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February 2005
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Volume 1, Issue 5 |
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Grizzly spotlight: Trevor Gunlock
Grizzly Times caught up with senior track and field standout
Trevor Gunlock for a question and answer session. MORE
Finding an identity: 2004-05 Griz hoops
The University of Montana men's
basketball team is looking for itself after having three coaches
in four years. MORE
Top Griz men's basketball teams of all time
A letter from Athletic Director Don Read
Hi Griz Fans: As 2005 begins, it presents continued challenges for all of us connected with Grizzly Athletics. MORE
GSA and other announcements
Want to know all the hapenings for the UM Athletic Department and the Grizzly Scholarship
Association? Check out the announcements for this month. MORE
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Click below for complete statistical capsule
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Grizzly
spotlight: Trevor Gunlock
by Joel Carlson, UM Sports Information |
Senior Trevor Gunlock from Polson, Mont., competes in the multi-events for the Grizzly track and field team. During the indoor season he competes in the heptathlon, a two-day event made up of the 55 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, 55-meter hurdles, pole vault and 1,000 meters.
During the outdoor season Gunlock competes in the decathlon. Also a two-day event, it consists of the 100 meters, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meters, 110-meter hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1,500 meters.
Gunlock's heptathlon score of 4,997 at the Montana State Multi-Events meet in January is the top score in the Big Sky Conference this year.
GT: What does it take to be successful in a two-day, multi-event competition like the heptathlon and decathlon?
Gunlock: Just having a clear mind. You've got to go into every meet with a positive outlook, and if one event does go poorly, you need to be able to get focused on what you have to do to get back into the next event.
GT: What is your favorite event?
Gunlock: The pole vault. I have actually struggled with it in college but it is my favorite - just flying in the air and all the little technical aspects that are involved. It takes a lot of practice and there are a lot of things that go into it. I love the pole vault. It's fun.
GT: What is possible for you in the heptathlon this indoor season?
Gunlock: This year I'm actually just trying to stay healthy. I've had problems in the past with getting injured. I know if I stay healthy and keep improving that going to nationals is possible. My goal is to be an all-American.
GT: What is the difference between the indoor and outdoor season?
Gunlock: I've been hurt every indoor season so it is kind of hard to say. I feel it's a lot easier indoor because it's laid back. Then when you get outdoor, the competition seems to be a lot better. I think that's mainly the season, the outdoor not the indoor. Indoor is just a preparation, the small steps you take to get to the better competition and get you closer to your actual goals.
GT: What kind of sports were you involved with as a youth, and why did you gravitate towards track and field?
Gunlock: I was involved in basketball, football and track. I actually wanted to do football and track here - I was recruited to do both, but I chose track because of concussion problems.
GT: What are the key qualities to be successful in multi-event?
Gunlock: It's all so mental. You've got to have a really strong mental game. I wasn't really strong mentally my first couple of years because of injuries, but it's something I've learned. I realize now how strong you have to be mentally.
Physically, the fall workouts are key. You've got to stay strong and healthy in the fall to get a good base. I think that's the key to everything.
GT: Where do you put your energies into training for the heptathlon and decathlon? Do you focus on making your strengths better, or are you more concerned with improving your weaknesses?
Gunlock: I try to improve everything. I'd like to improve my best events just because I have a lot of fun doing those, but I know I'm not going to get anywhere if I don't try and improve my weaknesses also. You've got to spend a lot more time on your weaknesses just to get them up to speed with your stronger events.
[Back to the Grizzly Times]
Finding an identity: 2004-05 Griz hoops
by Timothy San Pedro, MontanaGrizzlies.com |
Head coach Larry Krystkowiak |
After a typical Tuesday Grizzly basketball practice, the players hit the weight room and the coaches hit the discussion room to talk about which players have been hustling, improving and understanding head coach Larry Krystkowiak's new philosophy. A philosophy steeped in a simple formula: Effort and teamwork will bring success to the team and playing time for the players.
