College Sports Established
1897
Location
Bozeman, Montana
College Name
Montana State University
Collegiate History
1963 - Present / NCAA Division I-AA
1957 - 1962 / NCAA Division II
1917 - 1956 / NAIA
Conference History
1963 – Present / Big Sky Conference
1957 - 1962 / Independent
1917 - 1956 / Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
1897 - 1916 / Independent
Nickname
Bobcats - The Montana State Bobcats are one of the country's most beloved college sports teams, and their nickname has a unique origin story. The Bobcat was chosen as the team’s mascot because it is an animal native to Montana, and its agility, cunningness, and strength reflect qualities that many people associate with successful athletes.
But why did they choose “Bobcats” specifically? It turns out that this decision was made by students at what is now known as Montana State University back in 1932. At that time, two student organizations were competing for control over campus life – the “Cats” (representing traditional values) and the “Bears" (representing progressive ideas). To settle this dispute once-and-for-all without any bloodshed or hard feelings between them, both groups agreed to combine their names into one - thus creating "Bobcats."
Since then, Bobcat Athletics have become an integral part of campus culture at MSU, from cheering on football games during Homecoming weekend to celebrating each basketball victory with chants like "Go Cats Go!" This spirit has been passed down through generations of students who proudly wear their school colors while showing fierce loyalty towards their beloved team. So next time you head out to support your local NCAA sports team, remember: The power behind those bobtails lies deep within our hearts!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1897
- 1914
- 1956
- 2015
- 2022
-
The Montana State Bobcats football program is established.
The Montana State Bobcats football program was established in 1897, making it one of the oldest college football programs in the western United States. The team played its first game against the Butte Athletic Club, winning 18-6. Over the years, the Bobcats have become one of the most successful college football programs in the Big Sky Conference, having won multiple ... -
The Montana State Bobcats baseball team wins its first conference championship
The Montana State Bobcats baseball team won its first conference championship in 1914, marking a significant milestone in the team’s history. The Bobcats competed in the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Athletic Association (RMIAA) at the time and finished the season with a record of 7-1 in conference play. Led by head coach John “Cap” Luby, the team featured standout players such ... -
Montana State Bobcats men’s basketball team wins the Skyline Conference championship
In the 1955-56 season, the Montana State Bobcats men’s basketball team finished with a record of 22-4 and won the Skyline Conference championship. The team was led by head coach Roger Craft and senior guard Joe Holman, who was named the Skyline Conference Player of the Year. Montana State advanced to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Santa Clara ... -
Rob Ash- Two-time Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year
Rob Ash was the head coach of the Montana State Bobcats football team from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure, he led the team to four Big Sky Conference championships and three appearances in the NCAA Division I Football Championship playoffs. Ash was named the Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year twice, in 2010 and 2012. He also coached ... -
BOBCATS TAKE THE SKY! Montana State Wins Third Big Sky Tournament
The 2022 Big Sky Men’s Basketball Tournament came to an end Saturday night as Montana State defeated Northern Colorado 87-66 to earn their first bid to the NCAA Championship Tournament since 1996. The win made the Bobcats the winners of both the Regular Season and the Championship Tournament titles for the 2021-22 season. This is the first time they have ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that the player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Bobcats
Montana State has won 16 conference titles in football since joining Division I-AA (now FCS) competition in 1978. The team also appeared in their first national championship game during that same season but fell just short against Florida A&M University by a score of 34-28. Since then, they’ve gone on to make several more playoff appearances, including five consecutive trips from 2011 through 2015 as well as three Big Sky Conference Championships within that span, all culminating with their most recent title win over Northern Arizona University back in 2018, which earned them yet another trip into post season play where they eventually lost out after falling short against North Dakota State University 43-17 this past December 2020.
In addition, the men’s basketball program hasn't had much success. Still, it boasts some impressive feats, such as making it into six NCAA tournaments between 1992 and 2012 while winning four regular season conference titles and two Big Sky Tournament Championships in 2000 & 2010, respectively. They also managed an upset victory over number 3 seed Washington Huskies during March Madness 2019 before ultimately losing out later round versus eventual National Champions Virginia Cavaliers by mere four points 63–67.
It's clear that despite not having any National Titles under its belt yet, Montana State can proudly look back upon many successes throughout its storied history in collegiate sports while looking forward to future triumphs!
Sports Fan Products
