The Montana Grizzlies have built a proud legacy in college athletics, excelling in both football and Montana Grizzlies basketball. From historic victories to standout seasons, the team has established itself as a powerhouse. Fans of the University Montana Grizzlies celebrate the program’s milestones, making the Grizzlies one of the most respected names in collegiate sports.
College Sports Established
1893
Location
Missoula, Montana
College Name
University of Montana
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1897 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
1963 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1962 / Independent
1951 - 1961 / Mountain States Conference
1950 / Independent
1924 - 1949 / Pacific Coast Conference
1897 - 1923 / Independent
Nickname
Grizzlies - The Montana Grizzlies are one of the most beloved college teams in the NCAA. As a proud fan, you may have wondered where their nickname originated and its origins. Well, wonder no more!
Montana Grizzlies Origin
The name “Grizzlies” has been associated with Montana since 1872 when Captain William Clark first used it to describe some of the giant brown bears he saw while exploring near present-day Missoula. The term stuck and became popular among local settlers, who often referred to them as “Griz” or grizzly bears.
In 1895, when the University of Montana opened its doors to students, it adopted the Grizzly Bear as its mascot due to its association with strength and power – qualities that were important for any successful university at that period. From then on out, all athletic teams representing UM proudly carried this moniker until 1972 when fans and school administration officially adopted " Montana Grizzlies " - making it official!
Since then, thousands of passionate supporters have come together wearing maroon & silver colors yearly while cheering on their beloved team, knowing why they chose such an iconic name like "Grizzlies." So next time you're watching a game or talking about your favorite team, share these facts so everyone can appreciate how much history is behind this amazing school's unique identity!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1947
- 1986
- 1995
- 2010
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Montana Grizzlies men’s basketball team wins the Rocky Mountain Conference championship
In 1947, the Montana Grizzlies men’s basketball team won the Rocky Mountain Conference championship. This was the first conference championship for the basketball program, which had been established in 1901. The team went on to participate in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), where they were eliminated in the first round. The championship helped establish the Montana Grizzlies as a competitive ... -
Montana Grizzlies football team wins the NCAA Division I-AA national championship
In 1986, the Montana Grizzlies football team won the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championship. The team, led by head coach Don Read, had a record of 12-3 on the season and defeated the Furman Paladins 22-20 in the championship game. This was the first national championship for the Montana Grizzlies football program. The team had standout players such ... -
Dave Dickenson – Walter Payton Award Winner
Dave Dickenson is one of the most notable players in the history of the Montana Grizzlies football program. He played quarterback for the team from 1992 to 1995 and led them to an appearance in the NCAA Division I-AA championship game in 1995, where they lost to Marshall. During his time with the Grizzlies, Dickenson set numerous school and conference ... -
The Montana Grizzlies men’s basketball team wins the Big Sky Conference championship
In the 2009-2010 season, the Montana Grizzlies men’s basketball team won the Big Sky Conference regular-season championship with a record of 22-9 overall and 12-4 in conference play. They went on to win the Big Sky Conference tournament and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament. In the first round, they faced off against the New Mexico Lobos but lost ...
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Montana Grizzlies History
The Montana Grizzlies have a proud legacy in NCAA sports, excelling in both football and Montana Grizzlies basketball. Known for their heated rivalry with the Montana State Bobcats, the Grizzlies have been a cornerstone of the Big Sky Conference since joining the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 1963. Over the decades, the team has claimed six conference titles and made five playoff appearances, establishing itself as one of the most successful programs at this level.
The University Montana Grizzlies football program has produced numerous NFL players, including Pro Bowlers Marc Mariani and Kroy Biermann, as well as Super Bowl champion Colin Kaepernick. Individual Grizzlies have also earned top honors, including All-Americans Jerry Kramer (1959), Dave Dickenson (1995), Jordan Johnson (2015), and Brady Gustafson (2017). These achievements reflect the team’s commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball.
While Montana Grizzlies basketball has faced challenges, the program has still made notable progress. Since joining Division I in 1997, the team reached the 2002 NIT tournament and the 2012 CBI tournament, demonstrating its competitiveness. Additionally, the basketball team has won four regular-season conference championships, proving that the Grizzlies are a formidable opponent on the court.
The Montana Grizzlies stadium has been a central part of the team’s history, hosting countless memorable football games and creating a home-field advantage for the Grizzlies. Fans flock to the stadium to support both football and basketball teams, contributing to the program’s passionate and loyal following.
Grizzlies Achievements
In recent years, the Montana Grizzlies football and Montana Grizzlies basketball programs have continued to perform strongly within the Big Sky Conference. Both teams have achieved playoff berths, conference titles, and postseason appearances, further cementing their status as top-tier programs at the FCS level.
Today, the Montana Grizzlies remain a symbol of perseverance, pride, and competitive excellence. With a rich history of University Montana Grizzlies achievements in football, memorable moments in Montana Grizzlies basketball, and countless victories at the Montana Grizzlies stadium, the program continues to inspire fans and athletes alike, proving that grit and determination always lead to glory.
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