“Without those two you don’t have a chance regardless of your game plan or how talented you are,” Krystkowiak said. “There are a lot of real talented teams that don’t win many games.”
Lately the biggest obstacle for Griz hoops has been consistency. UM has had three coaches in four years, which makes it difficult to develop a team identity. Assistant coach Wayne Tinkle has been a part of all three coaching staffs and understands what it feels like to have a coaching change.
“We’re all just starting this over together and we’re getting back to the grass root fundamentals of defense and what it means to be a Grizzly basketball player,” Tinkle said.
Tinkle recalled the pride of being a Grizzly basketball player when Krystkowiak and Tinkle were teammates on the 1985-86 Montana team.
“You were proud to be a part of this program and you carried yourself with pride. And we think that is the cornerstone of building the tradition back up,” Tinkle said. “It comes down to responsibility from the individual in the classroom, on the court, in the community — the pride in which to carry ourselves.”
Junior guard Kevin Criswell |
Kevin Criswell, a player who has found himself in the middle of all the changes, says that he feels as though the program is on track and that Krystkowiak has been filling the void where former coach Kennedy lacked.
“Krysko makes you responsible for your own actions where as last year we kinda slid a little bit,” Criswell said. ”He brings that discipline that we’ve been lacking and brings a little tradition back that a lot of players and fans have been missing.”
Coaching Styles
Tinkle has the best perspective in seeing the differences in coaching styles between the two “Coach K’s” (Kennedy and Krystkowiak).
“Kennedy was really intelligent offensively and it’s not like he didn’t know anything defensively, obviously he does, but he thought that defense came more out of effort and the offensive part would take care of the rest,” Tinkle said.
Krystkowiak has emphasized that defense will lead to offensive production, Tinkle said.
“Our defensive improvements have reflected in more points on the other end because we are creating more opportunities for ourselves,” Tinkle said.
Another major difference between the Coach K’s is their difference in background in the game.
“Coach Kennedy has been around forever coaching in some pretty big conferences and been in the Elite Eight and the Sweet 16 and was set in his ways, but yet still had a way of reaching the modern-day student athletes." Tinkle said. "Whereas Coach Krysko, being a former player and playing at the highest levels has kind of a new, fresher outlook and has a no-nonsense attitude. He’s a little more laid back and not as intense as Kennedy was. I think the players are responding to that because they know he’s been through it here. He’s been part of this program so long that they’re buying into what the he’s doing.”
Freshman guard Matt Martin |
Players dealing with the coaching changes
Matt Martin and Lamarr Farr were among a few players who were recruited by coach Kennedy and felt somewhat lost or forgotten about as Kennedy decided to leave Missoula.
Krystkowiak didn’t forget about them though. The day after he was officially hired as head coach, he gave Martin and Farr a call and told them he was on his way to their hometowns.
“I did my fair amount of research on these kids and Wayne (Tinkle) was instrumental in recruiting these guys and assured me that they were the right guys,” Krystkowiak said.
“Our first objectives of our new staff was to retain the kids we recruited under Kennedy,” Tinkle said. “That was easy for me because I was involved in their recruiting, but Larry had to re-recruit those guys who were wavering a bit.”
Still, Farr and Martin weren’t sure if Krystkowiak was the right coach for them.
“I was keyed in on playing for Kennedy,” Farr said. “I knew his system real well and I met all the guys and then for something like this to happen it felt like a slap in the face, I didn’t know really what was going on, who was going to be the new coach. It was kinda like another obstacle and you always look back and wonder what if, but it’s something that you just have to live with and move on.”
Tinkle knows exactly what Farr was feeling. He played for head coach Mike Montgomery when he announced that he had accepted another head coach position. He said he remembered thinking that “it was a bit of a slap in the face.”
“I was young and immature and I didn’t realize what a great move it was for him and his family, but with maturity I realized it was a great move,”
Junior guard Lamarr Farr
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Tinkle said. “It’s still tough to deal with though, even for today’s players.”
