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January 2007
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Volume 3, Issue 5 |
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Lady Griz freshmen report
Grizzly Times sat down with the Lady Griz freshmen ... MORE
A few of our favorite things
Relive the best Griz moments in the 2006 calendar year ... MORE
Christmas world-wide
Montana men's tennis brings an international feel to the holidays ... MORE
New Year's resolutions
Some changes are in store for Montana Athletics and its employees ... MORE
A letter from Griz A.D. Jim O'Day
A monthly letter from Montana's athletic director
... MORE
UM Athletics announcements
Check out UM Athletics announcements ... MORE
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Lady Griz freshmen report
by Joel Carlson, UM Sports Information |
Head coach Robin Selvig |
With the 2006 Lady Griz Holiday Classic and the non-conference schedule in the books and Big Sky Conference play starting this week, it seemed like a perfect time to check in on Robin Selvig's freshman class of Stephanie Stender (Sheridan, Wyo.) and Jessa Linford (Seeley Lake, Mont.), both of whom are redshirting this season.
“Steph is a great kid, and she’s competing well in practice, and I think she’s steadily improving,” Selvig said last week. “Jessa is doing a nice job as well. We’ve been playing her on the perimeter in practice because of our lack of numbers of perimeter kids. We’ll probably eventually get her inside, where she’s going to be more comfortable.
“In general, they are both great kids who are great to have in practice. They are both making nice strides, which is what the redshirt year is all about.”
What’s been the highlight of the season so far?
SS: Being redshirted, just kidding! I’d say probably traveling with the team and Robin’s pop quizzes in practice.
JL: Just getting to know the girls and working with them in practice and just getting better as a team.
What’s been the biggest adjustment going from high school basketball to the college game?
SS: Just getting to know my new teammates and how they play the game.
JL: The intensity and how every single player has such a tremendous work ethic. Their one mindset is basketball. That’s really cool.
Who’s the toughest Lady Griz player you have to go up against in practice?
SS: Sonya Rogers.
JL: Dana Conway. She’s so strong and intense. She can definitely put me in my place.
Freshman forward Jessa Linford |
How do you like playing at Dahlberg Arena?
SS: I love it. All the fans are SWEET!
JL: It’s amazing. The crowd is so great, they are behind us all the way. The two exhibition games I got to play in were a great experience. There is so much support, it’s awesome.
What’s been your favorite part of college life?
SS: Not cleaning my room.
JL: Just meeting all these new people and getting to do all these things I wasn’t able to do in a small town.
Is playing for Coach Selvig what you anticipated when you signed with Montana?
SS: Coach Selvig is great! He has a new surprise around every corner.
JL: I didn’t expect him to be as intense at practice as he is at games, but he cracks these little jokes that make practice a little lighter.
What is the classroom work like at UM compared to high school?
SS: About the same, though it has different time management and testing schedules.
JL: It’s the same material, you’re just asked to do a lot more on your own. You just have to put in the time.
What was your welcome-to-college moment?
SS: Our pre-season conditioning, which included biking up Rattlesnake Canyon.
JL: Waking up at 6:30 to go to practice at 7, then going straight from practice to a class at 9. Sometimes it feels like I’m running around with my head cut off.
What’s your Big Sky Conference prediction for the Lady Griz?
SS: I think if the team keeps playing the way we are now, we’ll do just fine.
JL: We’re going to take it.
Critique your performance through the first half of your freshman year.
SS: I don’t like talking about myself. That’s the coaches’ place to answer that.
JL: I’ve just gotten a lot stronger as a player. It’s been awesome having Robin there the whole time telling me those little things that make me better every day.
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A few of our favorite things
by Joel Carlson, UM Sports Information |
New Year’s is a time to look forward, the coming year a blank tablet waiting to be filled in with new stories, experiences and memories. It’s also a time to reflect back on the year that was.
The 2006 year in Grizzly athletics was filled with a lot of highs and a few lows. What better way to close out the calendar than to take a look back at 10 of our favorite happenings from 2006.
Freshman jumper Ryan Grinnell |
Emerging From the Shadows (men’s track and field, May 12-13)
Freshman jumper Ryan Grinnell had been competing the entire indoor and outdoor season in the imposing shadow of Grizzly jumps icon Jas Gill, but at the 2006 Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Cheney, Wash., Grinnell broke through with upset titles in both the triple jump (season-best 50-0) and high jump (season-best 7-0.5), signaling a changing of the guard.
Paulson’s Plan Stymies Bengals (football, Oct. 28)
Idaho State entered its Big Sky Conference game at Missoula averaging over 404 yards per game, which ranked eighth in the nation. Griz defensive coordinator Kraig Paulson's game plan limited the Bengals to 92 yards of offense (46 rushing, 46 passing) and seven first downs in a dominating 23-10 Montana victory.
