.

THE LITTLE BROWN STEIN
Since 1938, the winner of the Montana/Idaho rivalry game has taken home the "Little Brown Stein" a wooden traveling trophy that was created by UM's John T. Campbell that year.

The Grizzlies have held the Stein since 2000, with seven-straight wins over the Vandals, four of which were earned while Idaho was an FBS program. Idaho moved up to FBS/D1-A in 1996, and returned to the FCS and Big Sky Conference in 2018.

OTHER EVENTS AND TRADITIONS

CANNON

17036

FIGHT SONG

Up with Montana, boys, down with the foe,
Good ol’ Grizzlies out for a victory;
We’ll shoot our backs ’round the foemen’s line;
A hot time is coming now, oh, brother mine.
Up with Montana, boys, down with the foe,
Good old Grizzlies triumph today;
And the squeal of the pig will float on the air;
From the tummy of the Grizzly Bear.

GRIZZLY CUP

The Grizzly Cup was first awarded in 1921, to three-sport athlete Larry Higbee, and was presented annually to Montana’s top student-athlete until 1987, when it was discontinued. The awarding of the Grizzly Cup resumed in 2009 and now is presented each spring to one deserving male and one female senior student-athlete.