Martin said that he was “freaking out,” not unlike the other recruits when Kennedy announced his departure. His mind was quickly at ease though when Krystkowiak showed enough interest to fly out and see him.
While Martin was more keyed on the location of the school, Farr was mainly concerned with who he was playing for.
“I didn’t plan on coming back here after the change was made,” Farr said.
“The biggest reason I decided to come back was because [Krystkowiak] came to my hometown, spoke to my family, stayed for a couple of days. I put my trust in him after that.”
Krystkowiak must have said something right because as Martin said, “We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think that Krystko could do as good a job or better and he’s already done some great things with the program.”
“If I had to do it all over again, I would have made the same choice,” Farr said.
Krystkowiak sounded perfectly honest when he said, “I’m going into this blind, but I’m not going to give up on these kids. I told them in practice that they're going to break before I will.”
To have a coach firmly claim that he plans on sticking it out through thick and thin may be the first step in establishing the identity that Montana basketball has been looking for.
[Back to the Grizzly Times] |
| THE BIG FIVE:
Top Griz men's basketball teams of all time |
Derrick Pope |
No. 5: 1982-83
21-8, 9-5 Big Sky
The Grizzlies, led by Big Sky Conference MVP Derrick Pope, advanced to the league tournament where they lost to eventual champion Weber State 54-53 in the semifinals. Pope ended his senior campaign averaging 17.9 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game, numbers that increased to 19.0 ppg and 9.6 rpg in Big Sky play. Pope, who ranks seventh all-time at UM with 1,289 career points, shot a team-best .589 (195-for-331) from the field for the Griz. Juniors Marc Glass, Rob Hurley and Doug Selvig (1,000 career points) started all 29 contests and helped Montana to win 16 of 18 at home. Freshman Larry Krystkowiak came off the bench to average 6.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg.
Kevin Kearney |
No. 4: 1990-91
23-8, 13-3 Big Sky
The Grizzlies defeated Idaho 76-68 in the championship game of the Big Sky Conference tournament played at Dahlberg Arena in Missoula. UM advanced to the NCAA tournament but lost its first round game 99-65 to the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, featuring Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony, Stacey Augmon and Anderson Hunt. Senior Kevin Kearney and juniors Delvon Anderson, Daren Engellant and Roger Fasting led the Grizzlies to a 12-2 regular season home record (8-0 Big Sky). Kearney averaged 18.3 ppg and 6.4 rpg and was selected Big Sky Conference MVP. Engellant joined Kearney as a first team All-Big Sky selection. Anderson and Fasting were honorable mention all-league.
Larry Krystkowiak |
No. 3: 1983-84
23-7, 9-5 Big Sky
Sophomore Larry Krystkowiak paced a Griz unit that boasted four players who routinely scored in double figures. In his first season as a starter, Krystkowiak set the tone by averaging a double-double (18.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg) en route to first team all-conference and MVP honors. Seniors Marc Glass (11.8 ppg, first team All-Big Sky), Doug Selvig (11.8 ppg) and Rob Hurley (10.7 ppg) started in all 30 contests and helped lead the Griz to a 23-7 overall mark and a second place regular-season Big Sky finish. After double-digit wins over Northern Arizona and Montana State in the first two rounds of the league tournament, Montana advanced to the championship game where they lost 71-69 to Nevada-Reno.
Delvon Anderson |
No. 2: 1991-92
27-4, 14-2 Big Sky
The Grizzlies finished a perfect 18-0 at home, tied the all-time single-season win mark and for the second consecutive season won the Big Sky regular season and tournament titles. League MVP Delvon Anderson (14.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg), Daren Engellant (13.5 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and Roger Fasting (12.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg) headlined the Big Sky Conference first team, which was the first time in school history that three Grizzlies received that honor in the same season. Montana hosted the conference tournament and defeated Nevada-Reno 73-68 in the championship to advance to its second straight appearance in the NCAA's. The Grizzlies lost 78-68 in the opening round to a Florida State team coached by future Grizzly mentor Pat Kennedy.