What a Kick It Was (women’s cross country, Oct. 28)
With 400 meters to go at the 2006 Big Sky Conference Cross Country Championships, Montana appeared to be right where everyone had predicted the Grizzlies to be: in third place. But a strong kick from a number of runners on the home stretch allowed Montana to surge past preseason favorite Northern Arizona and into second place, matching UM’s highest finish since 1984.
A Month to Remember (women’s basketball, Nov. 30 through Dec. 29)
After being held to two points in Montana’s 40-point loss to then No. 6 Ohio State, sophomore Mandy Morales responded with a vengeance. Over a nine-game win streak that finished and ended with home-court victories over Wyoming, Morales averaged 27.8 points, 6.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 53.0 percent from 3-point range and 92.2 percent from the free throw line. Over that stretch, Morales was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week four straight times and earned MVP honors at the Lady Griz Holiday Classic.
Head men's tennis coach Kris Nord |
Getting the Monkey Off Their Backs (men’s tennis, April 22)
When the Griz men’s tennis team defeated Montana State at the Lindsay Tennis Center last April, it snapped a 15-match losing streak to the Bobcats that stretched back to 1999. One weekend later, Montana maintained its momentum through the Big Sky Conference Men’s Tennis Championships, downing Northern Arizona in a quarterfinal match and Sacramento State in a semifinal match to advance to its first league title match in 35 years.
Their Day in the Sun (women’s soccer, Sept. 19 and Oct. 6)
In a sensational display of individual talent, sophomore Meghan Chambers scored two unassisted goals and added an assist to have a hand (or more appropriately, a foot) in all three goals in the Grizzlies’ 3-0 shutout victory over North Dakota State at the Montana Nike Cup. One week later, senior Lindsay Winans was equally impressive, recording her second career hat trick with three of UM’s four goals in a 4-0 victory over preseason Big Sky Conference favorite Northern Arizona.
When it Comes to Champions, Warm Climate Not Required (women’s golf, April 17-19)
Leading Northern Arizona by a single stroke after 36 holes, the Montana women’s golf team captured its first-ever Big Sky Conference title when it shot a final-round 301 to win the 2006 league championship by eight strokes over the Lumberjacks and advance to its first NCAA tournament. Senior Jasi Acharya and junior Krista Swanson finished first and second overall.
Head volleyball coach Jerry Wagner |
Turning the Tide (volleyball, Aug. 25-Nov. 16)
First-year UM volleyball coach Jerry Wagner faced a daunting task: make a program that had missed five straight Big Sky Conference tournaments competitive again. The Grizzlies opened with six straight losses and entered league play 2-6, but went 9-7 in Big Sky matches, finishing fourth, to reach their first BSC tournament since the 2000 season. Along the way, Montana swept Montana State during the regular season for the first time since 1995.
Twelve Days of Glory (men’s basketball, March 7-18)
The run started with a 73-71 victory over Eastern Washington in a 2006 Big Sky Conference Tournament semifinal game at Flagstaff, Ariz., continued with a 73-60 title-game victory at Northern Arizona to earn a seventh NCAA appearance, climaxed with an 87-79 win over No. 5-seed Nevada in the NCAA tournament’s first round, the Grizzlies’ first NCAA tournament win since 1975, and ended with a second-round loss at the hands of No. 4-seed Boston College, 69-56. Three of the four games were on national television. America, we’d like to introduce you to the Grizzlies.
No Shortage of Electricity on This Night (football, Dec. 8)
Mix 23,454 fans in a sold-out Washington-Grizzly Stadium, a Friday night game under portable lights, a national audience on ESPN2, two of the top three football teams in the nation and a spot in the national championship game to the winner and what do you get? Something you could only appreciate in person (no matter the outcome: Massachusetts 19, Montana 17).
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Christmas world-wide for Montana men's tennis
by Ian Marks, UM Sports Information |
Whether it is czertien, weihnachten or natal people celebrate Christmas all over the world. The University of Montana men’s tennis team shared many of the different customs of their native homelands.
Sophomore Colin Dektar |
During Christmas there is a strong focus on food and this is no different in Poland, the home of sophomore Colin Dektar.
“We fast from the morning of the 24th until we eat dinner together as a family,” said Dektar. “The meal also features 12 dishes, none of which are meat but fish is ok. We also have bastcz, a traditional dark soup made from egg plant.”
The family also breaks bread before the meal. One person will take a piece off the loaf before passing it on to the next person.
Before heading to church on Christmas Day, the family will have a big breakfast that once again features no meat. After returning from church, the family exchanges gifts.
The people of Poland also make a point to stay in a positive attitude through out the holidays as a means to set an example for the upcoming year.
