The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Off the Couch

Off the Couch content

In Dazzling Debut, Fife Earns Big Sky Player of the Week Honors

Following his dazzling debut, Fife was named Big Sky Offensive Player o... more

Historic Offensive Night Leads Montana to First Inferno Win

It took everything that Montana had, and a historic night from the offe... more

Griz Open Big Sky Play on the Road at Eastern Washington

The Montana Grizzlies (3-1) start their second season this week when UM... more

Griz Back at Home Hosting No. 24 Western Carolina

Montana football returns home for a second-straight week as the Grizzlies close out the nonconference schedule against an explosive Western Carolina team out of the Southern Conference.  ... more

North Dakota Uses Ground Game in Comeback Win Over Griz

It was a tale of two halves in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Saturday night as the host Fighting Hawks used a big comeback in the second half to upset Montana 27-24.... more

Griz Head to Grand Forks Looking for Redemption

This week, No. 4 Montana returns to the site of that loss in Grand Forks for the first meeting between the two schools since UM took the 41-14 drubbing.... more

Birdwatching in Montana

Birdwatching in Montana. The best locations for birdwatching and their brief description. Birds that you should see with your own eyes.... more

Official Black Out T-Shirt Now Available for Season Opener

After debuting in 2023, Griz football is excited to bring back a Black Out game in 2024, which will be Montana's season opener vs. Missouri State on Aug. 31 (7 p.m. kickoff).... more

Bergen Named to East-West Shrine Bowl 1,000

unior Bergen has added to his preseason accolades haul with a place on the East-West Shrine Bowl 1,000, an annual watchlist of the top NFL prospects.... more

Missoula’s Griz Football Remains at the Top

If you’re a young athlete dreaming of a career in sports, look no further than the Griz for motivation.... more

Hoot-Owl Restrictions Placed On Additional Rivers in Southwest Montana

A full angling closure and two new hoot-owl restrictions will go into effect on additional sections of the Madison River in southwest Montana.... more

Griz Picked to Repeat as Big Sky Champs

The Montana Grizzlies have been picked to win back-to-back Big Sky titles by the league’s coaches and media in 2024 slotting in at No. 1 in both preseason polls.... more

Griz Set to Once Again Pitch in and Help Save Lives

The Grizzly football team will once again do its part to help save lives by rallying the UM community to join the National Marrow Donor Program's (NMDP) "Get in the Game" registry,... more

Stephen Curry: A Sneak Peak Into Famous Basketball Player’s Life and Career

Celebrated universally as the sport's most exceptional shooter and among its greatest players, Stephen Curry has been instrumental in reshaping basketball's tactical landscape.... more

Spring Game Caps Extended Developmental Season For Griz

Montana head football coach Bobby Hauck is fond of saying “You only get better at football by playing football.”... more

Griz Celebrate Seniors, Win Third Straight

The second-largest crowd of the year was treated to a fantastic finish as the Grizzlies pulled away for an 82-73 win over Portland State on Saturday.... more

Griz Fall to EWU 78-65

The Montana Grizzlies's had a chance to climb within half a game of the league-leading EWU Eagles on Saturday, but foul trouble and bad shooting kept them at a tie for 3rd in the Big Sky Conference.... more

Magical Season Comes to a Close in Championship

Montana reached new heights in an incredible 2023 season, but couldn't reach the ultimate summit on Sunday against the defending champion South Dakota State Jackrabbits.... more

Griz Look to Cap Magical Season with a National Championship

Montana's magical postseason run reaches its zenith this week as the new year brings a new opportunity for the Grizzlies.... more

Griz Beat Bison in 2 OT Thriller to Punch Ticket to Frisco

"Monumental win in program history," head coach Bobby Hauck said. "It's one of the biggest games in stadium history, if not the biggest.... more

Montana Football: Gillman Named Winner of the 2023 Jerry Rice Award

Eli Gillman is a true breakout story, and in recognition of his efforts he is the 2023 recipient of the Jerry Rice Award.... more

Griz Blizzard Buries Delaware, Advance to Quarterfinal

Montana felt right at home in a winter storm on Saturday night inside Washington-Grizzly Stadium, blowing out No. 11 Delaware 49-19.... more

A Griz/Cat Game Like No Other

In a game that needs no added superlatives, the magnitude of the 122nd edition of the Montana/Montana State rivalry football game – the Brawl of the Wild – simply cannot be overstated.... more

