Montana came back from a 40-20 deficit at the half to beat Weber State 66-65 in the Big Sky Conference Tournament. Anthony Johnson scored a Tournament record 42 points, 34 of which came in the second half. This was probably one of the most exciting games I have watched in a long time, reminds me of the Montana vs South Dakota State football game last fall. Good luck to Weber State in the NIT and to Montana in the NCAA Tournament! Make us proud boys!
Archive for the ‘Montana’ Category
Montana wins the Big Sky Tournament
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 by chris in Big Sky, Montana, Weber State, basketballPSU @ UM
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 by wiviking in Big Sky, Montana, Portland State, basketballGiven the relative ease with which the Vikings dispatched the Grizzlies in December, I’d love to believe that their Thursday night game will be identical. Unfortunately, that isn’t likely to be the case. The Grizzlies are 9-1 at home, the only loss coming early in the season at the hands of Santa Clara. Sitting third in the Big Sky, the Griz are hoping a bad weekend in Montana for the Vikings will translate into their getting right back in the race for home court during the Big Sky Tournament. However, that may be a tough task given that their opponent has won its last three games by an average of 21 points.
Match-Ups
Center
UM: Brian Qvale PSU: Jamie Jones
Sophomore Brian Qvale hasn’t developed into much of an offensive presence yet for the Grizzlies. Given the relative lack of production from the Viking big men in recent games, one might not expect that to be a problem. However, in the earlier match-up Julius Thomas had a double-double to go along with starter Jamie Jones’ 7 points. If nothing changes between Qvale and his freshman backup Derek Selvig, don’t be surprised to see another large gap in production.
Advantage: Vikings
Power Forward
UM: Jordan Hasquet PSU: Kyle Coston
Doesn’t it seem like Hasquet has been playing forever? The 4-year starter has seen a drop in production with the emergence of guard Anthony Johnson, but continues to play an important role in the Grizzly offensive schemes. Although he didn’t have his best game in the December match-up with the Vikings, he still produced plenty to eclipse the offensive output of Coston and Mara. Wayne Tinkle & Company better hope for one of Hasquet’s better games if they’re going to keep it closer than the 27 point spread seen in December. Tyrell Mara has reemerged on the offensive end and may warrant some more playing time. He’s averaging 10 points over his last three contests including a 12 point, 5 rebound, 4 assist effort in Saturday night’s win over Eastern Washington.
Advantage: Grizzlies
Small Forward
UM: Jack McGillis PSU: Phil Nelson
The 10 points that Jack McGillis scored in the December game may be a bit misleading given that 8 of those points came at the free throw line. One can only imagine what the point spread would have looked like if the Griz weren’t hitting their free throws… I have to say I’ll never get tired of looking at that box score given the difficulty the Vikings have had against the Grizzlies on the football field. Phil Nelson has scored 20 or more points in two of three and looked really solid in the second half against Eastern Washington. When he’s playing like that the Vikings don’t need much other offense.
Advantage: Vikings
Shooting Guard
UM: Ryan Staudacher PSU: Andre Murray
Don’t expect Staudacher to be held scoreless this time around. The only other team to hold him scoreless this season was Duke. His 3 point stroke has been much better at home, so I’d expect 5-15 points. However, he produces very little in other categories. He matches up with a man who fills up the stat sheet and has the potential to score in bunches. A more interesting match-up will likely take place when one of the Taylors comes into the game.
Advantage: Vikings
Point Guard
UM: Anthony Johnson PSU: Jeremiah Dominguez
Johnson, whose wife Shaunte transferred with him from Yakima Valley CC to play at Montana, is exactly what the Grizzlies have needed. The veteran floor general has led the Griz into third place in the Big Sky with big offensive numbers and the sort of leadership they weren’t getting in the past two years. His height advantage over Dominguez should allow him to shoot whenever he wants. The question is if he can make up for his teammates’ lack of offense. It seems like a tired refrain to say Jeremiah Dominguez does what the team needs him to do. However, it bears repeating whenever he has a low-scoring night because people seem surprised when he doesn’t score 15 or more points. JD knows that he’s the one the team counts on to hit shots late if the game is close. Given that knowledge, he doesn’t feel obligated to take a majority of the shots early on unless he’s open. That’s why Jones and Nelson often get involved early. If the Viks need him to make shots down the stretch in this one, he’ll be there.
Advantage: Push
Bench
Recent returnee Ceylon Elgin-Taylor should provide the Griz a boost off the bench. Prior to Sunday’s game with Northern Colorado, he hadn’t played since December 6. The other major contributor off the bench is senior forward Kyle Sharp, who provides 5 points and 4 rebounds per game. As noted above, Tyrell Mara has been the bright spot off the bench recently for the Viks. Julius Thomas will be out to prove that his 14 point 10 rebound effort from the first game between the two wasn’t a fluke.
Advantage: Push
Overall, I think the Viks just have too much offense for the Griz to compete with– even without an inside scorer. Although they have been good at home, they seem to lack the intangible quality that allows a team to win the tough games. Without that, I don’t see them competing for the Big Sky title. That said, I think PSU will have to be ready for a dogfight. The Grizzlies aren’t demoralized yet, and will be ready to defend the home floor.
Prediction: PSU 71 UM 66
Griz beat JMU, headed to Chattanooga!
Saturday, December 13th, 2008 by chris in Big Sky, MontanaThe Montana Grizzlies defeated James Madison 35-27 tonight and are headed to the National Championship game in Chattanooga, TN on Friday December 19th, 2008. The Griz will be playing the winner of the Saturday matchup between Richmond and Northern Iowa Richmond as they defeated Northern Iowa in a very exciting game Saturday night..
Great win for the Grizzlies. You made Griz Nation proud as well as representing the Big Sky Conference. Please vote in the new poll to the right!
