The University of Montana (UM) Grizzlies mascot is a highly recognized and beloved figure within the university and local community. With a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, the Grizzlies mascot has become synonymous with UM and its athletic programs. The main idea of the UM Grizzlies mascot is to represent the spirit and pride of the university. The mascot, which is a costumed bear, can be seen at various sporting events and university functions, rallying the crowd and generating excitement. The Grizzlies mascot not only serves as a source of entertainment but also embodies the characteristics of strength, power, and resilience. It represents the fighting spirit of the university community, both on and off the field.
Photographs
Archives and Special Collections has thousands of photographs of the University of Montana, its buildings, grounds, faculty and staff, and students. Click on the links listed below to view a guide to a photo collection available in Archives and Special Collections that contains a number of UM-related photos. View hundreds of digitized UM photos in the Archival Photographs from the University of Montana collection in the Montana History Portal, and contact us if you can't find what you're looking for.
Photographs Archives and Special Collections has thousands of photographs of the University of Montana, its buildings, grounds, faculty and staff, and students. View hundreds of digitized UM photos in the Archival Photographs from the University of Montana collection in the Montana History Portal, and contact us if you can t find what you re looking for.
It represents the fighting spirit of the university community, both on and off the field. The presence of the Grizzlies mascot at sporting events helps to create a sense of unity and camaraderie among fans and athletes. It fosters a supportive and energetic atmosphere, encouraging the team to perform at their best.
Monte goes pro… again
Since the early 90's, Monte has been the Montana Grizzlies' number one fan, motorcycle riding and back flipping his way into hearts of Griz nation like no other mascot in the country. He was even named the two-time National Mascot of the Year in 2002-03 and 2004-05.
After being recognized nationally for his talents, the Monte of '02-'05 went on to star in the NBA as the Chicago Bulls' beloved Benny the Bull for 12 hilarious years.
Now, after five and a half years of being Montana's favorite bear, a new Monte has again turned pro in the NBA, this time shedding the brown fur of a Grizzly bear, and donning the silver fur of "Clutch," the Houston Rocket's beloved bear.
"I want to thank everyone in Missoula and the state of Montana for showing me so much love over the years," said Monte, whose real identity remains a mystery. "I've had a blast working with everyone at the University, all the athletes and especially the fans. They are what makes all the hard work bear-able."
Monte's reputation as one of the best mascots in the land hasn't gone unnoticed by teams around the NBA. When Clutch retired from the Rockets after many years of service, they called Monte at his den in the Rattlesnake Wilderness to see if he was interested in migrating from the mountains of Montana to the bayous of Houston.
A member of the Mascot Hall of Fame, Clutch has been the most beloved bear in Texas since 1995. Since then he's won the NBA's Mascot of the Year award in 2005 and 2013.
Much like Monte, Clutch and his sidekick Rocket Man make over 250 Houston-area appearances each year, and 20 out-of-town and international appearances as well. And like Monte, this busy bear can be found thrilling fans with high-flying dunks and entertaining crowds at corporate events, birthday parties, basketball games, pep rallies, and holiday parties.
Monte officially started his new job at the Rockets in early October and said the people at the Toyota Center in Houston have been very welcoming to a bear from the Rockies.
"I've had an amazing and very warm welcome. Everyone has been super nice, very helpful. Everybody in the Rockets organization has been great and have made it easy to transition from one bear to another."
Since arriving in Houston, Monte… er… Clutch has wowed Rockets fans in two preseason games, and even traveled to Shanghai and Beijing China to participate in NBA global games against the New Orleans Pelicans.
This Monte is now the second loveable bear from Montana to make a career out of his shenanigans in the NBA after Benny T. Bull, and this Monte wants kids to know that it's not all fun and games. It's a real opportunity for a real career.
"I grew up doing gymnastics and being an athlete before honing my skills at the University of Montana in front of Griz nation," says Monte. "I never knew it could lead to a full-time career in professional sports. I hope there are future Monte's out there who set their sights high as well."
Luckily there is another Monte ready to following in the previous bear tracks, keeping Griz Nation entertained for years to come.
"Fear not Griz fans, I know the current Monte will continue to be as entertaining and lovable as ever."
Montana's Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Community Relations , who oversees Monte's antics, also believes the future of the program is in good paws.
"We are incredibly grateful to him for his service to Grizzly Athletics and to the University of Montana and wish him absolute success in the NBA. As "Benny" and now "Clutch" have proven, it is a unique opportunity for people to come have an amazing experience as Monte at the University of Montana and then have the opportunity to pursue a professional career as a mascot.
"We hope others who dream of being Monte will someday take the chance to tryout whenever we may have an open position again," adds Molloy.
"We are incredibly grateful to him for his service to Grizzly Athletics and to the University of Montana and wish him absolute success in the NBA. As "Benny" and now "Clutch" have proven, it is a unique opportunity for people to come have an amazing experience as Monte at the University of Montana and then have the opportunity to pursue a professional career as a mascot.
Moreover, the Grizzlies mascot plays a crucial role in promoting school spirit and tradition. It is a recognizable symbol that unites alumni, students, and faculty in their shared love for the university. It represents the heritage and legacy of the institution, instilling a sense of pride in being part of the UM community. Overall, the UM Grizzlies mascot serves as a unifying force, symbolizing the spirit and pride of the university. It embodies the strength and resilience of its athletic programs, while also fostering a sense of school spirit and tradition..
Reviews for "The Tradition and Legacy of the UM Grizzlies Mascot: A Symbol of Unity and Pride"
1. Sarah - 1 star - The Grizzlies mascot was the worst I have ever seen. It looked more like a sad, worn-out teddy bear than a fierce grizzly. The costume was poorly made and the colors were faded. The mascot performer also seemed unenthusiastic and didn't engage with the crowd. Overall, it was a disappointing and lackluster experience.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to seeing the Grizzlies mascot in action, but it fell short of my expectations. The costume design was mediocre and lacked creativity. Additionally, the movements and gestures of the mascot were awkward and unnatural. It seemed like the performer was trying too hard to be entertaining, and it came off as forced. The whole experience left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.
3. Jessica - 2 stars - I found the Grizzlies mascot to be quite uninspiring. The costume design was outdated and didn't capture the essence of a fierce grizzly bear. Moreover, the mascot's interactions with the crowd were limited and lacked energy. It felt like an afterthought rather than something that enhanced the overall experience. I was hoping for a more engaging and spirited mascot that would add excitement to the event, but unfortunately, that was not the case.
4. David - 1 star - The Grizzlies mascot was a complete disappointment. The costume looked cheaply made and lacked attention to detail. It didn't even resemble a grizzly bear; it was more like a generic bear with no distinguishing features. The performer's movements were stiff and robotic, lacking enthusiasm. Overall, the mascot seemed like an afterthought and didn't contribute anything positive to the event. I would not recommend wasting your time on this lackluster mascot experience.