Griz Look to Keep Momentum Rolling on the Road

the Montana Grizzlies return to the road this week for the ultimate game of the regular season against Portland State in a key conference showdown. ... more

Griz Return Home for First-Ever Matchup with Fiery Ferris State

Montana hosts the two-time defending D-II national champion and No. 1 ranked Ferris State Bulldogs this week at WGS. ... more

Help the Griz Set a Season Ticket Record in 2023

With kickoff less than a month away, excitement for the upcoming Montana football season is once again nearing an all-time high as the Grizzlies look to return to the top of the Big Sky standings.... more

Warm Water Prompts Full Fishing Closures and Hoot-Owl Restrictions on Some Streams

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is advising anglers that full fishing closures and hoot-owl restrictions will be in effect starting July 26 on portions of some rivers and creeks in western and southwestern Monta... more

Krystkowiak Enters Big Sky Hall of Fame

Larry Krystkowiak will be inducted into the Big Sky Conference Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 22. He becomes the second male athlete from Montana, joining former quarterback Dave Dickenson, and the first Griz H... more

Nonconference Kickoff Times and Broadcast Details Finalized

Kickoff times and broadcast details for Montana's three nonconference games have been finalized, with a September night game in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.... more

Montana’s Flint Rasmussen Bids Farewell at PBR Finale

Montana’s own Flint Rasmussen, billed as the greatest rodeo entertainer in history, graced the First Interstate Arena in Billings for the final time Sunday.... more

GSA Spring Tour Returns in 2023

The Montana Grizzlies are back on the road and headed to a town near you!... more

Moody’s Career Night Leads Montana into Semifinal

Under the brightest lights possible, Aanen Moody delivered the best performance of his career to lead Montana to a quarterfinal win against Idaho State on Monday night.... more

How to Survive in the Wilderness – 2023

Every person who got lost in the woods had no plans of doing so. In this guide, we cover the basic things you need to do to survive in the wilderness. ... more

Rohrbach Named FCS Punter of the Year

Montana freshman punter Patrick Rohrbach earned the Football Championship Subdivision's highest special teams honor Wednesday, being named FCS Punter of the Year.... more

Montana to Host SEMO Under the Lights in First Round Playoff Game

Montana will extend its FCS record playoff appearances to 26 this Saturday after earning an at-large bid to the 2022 tournament.... more

Rohrbach a Finalist for the Jerry Rice Award

As the current No. 2 punter in FCS football and a catalyst on the best punting unit in the subdivision, Montana freshman Patrick Rohrbach was named a finalist for the 2022 Stats Perform Jerry Rice Award Monda... more

Lady Griz Picked Second in Preseason Polls

The Lady Griz team was picked second in preseason polls behind Montana State, which was the heavy favorite by both the Big Sky coaches and media.... more

Men’s Basketball: Montana Picked Third in Big Sky Preseason Polls

The Montana men's basketball team, was selected third in both the coaches' and media polls, the Big Sky Conference announced Wednesday.... more

Grizzly defense suffocates Coyotes in 24-7 win

The Montana defense put in yet another commanding performance Saturday, keeping South Dakota scoreless for three and a half quarters of football in a 24-7 rout.... more

Griz Picked No. 2 in AFCA Preseason Poll

The FCS football coaches around the nation have tabbed the Montana Grizzlies as the No. 2 team in the nation in the (AFCA) preseason top-25 poll. ... more

Griz in at No. 3 in Preseason Media Top-25

After being picked to win the Big Sky Conference title race by the league's coaches and media, the Montana Grizzlies slotted in at No. 3 on the Stats Perform Preseason Top-25 on Monday.... more

Three Griz Named to Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List

This year, three more Grizzlies are favored to join that list of the nation's elite defenders, with Patrick O'Connell, Justin Ford, and Robby Hauck each being named to the Buchanan Award preseason watch lis... more

Montana’s 2022-23 Big Sky Slate Begins Dec. 29 vs Eastern Washington

The Big Sky Conference announced its 2022-23 men's basketball schedule on Thursday morning.... more

Big Sky Announces 2022-23 Women’s Basketball Schedule

he Big Sky Conference released the league’s women’s basketball schedule for the 2022-23 season on Wednesday morning.... more