Anyone making the trip this week?
Official 2008 Montana Grizzlies Recruits
Thursday, February 7th, 2008 by chris in Montana2008 SIGNEES ALPHABETICAL ROSTER
FLAYER pOS HT WI. YR EXP HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL)
Thomas Bauer LB 6-2 237 Jr. JC Niwot, Co (Saddleback CC)
Brandon Beecher DB 5-10 175 Fr. HS Aurora, CO (Overland HS)
Levi Buckles WR 6-3 % 195 Fr. HS Post Falls, ID (Post Falls HS)
Charles Burton OL 6-5 2315 Fr. HS Long Beach, CA (Milikan HS)
Tyzer Cady WR 6-0 180 Fr. HS Colstrip, MT (Coistrip HS)
Mike Cummings DB 6-1 192 Fr. HS Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral HS)
Ray DeBruycker DE 6-3 205 Fr. HS Choteau, MT (Choteau HS)
Beau Donaldson RB 6-1 223 Fr. HS Missoula, MT (Big Sky HS)
Andrew Douglass LB 6-2 225 Fr. HS San Clemente, CA (San Clemente HS)
Kyle Finneman P 6-2 205 Fr. HS Havre, MT (Havre HS)
Sam Gratton WR 6-0 190 Fr. HS Billings, MT (Senior HS)
Greg Hardy TE 6-5 245 Fr. HS Fairview, MT (Fairview HS)
Josh Harris DR 6-5 210 Fr. HS Kalispell, MT (Flathead HS)
Eric Homec DR 6-5 215 Fr. HS Bozeman, MT (Bozeman HS)
Matt Hulse DL 6-3 260 Fr. HS Chandler, AZ (Hamilton US)
Jared Hunt DB 6-3 175 Fr. US Helena, MT (Helena Capital HS)
Trumaine Johnson — WR 6-3 180 Fr. HS Stockton, CA (Edison HS)
Gerald Kemp — QB 6-2 185 Fr. HS San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo HS)
Ryan Kessman WR 6-0 195 Fr. TR San Jacinto, CA (BYU)
Kyle Kmet OL 6-5 300 Fr. US Bonita, CA (Bonita Vista HS)
Blake Lebeau OL 6-5 275 Fr. US Union City, CA (James Logan US)
Matt Lipski OL 6-9 320 Fr. HS Ashland, OR (Ashland I-IS)
Donny Lisowski DB 5-11 190 Fr. HS Seattle, WA (O’Dea HS)
Mike McCord DB 6-0 185 Fr. HS Phoenix, AZ (Maryvale HS)
Caleb McSurdy LB 6-2 240 Fr. HS Boise, ID (Borah HS)
Dan Moore RB 5-11 215 Fr. HS Tucson, AZ (Mountain View US)
Jon Opperud OL 6-7 280 Fr. HS Milwaukie, OR (Milwaukie HS)
Brooks Rabold LB 6-2 205 Fr. HS Billings, MT (Central Catholic US)
Jabin Sainbrano WR 5-1 1 165 Fr, HS Temecula, CA (Great Oaks HS)
Russell Schey - K 6-2 180 Fr. HS Billings, MT (West HS)
Alex Shaw LB 6-2 220 Fr. I-IS Spokane, WA (Lewis & Clark HS)
Josh Stuberg LB 6-2 190 Fr. US Helena, MT (Helena HS)
Cody Von Appen DB 5-10 180 Fr. HS Kailua, HI (Kalaheo US)
TOTAL SIGNERS: 33.
GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN: Montana-12; California-8; Arizona-4; Colorado-2; Idaho-2; Oregon-2 Wash ington-2;Hawaii- 1.
BY POSITION: Wide Receiver-7; Linebacker-6 Offensive Line-5; Defensive Back-5; Defensive Line: 4; Running back-2; Tight End-I; Kicker-I; Punter-I; Quarterback- 1.
Griz 2008 FB Signees Add 4-4-4
Jabin Sainbrano (Pronounced: san-braw-no), WR, 5-11, 165, Fr., HS, lemecula, CA (Great Oaks HS): Jabin was a first team all-conference player at wide receiver and defensive back…chosen football MVP as a senior…lettered in football, track, and wrestling…served as team captain in track…voted recipient of Community Service Award. ..his high school football coach was Scott Strohsnider. Personal: Parents: Rick and Julia Sainbrano of Temecula. Major: Undecided. Birth date: March 13, 1990.
Russell Schey (Pronounced: Shy), K, 6-2, 180, Fr., HS, Billings, MT (West HS): Russell was named the “AA” first team at kicker twice. ..he was a first team all-state pick at safety as a senior…he is a two-time all-league selection at kicker and at defensive back…he earned letters in soccer (I), basketball (1), football (3), and track (2)…was team captain in football…his 2006 football team was the state champions with a 13-0 record…he made 150 PATs and converted 97.9% of his PAT attempts…kicked 10 career field goals with a long of 43 yards…he scored 211 career points in football, the third most in school history.. .his track team won the state title last year.. .his prep football coach was Paul Klaboe. Personal: Joan and Steve Schey of Billings. Major: Business. Birth date: March 3, 1990.
Alex Shaw, LB, 6-2, 220, Fr., HS, Spokane, WA (Lewis & Clark HS): Alex was the Washington 4A co-Player of the Year as a senior for the state champions who had a record of 11 -2…he was first team all-state and all-conference at running back and at linebacker in 2007…his senior season he rushed for 1,655 yards, and he gained 793 yards on 151 carries in the state playoffs..he rushed for 176 yards and was voted the “Player of the Game” in the state championship against Bothell High School game. ..nominated for the Eastern Washington “Student-Athlete of the Year Award”.. first team all-league, team MVP, and honorable mention all-state at defensive end as a junior…Greater Spokane League shot put (55-0) champion as a junior and member of winning 4×100 relay team…team captain in football as a junior and senior…earned three letters in football, basketball, and track. ..his prep football coach was Tom Yearout.. .Personal: Parents: Carl and Diane Shaw of Spokane. Major: Undecided. Birth date: June 28, 1990. Misc. Info.: He has a 3.6 GPA.