Over in nearby Germany, sophomore Tim Neidhardt celebrates the holidays in much the same way.
“Advent calendars are a big part of the holidays. We also light a candle every Sunday of December,” said Neidhardt.
There are also Christmas markets in many of the cities. The towns are decorated with lights and other decorations. The shoppers also drink a warm cider and red wine with a cinnamon flavor called gluhwein. Cookies and other baked goods are also a very important staple around the holidays.
“Even with the Christmas markets, th holidays are a lot less commercialized than they are in the US. Germans reflect on life and connect with others during this time of the year,” said Neidhardt. “We also give back to people, such as donating money to charity.”
Christmas carols are also popular, but differ from the American style. They are more solemn and are sung in more of the style of a chorus.
While both Poland and Germany celebrate the tradition of Santa Claus, it is the Germans that also believe in a bad Santa, Knecht Ruprecht. He dresses in all black and wears a hood. He goes around and tries to scare all the little kids.
Sophomore Felipe Raw |
The holidays take on a slightly different flair in Brazil since Christmas takes place in the middle of the summer.
“Forty days before Christmas people give up something they enjoy,” said sophomore Felipe Raw.
Brazilians also attend a large church ceremony on Christmas Eve that lasts for over three hors. After they get home they will then enjoy a large feast around midnight.
“New Years Eve is definitely bigger than Christmas in Brazil,” said freshman Raydner Raymos. Celebrations on New Years Eve also feature lots of fireworks. This is also true in Germany and Poland.
Many of the youth will travel to the town of Caldas Novas to celebrate the New Year. The city hosts the party that features many concerts.
“The one tradition on New Years is that everyone wears white, whether it is a white shirt or even a white dress,” said Raw.
They may come from many different places around the world but they all celebrate the holidays in their own special ways.
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New Year's resolutions
by Ian Marks, UM Sports Information |
With the New Year just behind us, many people make resolutions that they hope to keep through the year. The employees of the UM athletic department are no exception. We caught up with some of them as they shared their resolutions for the New Year.
On the top of many people’s list of resolutions is to loose weight or get in better shape.
Head women's basketball coach Robin Selvig |
After leading the Lady Griz to a 12-1 record and the tournament championship at the Holiday Inn Lady Griz Holiday Classic, head coach Robin Selvig has pledged to get in better shape.
Dave Guffey, the Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations shares the same sentiments. “I want to get in better shape and lose some weight. Unfortunately, it is easier said than done.”
The marketing department at UM also has fitness goals for 2007.
“I want to live a more healthy lifestyle” said Director of Marketing and Promotions, Christie Anderson.
Assistant Marketing Director Allison Bender is a little more specific regarding her goals.
“I want to run a marathon, specifically the Missoula Marathon.”
She will have the opportunity to achieve her goal in a place very familiar to her, Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The race is scheduled to finish at the 50 yard line.
Others at UM have set their goals on something work related.
Head cross country and track and field coach
Tom Raunig |
Head cross country and track coach Tom Raunig hopes to win a conference championship in 2007 after leading the women’s cross country team to a second place finish at the Big Sky Championships in 2006.
“I think it’s a good goal since I get six tries at achieving it,” said Raunig.
Assistant Athletic Director Jean Gee's resolution is a little more abstract.
“I want to learn to let things go,” said Gee.
Heather Alexander, the accounting clerk for the athletic department, is focusing on doing something for herself this year.
“I want to take a vacation this year even though I have no idea where I am going to go,” said Alexander.
Even though their goals may vary everyone can wish them luck to them as they set fourth on their New Year’s resolutions.
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| A letter from Griz A.D. Jim O'Day |
Griz Athletic Director Jim O'Day |
Happy New Year!
2006 was a special year for Griz fans and 2007 looks to be even brighter. There couldn’t be a better time to be a member of Griz Nation.
How could it get any sweeter? 2006 finished with the Griz and Lady Griz basketball teams getting off to good starts. At year-end, the Lady Griz had their highest win total ever heading into league play, and after a brutal non-conference schedule that included a win over Big 10 Minnesota, the men were putting things together to make a run for their third consecutive Big Sky Conference championship.
Football ended the year with an impressive 12-2 record, its ninth straight Big Sky title and a record 14th consecutive trip to the NCAA Division I Football Championship (formerly Division I-AA) playoffs. Although falling two points short of a championship berth, the semifinal finale against the University of Massachusetts was a game for the ages. Played before a Washington-Grizzly Stadium capacity crowd under the lights and a nationally televised ESPN2 audience, the contest matched two extremely well-coached teams giving it everything they had. A winner wasn’t declared until the waning seconds of the game. The pageantry of the pre-game and the excitement leading up to kick-off was something to behold – and won’t be soon forgotten by those in attendance. The event showcased Missoula and The University of Montana across the country, and will pay great dividends in attracting future students to campus. It also highlighted a talented UM football team that loses only seven seniors, and is expected to be a title contender again in 2007.