Griz Set Kickoff Times for Home Football Games

Kickoff times for Montana's slate of six home games for the upcoming 2022 football season have been confirmed... more

Team IMPACT Delivers Special Addition to Griz Basketball Program

Sometimes the best recruits are the most unexpected.... more

Taking Your Dog for a Hike? Here Are Some Useful Tips

In this article, we will outline six of the most important tips for taking your dog hiking.... more

Why Consider Caregiver Jobs in Missoula Montana

If you are currently in the health care field (or hope to be) and you want to offer your services in a caring community set within the Northern Rockies, come to Missoula.... more

Seven Griz Return for Pro Day

Seven former Montana football players will return to Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Tuesday, April 5, for the team's annual Pro Day... more

5 Things to Consider Before Taking Your Dog to the Mountains With You

Make sure you've considered the following five points to ensure your dog's safety while in the mountains with you.... more

Aim to Shoot: Tips on How to Easily Improve Your Aim

Shooting can be fun but aiming at targets is the tricky part. Read this article for some key tips to improve your aim easily. ... more

Like Climbing? Here’s How To Find The Top Gear

It’s better to do a little research than to just wander into nature and climb! So here’s how to find the best gear for your climbing trip! ... more

The Seven Best Ski Resorts in Canada in 2021

We are pleased to present to you our list of the top ski resorts to visit this season, promising fun for the whole family!... more

Friday’s Griz Basketball Game Moved to 3pm Tip-Off

With Montana football advancing to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs against James Madison Friday night, Montana's basketball game that evening has been moved up to 3 p.m.... more

No. 6 Griz to Face No. 3 Dukes in FCS Quarterfinal

Survive and advance is the mantra in the FCS Playoffs, and the Montana Grizzlies did that and a whole lore more last week, dominating Eastern Washington and advancing to take on James Madison. ... more

Griz Advance to Face James Madison in Virginia

With Friday's win over Eastern Washington, the Montana Grizzlies have advanced to the Quarterfinal round of the FCS playoffs and will Play James Madison in Virginia. ... more

Griz Get Redemption on Eagles, Advance to FCS Quarterfinal

Montana improves to 10-2 and advances to the FCS quarterfinal round against No. 3 James Madison. ... more

Griz Host Eagles in Titanic Playoff Rematch

The second season of Montana football kicks off under Friday night lights this week as the Grizzlies ride a five-game winning streak into the second round of the FCS playoffs for a rematch against E. Washington... more

6 Famous Athletes From Montana

Montana has a rich sports history tradition. Here are some of it's most notable athletes: ... more

Great Divide Trophy Returns to Missoula as Griz Roll over Cats

The University of Montana had been waiting over 1,000 days since the last Brawl of the Wild in Missoula. And it was worth the wait!... more

Griz Stars Honored at Annual Awards Banquet

Montana head coach Bobby Hauck and his staff honored some of the Grizzlies' best performers of the year on Sunday at the annual team awards banquet. ... more

#7 Griz Host #3 Cats in Brawl for the Ages

On Saturday, the 120th edition of the Montana/Montana State game returns after a two-year layoff and returns to Missoula for the first time in three years.... more

Griz Axe Jacks With Dominant Defense

Every time you think Montana's defense has put together its best performance of the season, they find a new way to step their game up.... more

Griz Look to Continue Winning Ways on the Road in Greely

With momentum from of two-straight wins, the Montana Grizzlies return to the road, to battle Northern Colorado Saturday with kickoff in Greeley set for noon.... more

Where To Ride A Bike In Missoula?

If you’re someone who enjoys active outdoor recreation, you might want to take your electric bike on a journey to Missoula. Here are some places to check out for your next bike ride:... more

Elk Hunting in Montana: What you need to know?

In 2020, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported 170,000 elk population, and it can be said that Montana is a dreamland for avid elk hunters.... more

Griz Roll Over Vandals to Retain Stein

Montana retained the "Little Brown Stein" with a statement win, rebounding with a 34-14 rout of rival Idaho. ... more

Montana Grizzlies NCAAF News: Showdown vs. Vandals, FCS Rankings, More

Montana Tries To Bounce Back vs. Idaho this week in Moscow. ... more

Griz Seek Rebound Against Rival Vandals

The Montana Grizzlies return to the road this week looking for a bounce-back performance against an old rival in the battle for the "Little Brown Stein" against Idaho.... more