Josh Stuberg (Pronounced: stew-burg), LB, 6-2, 190, Fr., HS, Helena, MT (Helena HS): Josh was a first team all-state pick at cornerback as a junior, and a second team pick at wide receiver and kick returner.. .he led the state in touchdowns (15) and scoring (9.0 points a game) in 2006, and was third in all-purpose yards (1 ,324)…an all- conference player at cornerback and receiver as a sophomore and junior…second team all-state choice at wide receiver as a sophomore when he was second in the state in receptions. ..he started both ways as a senior, but was injured most of the season…placed in three events in the state track meet as a sophomore and injured for most of his junior year.. .high school football coach was former (1985-88) Griz quarterback Tony Arntson. Personal: Parents:
Rob and Carolee Stuberg of Helena. Major: Business. Birth date: August 18, 1989.
Cody Von Appen (Pronounced: vawn-ah-pln), DB, 5-10, 180, Fr., HS, Kailua, HI (Kalaheo HS): Cody was a first team all-conference selection following his junior and senior seasons in high school.. .as a senior he passed for 975 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 537 yards and nine scores…his junior year he passed for 11 TDs and rushed for 4 touchdowns.. .he was named his gird teams MVP on offense as a senior…chosen his high school’s “Athlete of the Year” as a freshman, sophomore, and junior…he has lettered four times in football and basketball, and three times in baseball…Persoflal: Thea Wheeler of Kailua and Fred Von Appen of Missoula. Major:
Undecided. Birth date: August 12, 1990. Misc. Info.: Cody’s dad, Fred, was an assistant head coach at Montana in 2003 and 2004. Fred coached in the professional and college ranks for 35 years.
Griz 2008 FB Signees Add 3-3-3
Donny Lisowski, DB, 5-11, 190, Fr., HS, Seattle, WA (O’Dea HS): Donny was a first team all-league selection at quarterback and defensive back as a senior…he was chosen the game MVP of the state-semi-final football game in 2007…nominated to East-West All-Star Game…named among the top 20 defensive backs in the state of Washington by Rivals.com and tabbed one of the top 100 recruits in the state by the Seattle Times…lettered in football (3), wrestling (1), and track (4).. ,track team MVP as a junior…state finalist in the 200 and 400 in 2007.. .league champion in wrestling as a freshman.. .prep football coach was Monty Kohler. Personal: Parents: Bob and Mary Lisowski of Seattle. Major: Journalism. Birth date: Jan. 20, 1989.
Mike McCord II, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., HS, Phoenix, AZ (Maryvale HS): Mike was named All-Region Two-way
Player of the Year as a senior…selected first team All-Region at quarterback and defensive back in 2007…named Region Offensive Player of the Year.. .all-state honorable mention both ways following his senior campaign. ..in 2007 he rushed for 1,070 yards and passed for 490, and had 82 tackles and two interceptions. ..team captain as a junior and senior and offensive player of the year as a senior…earned three letters in football and two in track…his high school football coach was Pat Rowe. Personal: Parents: Michael and Anna McCord ofPhoenix. Major: Undecided. Birth date: May 9, 1990.
Caleb McSurdy, LB, 6-2, 240, Fr., HS, Boise, ID (Borah HS): Caleb was a first team all-state pick at linebacker and second team at tight end following his senior season when he had 65 tackles (52 solos), 8 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, along with 22 catches for 232 yards and 4 touchdowns…a three-time all-conference selection at linebacker… voted his team’s “Defensive Player of the Year” as a junior and senior, and received “Commitment Award” those seasons as well…won the state championship in the shot put (56-6) and discus (166-0) as a junior and was tabbed “Thrower of the Year”.. .placed in the state shot put three times.. .team captain in football and track junior and senior years…his prep teams won state track titles in 2006 and 2007…his high school football coach was Vince Mann. Personal: Patrick and Nancy McSurdy of Boise. Major: Business. He carries a 3.7 GPA. Birth date: Feb. 24, 1990. Misc. Info.: He is Borah’s record-holder in the bench press (390) and squat (515). He plays the drums in a jazz band.
Dan Moore, RB, 5-11, 215, Fr., HS, Tucson, AZ (Mountain View HS): Dan was an all-state choice in 2007, and named All-Region and all-conference three times…the l4th~ranked poop in the nation by Scout.com. . .as a senior he rushed for 1,941 yards for 21 touchdowns and averaged 9.5 yards a carry, and had 2,525 all-purpose yards (he averaged 229.0 a game).. .voted his team MVP on offense after his senior year. ..team captain his junior and senior seasons.. set freshman rushing record and was a U.S.A Power-lifting champion as a freshman… .his high school football coach was Paul Schmidt. Personal: Parents: David and Amanda Moore of Tucson. Major: Forestry. Birth date: February 1, 1990. Misc. Info.: Has been chosen the MVP of every sports team he has been on since Elementary School (soccer, baseball, basketball, wrestling, and football).
Jon Opperud II (Pronounced.’ Ah-per-ood), OL, 6-7, 280, Fr., HS, Milwaukie, OR (MilwaUkie HS): Jon earned three letters in football, three in basketball, and two in track…team captain and Outstanding Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior.. .started both ways as a senior. ..high school football coach was Roland Aumueller. ..team captain in hoops as a senior and averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds a game…placed fourth in the state in the discus last season.. ,second team all-state in track as a junior and was all-league in track. Personal: Parent: Gail Opperud of Portland. Major: Undecided. Birth date: Feb. 13, 1990.