Ken McKenzie |
No. 1: 1974-75
21-8, 13-1 Big Sky
First team all-conference selections Ken McKenzie (17.9 ppg, 10.7 rpg) and Eric Hays (13.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg) led the Griz to the Big Sky regular-season and tournament titles. Fourth-year coach Jud Heathcote directed Montana to its first-ever win in NCAA tournament action (32-teams), a 69-63 victory over Utah State. Montana advanced to the West Regional Semifinals to face UCLA and legendary coach John Wooden, losing a 67-64 thriller. The Griz ended the year with a 75-67 loss to UNLV in the regional third-place game. The top-ranked Bruins went on to defeat Arizona State and Louisville before their 92-85 win over No. 2 Kentucky en route to their 10th national championship in 11 seasons.
HONORABLE MENTION (chronological order)
1949-50
UM finished 27-4, a school record for wins in a season (later tied by the 1991-92 team). Senior Bob Cope led the Griz with 22.6 ppg. Cope ranks third all-time in career points at UM (1,808).
1977-78
Three-time first team All-Big Sky selection Michael Ray Richardson poured in 24.2 ppg and grabbed 6.9 rpg to lead the Griz to a 21-8 overall record and a 13-1 Big Sky mark in his senior campaign. Richardson, who ranks second all-time in career points at UM (1,827), holds the record for single-season scoring average (24.2) and points in a single game (40).
1984-85
The Griz went 22-8, 10-4 in league play on the back of junior Larry Krystkowiak who averaged 22.2 ppg and 11.4 rpg. After losing to Boise State in the opening round of the league tournament, UM earned a bid to the NIT but lost to UCLA 78-47 in the opening round.
[Back to the Grizzly Times]
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| A letter from Athletic Director Don Read |
Montana A.D. Don Read |
Hi Griz Fans:
As 2005 begins, it presents continued challenges for all of us connected with Grizzly Athletics. However; you should know we consider setbacks as only temporary and the success we are having on all fronts far outweigh whatever minor obstacles that might confront us. In fact, it should be said there is a positive feeling hovering over Intercollegiate Athletics. For example, morale is on the upswing which is critical to the health and acceleration of Griz Athletics. Optimistic best describes how most of us on The University of Montana team perceive the future. With this being said, the following insights are offered.
Our sports programs: Lady Griz, men’s basketball, track, golf and tennis are all actively engaged in competition or preparation for their season. These sports look improved over a year ago. Some programs project to be much more representative this year.
1. Men and women’s basketball have been totally engaged with their run in the Conference. Both teams have had some great moments to date.
2. Our Grizzly Scholarship Association has surpassed their revenue request asked of them.
3. Football ticket income met its anticipated projection.
4. Our various fundraising projects have all (except golf tournament) financially exceeded what was expected.
5. The Griz-Cat Auction generated an all-time high net dollar amount.
6. The University of Montana’s football recruiting was a huge success. Coach Hauck feels we got the top student athletes in the state of Montana. We recruited, once again, on a need basis and filled all identified immediate slots.
7. The work on the Hall of Champions goes on as progress is being made.
The highlighted accomplishments we must brag about are:
1. Academic success: the reports are extraordinary. We are ecstatic about: average GPA 2.94 and Graduation rate of 70%. These accomplishments are higher than all Big Sky universities and far above the national norm.
2. Football winning the Big Sky Championship and going all the way to the national championship.
My personal perception I wish to share with you is that the old coach has spent time with and observing all of our coaches and want to tell you The University of Montana coaches are good, quality, effective teachers, leaders, counselors and coaches. We are extremely fortunate to have this staff working with our Grizzly teams. They make me proud and I want you to know this.
As our Department staff moves ahead toward the goals we have set, our expectations grow, as does our commitment. You can count on our folks outrunning the competition we face from our opponents. We know our mission and plan on staying ahead of external and internal expectations.
This report’s final thought is thanks to you, who helps and care about the Griz.