2001 Griz Closing in on Goal as Team Reunion Nears

When the 2001 Montana Grizzlies set out to achieve a goal, there's no stopping them. ... more

Griz Look to Avenge 2019 Loss to Hornets at Home

At the halfway point of the season, the Griz enter Saturday's game against the Hornets ranked in the top-five nationally with one of the best defenses in the FCS.... more

Things to Do in College Instead of Partying

Check out this list for a few activities you might consider adding to your college schedule.... more

University of Montana Homecoming – September 20-25

The University of Montana Alumni Association today announced the 2021 Homecoming week event lineup that will take place from Sept. 20 to Sept. 25.... more

Griz Return Home to Face Western Illinois

After picking up one of the biggest wins in program history over the Washington Huskies last week – the Grizzlies have fueled the gas tank for the 2021 season.... more

Montana Improves to No. 4 in Media Poll, Named FCS Team of the Week

After one of the biggest upsets in college football history, Montana has been named the Stats Perform FCS National Team of the Week.... more

Blow for UFC Star Macy Chiasson Who is Forced Out of UFC on ESPN 27

Followers of UFC have had plenty to hold their attention of late, and the schedule shows there are some mouth-watering bouts planned for the second half of 2021.... more

Mountain Biking – 5 Crucial Things That You Should Ask as a New Biker

If you are starting as a new biker, what should you know? How can you prepare yourself for mountain biking?... more

Griz Picked No. 9 in Coaches’ Preseason Poll

Football coaches around the FCS have picked Montana to finish No. 9 in the AFCA FCS Coaches' Preseason Top 25 poll.... more

Benefits of Playing Football For Kids

In this article, we look at the top 3 reasons why football is a great sport for kids.... more

Missoula to Host 35th Annual Montana Senior Olympics September 9-11

Montanans ages 50+ are invited to compete in Montana’s 35th annual Senior Olympics (MSO), September 9 through 11 in Missoula.... more

Griz in at No. 9 in Preseason Media Poll

The Montana Grizzlies slotted in at No. 9 in the preseason edition of the Stats Perform FCS media top-25... more

Kickoff Times for the 2021 Griz Football Season Announced

The Montana Grizzlies will play their home opener against Western Illinois under the lights of Washington-Grizzly Stadium.... more

Five Griz Named to Preseason All-Big Sky Team

The Montana Grizzlies landed five players on the 30-man Big Sky Preseason All-Conference Team, the league announced Monday.... more

Lewis to Carry on the #37 Tradition

Montana senior linebacker Jace Lewis of Townsend has been named the next Grizzly to carry on the #37 legacy jersey tradition.... more

Hauck Named Academic All-American

Montana junior safety Robby Hauck was the only player from the Big Sky Conference named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team.... more

Must-Visit States in the Western U.S. for Every Type of Traveler

In this article we take a look at four specific Western locations that both tourists and even local Americans must visit at least once.... more

Boaters Gearing Up For July 4th Weekend May Need Inspection

As boaters flock to rivers and lakes for the July 4th weekend, keep in mind the rules aimed at preventing aquatic invasive species from spreading.... more

Professional Equipment That’ll Greatly Improve Your Hunting Experience

When you go hunting, you will need the necessary equipment. When you prepare thoroughly, it is easy to capture your prey.... more

Griz Picked No. 11 in Athlon Preseason Poll

In one of the year's first preseason polls, Montana is slotted in at No. 11 in the Athlon Sports Preseason FCS Top-25.... more

Live Bait Fishing Regulations Vary Across the State

With fishing season in full swing across Montana, anglers need to keep in mind some important regulations pertaining to live bait.... more

Sullivan to Remain on Lady Griz Staff

Jordan Sullivan, who has both played and coached for the Lady Griz, with family ties to the program that go deeper than that, will remain as an assistant coach.... more

Hunting Permit Drawing Results Now Available

The wait is over as the deer and elk permit drawing is complete, just 12 days after the application deadline. ... more

Griz Host Portland State to Cap Spring Season

And just like that, the Montana Grizzlies' spring season enters the home stretch as UM prepares to take on Portland State in its second and final game of April.... more

Montana to Host Full-Capacity Football Games in Fall of ’21

The University of Montana department of athletics announced Tuesday its intention to return to full-capacity attendance at Washington-Grizzly Stadium for the fall 2021 football season.... more