Brooks Rabold (Pronounced.’ ray-bold), LB, 6-2, 205, Fr., HS, Billings, MT (Central Catholic HS): Brooks was a two-time all-state and aII~confereflce pick in football.. .selected to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Mon-Dak All-Star Game.. .named to Great Falls Tribune’s “Super State Team”…hiS prep football teams won two league titles and one state championshiP.. .team captain as a senior. ..twice voted team MVP on defense. ..earned two letters in basketball and track, and three in football…PreP football coach was Jim Stanton…hiS senior year he had 99 tackles, 17 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 19 QB hurries, 4 fumble recoveries, and 3 forced fumbles. PersonaI.~ Parents:
Pat and Tessie Rabold of Billings. Major: Criminology. Birth date: May 16, 1990. Misc. Info.: His dad, Pat, is a member of the Football Flail of Fame at the University of Wyoming.
Griz 2008 FB Signees Add 2-2-2
Matt Hulse (Pronounced hull-see), DL, 6-3, 260, Fr., HS, Chandler, AZ (Hamilton HS): Matt earned letters in football and track.. .his football team was conference champion his senior year and an Arizona State semi-finalist in 2007 as well…his senior year he had 11 tackles for loss and two sacks…his high school football coach was Steve Belles. Personal: Parents: Sam Hulse Jr. And Alma Jo Cobb Hulse of Chandler. Major: Exercise science. Birth date: Sept. 26, 1989.
Jared Hunt, DB, 6-3, 175, Fr,, HS, Helena, MT (Helena Capital HS): Jared was a key players for his high school squads that won “AA” championships in 2006 (11-2) and 2007 (12-1)…all-state and all-conference as ajunior and senior at quarterback and punter.. track MVP in 2006 and 2007, and football MVP his junior year. ..passed for 1,857 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, rushed for 366 yards and six scores., and averaged 40.8 yards per punt….voted conference player of the year as a senior…grid coach was Pat Murphy. Personal: Parents: William and Mary Hunt of Helena. Major: Wildlife biology. Birth date: May 23, 1989. He’s played hockey for the past 13 years.
Trumaine Johnson, WR, 6-3, 180, Fr., HS, Stockton, CA (Edison HS): Trumaine was an outstanding quarterback last season, passing for 1,800 yards (with just 5 interceptions), rushing for 500 yards, and he had 22 total touchdowns.. .he was named first team all-league at quarterback and defensive back last season, and voted to his high school’s football “Hall of Fame” at defensive back…his junior year he was first team All-Area and all-league at wide receiver when he had 750 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns…he was tabbed his team’s “Junior of the Year” in football.. .he is also an all-state basketball player…his high school football coach was Elliot Burke. ..Personal:
Parents: Lynn Stallworth and Curtis Johnson of Stockton. Major: Business. Birth date: Jan. 1, 1990.
Gerald Kemp, QB, 6-2, 185, Fr., HS, San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo HS): Gerald was named team MVP in football as a senior. ..he was a second team All-North County pick in 2007, as well a first team all-league choice. ..he was also an all-league player in basketball last season..,voted team captain in football and basketball. ..he also competes in track, and last year his track team was league champion…his high school football coach was Brad Elrod…PersOflal.~ Parent: Geradine Kemp of San Diego. Major: Undecided. Birth date: May 23, 1990.
Ryan Kessman, WR, 5-10, 210, Fr., TR, San Jacinto, CA (BYU): Ryan spend one year at BYU last season and was a redshirt. . he was a standout at San Jacinto High School where at wide receiver he was chosen All-C.1.F., all state, all-league, and his league’s “Player of the Year” as a senior…he had 43 catches for 848 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he had 1,493 total yards at receivers and as,a returner his senior year…his high school football coach was Bill Powell…Personal.~ Parents: Steven and Paulynn Kessman of San Jacinto. Major: Undergraduate studies. Birth date: TBA.
Kyle Kmet (Pronounced: keh-met), OL, 6-5, 300, Fr., HS, Bonita, CA (Bonita Vista HS): Kyle was a an Diego All-Country selection and first team all-conference choice as a senior…he earned three letters in both football and track (shot/discus) and one in lacrosse.. he was also a three-time All-Academic Mesa League pick. ..team captain in football…hiS 2005 football team was the conference champion…hiS high school football coach was Carl Parrick. Personal: Parent: John Kmet of Bonita. Major: Undecided. Birth date: Oct. 16, 1990.
Blake Lebeau, OL, 6-5, 275, Fr., uS, Union City, CA (James Logan HS): Blake was named first team All-East
Bay and all-league.. .his senior football team rushed for 3,542 yards…his football teams won league championships in
2006 (8-3) and 2007 (1 1-1)…served as team captain in football…earned two letters in football…hiS high school
football coach was George Zuber. Personal.’ Parents: Thierry and Luana Lebeau of Union City. Major: Business.
Birth date: April 29, 1990.
Matt Lipski, OL, 6-9, 320, Fr., HS, Ashland, OR (Ashland US): Matt was a first team All-Southern Conference team pick his junior and senior seasons.. his third-ranked 2007 Grizzlies football team went 11-i and advanced to the state semi-finals.. .a three-year letterman in football…an all-conference player in basketball as a junior when his team went to the state 5A play-offs for the first time since l986…currently averaging 14 points, S rebounds, and 3 blocks a game…also lettered in water polo.. .grid coach was Charlie Hall. Personal: Parents: Tom and Sheryl Lipski of Ashland. Major: History or business. Birth date: Nov. 30, 1989.
