UM thrills fans with throwback jerseys, helmets

The UM football team gave Grizzly fans a blast from the past at the start of the 108th Brawl of the Wild on Nov. 22 when they emerged from the tunnel wearing the gold and copper uniforms of yesteryear.

The surprise brought a deafening roar from the record-setting crowd of 25,629 spectators who filled Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The Grizzlies rode the excitement to a dominating 35-3 win over the Montana State Bobcats.

It was last June when UM Executive Vice President Jim Foley dreamt up the idea of donning the classic colors that were retired in 1995. He took the idea to Grizzly coach Bobby Hauck who gave it his support.

They kept throwback jerseys and helmets a secret until just before kickoff. Even the players were in the dark.

The Grizzlies warmed up in their usual maroon and silver jerseys, then surprised fans by coming out of the locker room in the throwback uniforms.

The following day, the Grizzly Scholarship Association offered the special uniforms for sale online. Jerseys sold for $200 while helmets went for $350. The items sold out in about 20 minutes.

“The special jerseys and helmets were a great way to energize Griz Nation before the annual battle with the Bobcats,” Foley said. “The fans and players will remember the 108th Brawl of the Wild for years to come.”