January 2003

Monte named national mascot of the year
He's a motorcycle-riding, moon-walking, back-flipping maniac. And now Monte the Grizzly from The University of Montana is the Capital One National Mascot of the Year.

Monte was officially crowned the nation's top university mascot Jan. 1 during the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla. The game was televised on ABC.

UM will celebrate Monte's achievement with "Monte Madness" Saturday, Feb. 1, in conjunction with the Griz men's Big Sky Conference home game against Sacramento State.

The game's halftime will overflow with the animal magnetism that caught the fancy of judges in the national mascot competition. Monte will perform some of his favorite antics - dancing, back flips and crowd interaction included - and be presented with his championship trophy. Fans who attend the event will receive free Monte memorabilia. Tickets for the game are $3/general and $5/reserved and can be purchased from the Adams Center box office at (406) 243-4051.

"The news that we have a national champion at The University of Montana raises all our spirits," said UM President George Dennison. "I know that everyone associated with The University of Montana believes that Monte deserves this recognition for his superb work over the years. What a difference he has made for our athletic teams and events and for the Missoula and Montana communities. Monte is University of Montana athletics and spirit. Thank you, Monte, from all of us."

Monte's a real pro, and some folks in Montana consider him to be just as tough and athletic as the guys on the football field. But this grizzly also is well-rounded, and can show his warm and fuzzy teddy side too. He flirts with the cheerleaders and gives big bear hugs to children wherever he goes.

Athletic Director Wayne Hogan said, "As far as I'm concerned, this goes down as another national championship for Montana. I could not be more proud of what that bear has accomplished."

Monte's campaign went well beyond the "bear" necessities. In addition to erecting billboards all around Missoula, Monte secured a public endorsement from Montana Sen. Max Baucus.

Beginning in mid-October, 12 feathered, furry and lovable creatures were named by a panel of judges to the inaugural Capital One All-America Mascot Team. Following the announcement of the 12 All-Americans, millions of college football fans from across the country voted online for their favorite mascot through Dec. 20, 2002.

Monte was named Capital One National Mascot of the Year based on a combination of the online popular vote (50 percent) and the panel of judges' previous ranking (50 percent), which resulted from criteria that included fan interaction, demonstration of good sportsmanship and community service. Monte received $10,000 for scholarships and funding of UM's mascot program.

< PREVIOUS | HOME | NEXT >

University Relations | Cary Shimek, Editor
The University of Montana-Missoula
32 Campus Drive | Missoula, MT 59812
phone (406) 243-2522 | fax (406) 243-4520
© 2004 The University of Montana