Griz 2008 FB Signees Add 1-I-I
Beau Donaldson, RB, 6-1, 223, Fr., ~S, Missoula, MT (Big Sky US): Beau was named all-state three times in football.. .earned three letters in football, two in basketball, and four in track…his senior season he set school record and led the state with 1,682 yards rushing for 23 touchdownS…had 13 sacks in 2007…career-Wise he set school standards with 3,749 yards rushing for 44 touchdowns, scoring 278 points…set 10 school records in football…head coach was Gary Ekegren, a former Griz player (1959-6 1) and UM defensive line coach (1977-79)…flrst team all state both ways as a senior.. .his prep football teams made the state playoffs twice in his career…offenSiVe team MV? as a junior and senior in football, and team MVP his senior year. PersOnal.~ Parents: Larry and Catherine Donaldson of Missoula. Major: Physical therapy. Birth date: July 21, 1989.
Andrew Douglass, LB, 6-2, 225, Fr., US, San Clemente, CA (San Clemente US): Andrew was an All-C.I.F. first team pick at linebacker as a senior. ..first team All-South Coast League as a junior and senior…tabbed South Coast League’s MV? on defense following his senior season…lettered three times in football.. .team captain his senior year…high school football coach was Eric Patton…aS a senior he had Ill tackles (61 solos), 4 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions. Personal.~ Parents: Richard and Jane Douglass of San Clemente. Major: Business. Birth date: Nov. 16, 1989.
Kyle Finneflian, P, 6-2, 205, Fr., US, Havre, MT (Havre US): Kyle was tabbed all-state at running back and punter…all-cOflfere1~ pick at halfback and linebacker…a three-sport letterman in football (3), track (4), and basketball…ClasS “A” champion in the 100 and 200.. .football team was Central A” champions in 2006~07…foOtba11 team captain and MVP as a senior.. .voted team captain in hoops as well…high school football coach was Kevin Sukut. Persoflal.~ Parents: Bruce and Pam Finnemafl of Havre. Major: Undecided. Birth date: June 14, 1989.
Sam Gratton, WR, 6-0, 190, Fr., HS, Billings, MT (Senior US): Sam was a three-time all-state choice at wide receiver.., selected to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Mon-Dak All-Star Game. ..named to the Great Falls Tribune’s “Super State Team”…flamed an All-American and Montana’s Player of’ the Year by PrepNation.COm…PruP football team was the “AA” runners-up in 2007, going 10-3…his senior year he had 43 catches for 723 yards and 7 touchdownS.. .team captain in 2007…co-Special Teams MVP as a senior at kicker…his high school football coach was former (l987-88)Griz wide receiver Mark Sulser… also lettered in track…in his career he had 149 receptionS for 2,155 yards and 13 TD5…Academic All-State with a 3.6 GPA. Personal: Parents:
Scott Gratton and Shelley Haughton, both of Billings. Personal: Major: Undecided. Birth date: Oct. 10, 1989. Sam’s dad Scott played linebacker for the Griz from 1979-82 and was Golden Helmet Award (hardest hitter) recipient in 1981 and 1982.
Greg Hardy, TE, 6-5, 245, Fr., US, FairvieW, MT (Fairview US): Greg was an all-state pick in football, basketball, and track.. .earned 12 letters: four each in football, basketball, and track. ..a three-time all~confereflCe selection in football, hoops, and track.. football and basketball team captain. ..givefl “Warrior Award” and chosen MV? in football.. .hoop team won the district title, going 20-6…high school football coa~h was Kevin Clausen. Personal: Parents: Jim and Mary Hardy of FairvieW. Major: Business. Birth date: Jan. 2, 1990. Greg’s dad, Jim, played football and basketball at Western Montana College (UM-Western).
Josh Harris, DE, 6-5, 210, Fr., HS, Kalispell, MT (Flatllead US); Josh was named all-state his senior year when he had 47 tackles, 7 sacks, and 14 quarterback hurries…team defensive MVP his senior season two-time all-league pick in football. ..honOrable mention all-state as a junior…selected to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Mon-Dak All-Star Game.. ,.lettered in football (3), basketball (I), and track (2). Named Academic All-State twice. His high school football coach was Russell McCarVel. Personal.’ Parents: Greg and Jeanie Harris of Kalispell. Major: Undecided. Birth date: Sept. 15, 1989. Josh’s dad, Greg, lettered in football at Montana from 1972-74.
Eric HomeC (Pronounced home-eck), DE, 6-5, 215, Fr., HS, Bozeman, MT (Bozeman US): Eric was an all-state pick at defensive end as a senior when he had 14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 6 pass break-UPS, two of which led to interceptions…named to Great Falls Tribune’s “Super State Team”…chosen to play in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Mon-Dak All-Star Game.. .lettered in football and track.. .high school football coach was Troy Purcell. Personal Parents: Steve and Susan Flomec of Bozeman. Major: Business. Birth date: Sept. 15, 1989.
MONTANA GRIZZLIES “CLASS OF 2008” FOOTBALL SIGNEES
Thomas Bauer, LB, 6-2, 237, Jr., JC, Niwot, CO (Saddleback CC): Thomas comes to UM from Saddleback City College in Mission Viejo, Calif., where he was a first team All-Mission Conference pick at middle linebacker.., he was one of the leading tacklers on his 7-3 team a year ago and had 17 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles…he attended Northern Colorado as a freshman and was ranked 10th in the Big Sky Conference in total tackles and had the second most on the team…nominated for Big Sky “Player of the Week” twice as a freshman….he prepped at Niwot High School and was a first team all-state pick as a senior for his 12-I team, and was also named the All-Area Defensive Player of the Year that season…he was first team all-conference as a junior and senior and a three-year starter. Personal: Parents: Ron and Deb Bauer of Niwot. Major: Business. Birth date: October 21, 1986. He has been an honor roll student in high school, at UNC, and at Saddleback.