January and February will be dominated by headlines from men’s and women’s basketball, but our other teams will also be active. Track and field has its indoor season, while golf and tennis are gearing up for spring play. Football, volleyball and soccer head into the weight room for mid-year conditioning as they do the demanding work to get them ready for fall drills.
Once the holiday break is over, it’ll be an extremely busy time around the John Hoyt Athletic Complex and the Adams Center. Come spring, golf will be out to defend its BSC title, while the tennis teams hope to improve on last year’s second- (men) and third- (women) place finishes. Track and field is also much improved this year and is striving to finish in the top half of the league standings.
All this success on the courts, fields and courses isn’t overshadowed by the outstanding effort our 300-plus student-athletes demonstrate in the classroom. With a cumulative grade point average over 3.0, UM boosters can be proud of the youngsters being brought to campus by the various coaching staffs. Also, for a second straight year, no UM teams will lose scholarships as the result of not meeting strict Academic Progress Rate (APR) standards. That, too, is quite an accomplishment at a public institution. Yes, the University of Montana is doing it right.
Many of these accomplishments, however, wouldn’t be possible without the private dollars supplied by our many fans and boosters – and the support we receive from President George Dennison and his administration. These investments result in graduation rates being higher, new facilities being built and a talented staff that is dedicated to the goals at hand, and will put in the extra hours to make success possible.
As we head into 2007, Griz pride is everywhere. Head out across the state and check out those UM and Grizzly Athletics license plates on every other car or truck. Funds from the sale of these license plates provide valuable scholarship assistance for deserving students at the university. Leave the state decked out in your maroon and silver Griz wear and listen to the comments – be it in California, Nevada, Washington, Colorado or Florida. It’s a special time to be a Griz… and only getting better. Here’s wishing you the best in the New Year. We can’t wait to get started! GO GRIZ!
Jim O'Day
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| UM Athletic Department and GSA announcements |
Bobby Hauck and the Griz went 12-2 overall and 8-0 in Big Sky play. |
Griz football signing day reception to be held
The Griz Football Signing Day reception will be held Wednesday, Feb. 7th, at the Doubletree Hotel Edgewater in Missoula. The reception, which is open to the public, will start at 5:15 p.m. and last until 6:30 p.m. The cost of the event is $10 per person.
Come meet the Grizzly coaching staff as well as head coach Bobby Hauck, who will introduce and show film clips of the newest crop of Grizzly football players. Complimentary appetizers will be served, and a no-host bar will be available. Take this opportunity to hear about the new recruits, ask questions and meet Coach Hauck and the other members of his staff. This function is sponsored by the Doubletree Hotel Edgewater and the Grizzly Scholarship Association.
No. 37 Legacy Jersey Program to benefit student-athletes
The Bookstore at The University of Montana and UM Athletics have once again joined forces to help raise money to purchase lettermen's jackets for all of UM's student-athletes in the 14 sponsored Division I varsity sports ... MORE
Allie Brosh and the women's cross country team brought in 10 points. |
Montana takes early lead in Presidents Cup race
Led by its conference-champion football team, the University of Montana is in first place through the fall season in the Sterling Savings Big Sky Conference Presidents Cup race. The Presidents Cup is an annual award that recognizes a combination of academic and athletic achievement.
The Grizzly football team collected 24 points for its conference championship, while the UM volleyball team (fourth place) earned 15 points, the women's cross country (second) and soccer (tied for second) teams each had 10 points and the men's cross country team (fourth) collected six points for a total of 65 points.
Driving the Griz Van Raffle - 2006-07
Inspired by the collective efforts of GSA volunteers and the staff at Blue Ribbon Auto Body in Missoula, the old 1984 GAA Ford van has been transformed into the “Ultimate Tailgate Van.” The vehicle was originally purchased in 1984 by the GAA to assist with recruiting needs and such within the department, but recently spent most of its time broken down in the compound area north of Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The van, which is parked near the GSA tailgate area at each Grizzly home football game, includes a complete barbeque system, multiple television sets, complete stereo system and outside speakers, satellite radio, custom interior with a poker table, beverage cooler and outside taps, a GPS
navigation system and much more ... MORE
Griz Nation wristbands on sale
All proceeds from the Griz Nation wristband will go to the Grizzly Scholarship Association at The University of Montana. Help Support the Griz by wearing the wristband and showing your pride in being the best fans in the country, which is now known as “Griz Nation." Thanks you for your support! Go Griz!
ORDER
ONLINE AT
THE GRIZ SHOP
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