Your commitment and loyalty is more than special.
GO GRIZ!
Don Read -
Athletic Director
[Back to the Grizzly Times] |
| UM Athletic Department and GSA announcements |
UM-Northern Arizona Golf Challenge Set For March 21 in Arizona
The first University of Montana-Northern Arizona University Golf Challenge will take place on Monday, March 21 at The Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix, Arizona. The format will consist of a two-person scramble pitting Griz supporters against opponents from Northern Arizona University – with the winning team being honored at the UM-NAU football game next fall. Proceeds will be split equally between the UM and NAU athletic departments. Attending from UM will be head football coach Bobby Hauck, Athletic Director Don Read and Director of Development for Intercollegiate Athletics Jim O’Day.
Among those representing NAU will be head football coach (and former Griz defensive coordinator) Jerome Souers, Athletic Director Jim Fallis, Associate Athletic Director for Development Larry Aschebrook and Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs Kent Haslam. The cost will be $150 per person, which includes green fees, cart, a tee prize and lunch. More information will be available soon.
If interested, please contact Jim O’Day via e-mail at o’dayjm@mso.umt.edu or phone 406.243.6294. The field will be limited to 72 golfers representing the Griz.
‘Washington Grizzly Stadium Under The Lights’ aerial display on sale to benefit UM football program
The 2004 Grizzly Football season was highlighted by many special events including another Big Sky Conference title (making it 9 out of the past 10 years), a record 12th appearance in the Division I-AA playoffs, another trip to Chattanooga for the national championship game, and the first game under the lights in Washington Grizzly Stadium’s history.
To support the Grizzly football team, The University of Montana is selling beautiful, one-of-a-kind aerial photos taken December 4, 2004 - during the quarterfinal playoff game between the Griz and the University of New Hampshire. Proceeds from this fund-raiser will assist the team with the purchase of championship rings (estimated to cost approximately $30,000.)
A portion of the purchase price will be tax deductible. The photos were provided by Curt Jacobson and Brian Daly at Corporate Technology Group and snapApps.com. The cost of the framed photograph is $150, or $350 with signatures of Athletic Director Don Read and head football coach Bobby Hauck. The cost to have it signed by the entire 2004 Grizzly football team is $500. For more information, contact the Grizzly Scholarship Association at 406.243.6487. Grizzly Athletics appreciates all the support given to its programs throughout the year.
GSA apparel available
Grizzly Scholarship Association apparel is available at the GSA offices in the Adams Event Center. Stop by to check out the selection and help support the Montana Grizzly Scholarship Association.
GSA Truck Raffle in progress
The second annual Grizzly Scholarship Association Truck Raffle is underway. Tickets for this year's drawing are $10 each, or 15 for $100. Proceeds go toward funding scholarships for UM student-athletes. The Ford F-150, custom-detailed truck will be drawn at this year's Griz-Cat men's basketball game in Missoula. Tickets are available at the GSA office in the Adams Center, as well as from members of the Missoula GSA Board of Directors and members of the State GSA Board of Directors. For more information, contact the GSA at 406.243.6485.
GSA sponsoring 'Griz Prowl' fundraiser
The Montana Grizzly Scholarship Association has launched the Grizzly Prowl, an effort that uses art to raise money for athletic scholarships for student-athletes.
The Grizzly Prowl is similar to other fund-raisers/art exhibits that have been started around the country. Chicago used cows in its exhibits, Seattle had pigs and Billings had horses. Missoula, of course, will use grizzlies.
Calendar, post cards and posters are still available, but the Thirty-five life-size, fiberglass grizzly bear sculptures have been purchased. Each bear is six feet long, three feet high and 20 inches wide. Once the bears are given the artistic touch, they will find their homes in area businesses that have sponsored them. In 2005, the bears will be available for purchase during an auction. For more information, visit the following web site: http://grizzlyprowl.com or call C.J. Peterson at 406.531.9444. Also, information is available at the Grizzly Scholarship Association at 406.243.6485.
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