Brandon Beecher, DB, 5-10, 175, Fr., HS, Aurora, CO (Overland HS): Brandon was a first team all-conference as a junior and all-league as a sophomore. ..prep coach was Tony Manfredi who coached former Griz standout linebacker Tyler Joyce. ..lettered three times in football and basketball. ..plans to compete in track this spring in the 100 and 200…has been timed in the 40 in 4.38. Personal: Parents: Brian Beecher and Dana Moore of Aurora. Major: sociology/criminology. Birth date: Aug. 29, 1990.
Levi Buckles, WR, 6-3 ‘/2, 195, Fr., HS, Post Falls, ID (Post Falls HS): Levi was a second team all-state pick at wide receiver, and first team all-league as a junior and senior…tabbed the Inland Empire League Offensive Player of the Year as a senior when he had 51 receptions for 1,018 yards and 14 touchdowns…prep football coach was Jeff Heinz…first team All-North Idaho and offensive team MV? as a junior and senior…three-year letterman in basketball and team MV? in hoops his junior year. Personal: Parents: Carolyn and Dave Sims of Post Falls and Doug Buckles of Plumnier, Idaho. Major: Undecided. Birth date: Dec. 18, 1989.
Charles Burton, OL, 6-5, 315, Fr., HS, Long Beach, Ci~ (Milikan HS): Charles was an AlI-C.I.F. pick…voted
Moore League co-Offensive Linemen of the Year…on Milikan High’s Weight Lifting Hall of Fame (benches 305 and
squats 325).. .his school football coach was Kirk Diego.. .a four-year letterman in football and twice in track.
Personal: Parent: Felicia Burton of Long Beach. Major: Education. Birth date: Oct. 15, 1990.
Tyzer Cady (Pronounced Cay-dee), WR, 6-0, 180, Fr., US, Colstrip, MT (Colstrip HS): A 12-time letterman in football, basketball, and track and team captain in all three sports…all-state in football as a senior and all-league twice…all-state performer in track as a sophomore and juni~r…all-conference in basketball his junior year.. .prep grid coach was Mark Ator… member of Colstrip’s 2005 state cl.ampionship track team..retumed three kickoffs for touchdowns…the Clas’s B 100-meter champ as a junior. Personal: Parents: Rick and Tresa Cady of Colstrip. Major:
Undecided. Birth date: Nov. 28, 1989.
Mike Cummings, DB, 6-1, 192, Fr., HS, Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral HS): Mike was an All-Region selection at wide receiver and at defensive back his junior and senior seasons…all-state wide receiver as a senior and at defensive back as ajunior…footbal! captain and offensive MVP as a senior and defensive MV? his senior year…high school football coach was Charlie Ragle. . .earned three letters in both football and basketball.. .BB defensive MVP three times.. team captain in football and basketball.. .senior year he had 77 catches for 1,421 yards and 18 TDs.. .had 14 career interceptions…football squad won region titles in 200~ (12-2) and 2006 (11-3), and in basketball in 2005-06 (25-4). Personal: Parents: Mickey and Lynn Cummings of Scottsdale. Major: Business. Birth date: Aug. 17, 1989.
Ray DeBruycker (‘Pronounced dee-brucker,), DE, 6-3, 205, Fr., US, Choteau, MT (Choteau HS): Ray was an all-state selection in football, wrestling, and track…two-time all-conference pick at tight end and linebacker. ..state wrestling champion at 189 pounds as ajunior…earned 10 letters in football (3), wrestling (4), and track 3)…team captain in wrestling as a junior and senior, and in football his senior season…prep football coach was Joel Chrisiaens…had 11 sacks his senior season, along with 45 catches for 450 yards and 6 touchdowns.. .chosen MVP of wrestling squad.. .selected to play in Montana’s annual East-West Shrine Game. Personal: Parents: Nels and Lorraine DeBruycker of Choteau. Major: Forestry. Birth date: Oct. 2, 1989.
2008 Montana Grizzlies Recruiting List
Tuesday, February 5th, 2008 by chris in MontanaAs of: 2/5/2008
Cady, Tyzer RB/Ath Colstrip, MT 6-0 180
Cummings, Mike WR Scottsdale, AZ 6-1/191/4.59 (2 star)
DeBruycker, Raymond DE Choteau, MT 6-3 195
Donaldson, Beau RB Missoula, MT 6-2, 223
Douglas, Andrew LB San Clemente, CA 6-2, 225
Gratton, Sam WR Billings, MT 6-1 195 4.5
Hardy, Greg Ath Fairview, MT 6-5 240
Harris, Josh DE Kalispell, MT 6-5/210
Homec, Eric DE Bozeman, MT 6-5 220
Hulse, Matt DT Chandler, AZ 6-4 260 5.0 (2 star)
Hunt, Jared DB/P Helena, MT 6-3 185
Kessman, Ryan WR BYU Transfer 5-10 180 4.6 (3 Star)
Kmet, Kyle OL San Diego, CA 6-4/310
Lisowski, Donny S/DB Seattle, WA 5-11 180 4.5 (2 Star)
Lebeau, Blake OL Union City, CA 6-5 270 5.3 (2 star)
Lipski, Matt OL Ashland, OR 6-8/360/5.7 (2 star)
McCord , Mike CB Pheonix, AZ 6-0/180/4.46 (1 Star)
McSurdy, Caleb LB Boise, ID 6-2/230/4.6 (2 star)
Moore, Dan RB Tuscon, AZ 5-11 210 4.6 (2 star)
Rabold, Brooks DL Billings, MT 6-3 205
Sambrano, Jabin WR/DB Temecula, CA 6-0 170 4.5
Stuberg, Josh WR/DB Helena, MT 6-2 185 4.59 (2 star)
Shaw, Alex RB/LB Spokane WA 6-2 220 4.50 (2 Star)
Opperud, Jon OL Milwaukie, OR 6-7/280 (2 star)
WAITING ON
LOUIS BLAND S/RB (Top 10 Cali RB!!)