Montana Athletics Rolls Out Spring Football Ticket Process

Roughly 5,000 fans will get the chance to watch the Montana Grizzlies take on Central Washington and Portland State live and in-person at Washington-Grizzly Stadium this spring... more

Attendance, Kick Times, and Broadcast Details Set For Griz Spring Games

The Montana football team will have a limited number of fans in attendance at its two spring football games, kick times have been confirmed.... more

Montana’s Offense Reloaded for 2021

When the Montana Grizzlies take the field for their first official practice of spring on Friday, one of their many offensive weapons will be running back Marcus Knight.... more

Montana Adds Spring Game vs. Portland State

The Montana Grizzlies have added another opponent to the 2021 modified spring schedule, with Portland State set to visit Washington-Grizzly Stadium in a non-conference matchup on April 17.... more

2021 Smith River Permit Drawing Results Now Available

The permit lottery results to float Smith River State Park in 2021 are now available online at fwp.mt.gov.... more

2020 Big Sky Schedule Moved to 2021

The Big Sky Conference announced Wednesday it has approved moving the fall 2020 conference football schedule to the fall of 2021, restoring the slate of games that had previously been canceled.... more

Montana Schools to Play Modified Spring Football Season

The football programs at the University of Montana and Montana State University announced jointly on Friday that neither team will participate in the Big Sky Conference's spring championship season.... more

Louie-McGee Signs Contract to Play at Edmonton

Montana's record-breaking wide receiver Jerry Louie-McGee has officially signed to play professionally for the Edmonton Football Team of the Canadian Football League.... more

Montana Earns Upset Win Over Washington

It was a happy homecoming for head coach Travis DeCuire, who earned a 66-58 win over the Washington Huskies on Wednesday night.... more

Montana Basketball Season to Start Without Fans for Home Games

The Montana basketball teams will start the upcoming season without fans for their home games at Dahlberg Arena.... more

Tiemann Named “Voice of the Lady Griz”

The University of Montana women’s basketball program welcomes a new play-by-play broadcaster this season: Shawn Tiemann ... more

Olson, Louie-McGee Named to Edmonton’s Negotiation List

Former Grizzlies Dante Olson and Jerry Louie-McGee have been added to the Edmonton Football Team's negotiation list, officially claiming the exclusive Canadian Football League rights of the two Montana stan... more

Bear Spray – Carry it, Know How to Use it This Fall

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee recommends the use of bear spray and urges hunters to learn these bear-aware safety measures.... more

2020 Big Game Hunting Forecast

Are you ready for hunting season? FWP can help. In addition to the following hunting forecast, FWP provides online information about hunting access, including our popular Block Management Program.... more

The Importance of Varying Dry Fly Patterns While Fly Fishing in Missoula

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing a fly fishing expedition in Missoula and planning where to cast your favorite dry flies for trout.... more

Griz Picked No. 7 in Preseason Media Poll

By ERIC TABER - The Montana Grizzlies were slotted in at No. 7 in the first, and only, STATS Perform FCS Top 25 media poll of the year, the organization announced Tuesday.... more

Big Sky Postpones All Fall Sports Until Spring 2021

Due to ongoing concerns related to COVID-19, the Big Sky Conference is postponing all competition for its fall sports to spring 2021.... more

5 Ways You Can Work on Your Golf Game off the Course

Whether you’re new to the sport, or a seasoned pro, there is always room for improvement when it comes to upping your golf game. ... more

Statement on Montana’s Home Football Game Against Morehead State

Morehead State has informed Montana director of athletics Kent Haslam of their intention to obtain a waiver from the Pioneer League to play the Montana/Morehead State game as scheduled.  ... more

FWP “Kids to Fish” Program Allows Anglers to Borrow Gear & Tackle For Free

A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks program that allows kids and their friends or families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year. ... more

Griz Picked Second in Big Sky Preseason Polls

The Montana Grizzlies have been picked to finish second in the 2020 Big Sky title race by the league's coaches and media.... more

Longtime Relationships Help Griz Land Transfers From Louisville and Arizona

A pair of recruiting journeys years in the making came full circle for Grizzly head coach Bobby Hauck and his staff this week.... more

Montana Opens at No. 7 in First Preseason Poll

With summer underway and the fall season approaching, the first preseason prognostication was released on Wednesday by the FCS editors of HERO Sports.... more