ARCHIE WOULARD WR (Not impressed by MSU?)
STEVEN JACKSON RB (Arizona RB)
STEVE JOHNSON LB (Big Hitter- JC)
A QB???
PSU VS UM Preview (1/31)
Sunday, January 27th, 2008 by wiviking in Big Sky, Montana, Portland StateI cannot guarantee that I will have time to do a blog for every game, but I will do my best while I am here. The upcoming contest between the Portland State Vikings and the Montana Grizzlies is an intriguing mid-season match-up as the teams have become rivals in recent years. We all remember the fight after the game two years ago, and it looks like the game on Thursday should be just as hard-fought. Montana enters the contest with two convincing wins against Big Sky opponents which were preceded by a tough home loss against Weber State. The Grizzlies are again lead by their consistent inside duo, Jordan Hasquet and Andrew Strait. Portland State is coming off an extended hiatus which should benefit the team from a health standpoint, but it remains to be seen the effect it will have on team chemistry.
Match-Ups
Center
UM: Andrew Strait PSU: Scott Morrison
The Griz will almost definitely throw everything they have at Morrison offensively. Their combination will include at least Strait and Hasquet, as well as Brian Qvale and Kyle Sharp. There is no doubt that the Grizzly coaching staff has seen how different a team the Vikings are without Morrison on the floor, and it is likely they will try to get him in foul trouble from the opening tip. The Vikings do not have anywhere near the depth of the Grizzlies at center, so it is essential that Morrison stays on the floor for as many minutes as possible and that players like JR Moore and Tyrell Mara are available to spell him inside. Julius Thomas may be the direction Ken Bone wants to go, but it will be difficult for him to compete with the height that the Griz possess at center.
Advantage: Grizzlies
Power Forward
UM: Jordan Hasquet PSU: Kyle Coston/Alex Tiefenthaler
For what has been the most inconsistent position for the Viks all year, Thursday may be a relief. Coston and Tiefenthaler have been much better players at the Stott Center, and Tyrell Mara has not been healthy since his break-out game at the Top of the World Classic. The three man combo will be assigned the Grizzlies top offensive threat, Jordan Hasquet. He has dominated the Big Sky Conference, both offensively and on the glass. If he matches up with Morrison defensively, it will be a showdown between two of the premier big men in the conference. If he matches up at the 4 it will be up to the Viking combo to run him ragged around screens outside, and keep him honest by making a good percentage of the 3 point shots they take. Hasquet and Kyle Sharp should be able to eclipse the Viking players here offensively and on the glass. The question will be whether or not the Viks can keep it close.
Advantage: Grizzlies
Guard/Forward
UM: Ryan Staudacher PSU: Deonte Huff
If the Viks have a mismatch, this is it. Staudacher is big enough to compete with Huff, but is overmatched talent-wise. If he can hold Huff to less than 10 points, I think the Grizzlies should win easily. Unfortunately for him, I do not think that he is capable of that. I think the Viks will depend on strong games from Huff and Dominguez, and it will be up to Huff to keep the game close until the last five minutes. Staudacher is a bit of an unknown to the Viks as he played less than 10 mintues per game last season. At almost 32 per game this year, it is obvious that he has become an important part of the Grizzly attack.
Advantage: Vikings
Shooting Guard
UM: Matt Martin/Ceylon Elgin-Taylor PSU: Andre Murray
Murray has been a very important player to the Vikings this year. Unfortunately, he has also been very inconsistent. The Vikings need a huge effort from him on Thursday, especially if Dupree Lucas is unavailable behind him. Martin and Elgin-Taylor have both averaged 25 minutes a game, so it is up to Murray to play at least that much to provide an equal counterpart. I think Murray should be ready for the challenge if he can stay out of foul trouble.
Advantage: Push
Point
UM: Cameron Rundles PSU: Jeremiah Dominguez
After a strong stretch of games, Dominguez is now leading the team in scoring. He is the go-to-guy down the stretch, and seems to relish the role, as he fares well again and again. This game should give him another opportunity to put the Big Sky on notice. Big or small, he has vanquished them all, and Rundles should provide quite a challenge as he stands 6 ft 1. Rundles is less of a scoring threat than he was last year, but has become a much better passer, an asset the tea, needs at the point. The Viks could definitely use a good shooting night from Mickey Polis, as their front-court match-ups are not likely to produce many points.
Advantage: Vikings
Bench
The Vikings are hoping to have a bit more depth available after the extended break. The team could definitely use the intensity of a player like Mara, or the scoring punch a player like Lucas has provided in the past. The Griz only have 3 bench players who have seen extended action this year, so it is imperative that the Viks try to push the pace and use the extra legs they have available. As that has been their style of play most of the year, it should not be a task with which they have too much trouble.
Advantage: Vikings
Both teams have won their last two games. However, they are at very different places in the conference standings. Thursday will be a chance for the Grizzlies to get back towards the top, where they were expected to be all season. For the Vikings it is a chance to keep pace with Northern Arizona and Weber State at the top of the table. I see this one playing out as a slugfest. Each team is going to take their best shot at the knockout early on, but it is the team that has the most left at the end who should pull it out. In an even match, who do you take? I will go with the home team on a last second floater by Dominguez.
Prediction: PSU 70-68
Cats Down Griz in Conference Opener
Sunday, January 6th, 2008 by catbob in Big Sky, Montana, Montana StateCarlos Taylor scored a career-high 34 points en-route to a 74-58 victory over the Montana Grizzlies Saturday night in Bozeman. A crowd of over 6,500 watched as the two teams evenly battled for the first half and part-way into the second half, before MSU went on an 11-0 run to take a 4 point lead, and would never look back. Taylor’s 34 points were the 3rd highest total by a Bobcat versus the Griz in MSU history, and the most by a Bobcat since 1988.
Washington Grizzly Stadium Voted Best in Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision
Monday, July 23rd, 2007 by chris in MontanaFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOP 10 FCS STADIUMS
Missoula, MT. July 23rd, 2007 – (ChampionshipSubdivision.com) Championship Subdivision Sports is proud to announce the results of the Battle of the FCS Stadiums Competition, which was recently held on the site. The bracket style competition consisted of 10 stadiums. A total of over 150 Members of the site voted on the competition from all across America. The Top Three Stadiums will receive awards from the site. Montana’s Washington Grizzly Stadium winning by a landslide, followed by Youngstown State’s Stambaugh Stadium and Chattanooga’s Finley Stadum.
TOP 10 Rankings
School/Stadium | (First Place Votes) | Votes
1. Montana/Washington-Grizzly | (32) | 166
2. Youngstown State/Stambaugh | (7) | 105
3. Chattanooga/Finley | (6) | 104
—
4. Delaware/Delaware | (1) | 85
5. North Dakota State/FargoDome | 47
6. Appalachian State/Kidd Brewer | 33
7. McNeese State/Cowboy | 28
8. James Madison/Bridgeforth | 20
9. Cal Poly/Spanos | 17
10. Eastern Kentucky/Roy Kidd | 12
For additional information, please visit http://www.championshipsubdivision.com
Griz Basketball lands EWU Transfer
Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 by chris in Montana
Um has landed an EWU Transfer Michael Taylor following the firing of EWU head coach (may not be related incidents). Taylor said “I was just looking for something different.”
Taylor will have to sit out this season and will start with the Grizzlies in the 2008 season.
From the Missoulian
Griz hoops lands transfer from EWU
By BOB MESEROLL Missoulian sports editor
Michael Taylor, who started all but four games last season for Eastern Washington, announced Monday that he will join the Montana men’s basketball team next fall.
Taylor, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound combination guard, averaged 5.7 points and 1.9 assists per game as a true freshman last season for the Eagles, who finished at 15-14.
“I just didn’t like how it was this year,” Taylor said of his reasons for leaving one Big Sky Conference school for another. “I don’t want to go into too much detail. I was just looking for something different.”
Taylor must sit out next season as a Division I transfer. He’ll still have three years of eligibility left when he joins the Grizzlies’ active roster for the 2008-09 season.
Taylor must pay his way to Montana next season, but will receive a scholarship the following year.
“I’m the oldest of six kids and they’re going to start graduating every couple of years,” said Taylor, who was selected by the Seattle Times as Washington’s 1A player of the year as a senior at Brewster. “I didn’t want my parents to have to deal with too much.”
Here is his Bio from the EWU site as it may not last long.
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Brewster, Wash.
High School: Brewster HS ‘06
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 190
Position: G
Experience: HS
High School: Graduated from Brewster High School in 2006. Taylor was selected as the State 1A Player of the Year by the Seattle Times, and was also selected by that newspaper as a second team All-State selection including players from all classifications. He averaged 25.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and nearly three steals per game in leading 24-2 Brewster to its second-straight runner-up finish in the State 1A Tournament where he was MVP. Taylor and fellow EWU teammates Chris Sprinker and Jack Loofburrow played together in Washington’s 103-95 loss to Oregon in the Les Schwab Northwest Shootout on April 2, 2006. Loofburrow scored 10 points in the game, with Taylor adding five and Sprinker finishing with three. Taylor, whose father Tim is Brewster’s head coach, helped lead the Bears to a 102-7 record in four seasons. He averaged 20 points, eight assists and nine rebounds as a junior when he made 50 percent of his three-point shots. He was a first team 1A All-State selection from Washington Hoops, and an honorable mention selection by the Associated Press. Taylor was a first team all-tournament selection after averaging 16.8 points in four State 1A tourney games, including 25 in a 59-54 championship game loss in overtime to Bellevue Christian. He teamed with Gonzaga’s David Pendergraft to win State 1A titles in 2003 and 2004, and was a second team all-tournament selection in 2004. Brewster was 28-0 in 2002-03, 27-1 in 2003-04 and 23-4 in 2004-05. Eagle assistant coach Carl Howell – a former head coach at Tacoma Community College – has had a long association with Tim Taylor. In fact, he watched Taylor play at the University of Puget Sound when Howell was a 14 year old. In baseball, he helped lead the Bears to their second-straight State 1A title with a pair of victories May 26-27, 2006, in Yakima, Wash. He pitched a two-hitter in a 5-1 victory over Kalama in the championship game as Brewster won its 49th-straight game dating back to a semifinal loss in the 2004 State Tournament. He finished the title game with 11 strikeouts. In a 22-1 victory over Seattle Christian in the semifinals, he had five RBI in the first inning alone as Brewster scored 11 runs in that frame. He finished his senior year with a batting average of nearly .500 and a 9-0 pitching record with an earned run average of about 2.00.
Personal: Born Jan. 5, 1987, in Wenatchee, Wash. Intends on majoring in construction or technology. Son of Tim Taylor and Sonya Gebbers Taylor. His father
Dustin Dlouhy to play for team USA
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 by chris in Big Sky, MontanaVIENNA, Va. – Former University of Montana defensive end Dustin Dlouhy – 
who finished his career at UM last fall – has been named to the 45-man Team USA squad that will play in the World Championship of American Football in July.
Dlouhy is the only player selected from the Big Sky Conference and from the state of Idaho.
The announcement was made by Team USA Football executive director Scott Hallenbeck and head coach John Mackovic.
This is the first time the U.S. will play in this international event. Team USA is training at San Jose State University from June 20 to July 4 prior to leaving for Japan.
The six-country tournament will take place July 7-15 in Kawasaki. This year’s event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football.
read more at http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2007/05/29/sports/griz/gr56.txt
