2017-18 Coaching Changes

Bobby Hauck

• Bobby Hauck exults in Grizzly homecoming, pledges ‘positive example’ for Missoula off field
• Bobby Hauck could make more than UM prez, but contract sets stricter player conduct standards
• Bobby Hauck vows to lead the Griz to championships
• UM student newspaper, Bobby Hauck mend fences
• Montana AD Kent Haslam dispels media reports of Bobby Hauck being hired
• Former Montana coach Bobby Hauck interviewing this week for head coach job

New Assistants

• Jace Schillinger, brother of UM’s safeties coach, final hire of Bobby Hauck’s coaching staff
• Montana hires former Sacramento State cornerbacks coach C.J. Cox
• Bobby Hauck hires former Griz linebacker, coaching veteran Barry Sacks as defensive line coach
• Timm Rosenbach to lead Montana Grizzlies’ football offense
• Bobby Hauck taps Kent Baer as Montana football’s defensive coordinator

Old Assistants

• Former Grizzly player, coach, Mike Ferriter named Idaho State’s offensive coordinator
• Former Montana defensive coordinator Jason Semore hired at Temple
• Former Montana assistant JB Hall named Sacramento State’s cornerbacks coach
• Former Griz assistant Brian Hendricks to join Travis Niekamp at Illinois State
• Former Griz assistant Travis Niekamp named Illinois State’s defensive coordinator
• Hauck retains 4 coaches, 2 administrators from Stitt’s staff

Bob Stitt

• Former Montana football coach Bob Stitt to be Oklahoma State’s offensive analyst
• Haslam: Search ‘progressing’ for next Montana football coach
• Bob Stitt out as coach for Montana Grizzlies football team
• Haslam: Decision on Stitt’s future could come as soon as this week

2017 Postseason Wrap Up

• Attendance at Montana football games lowest it’s been since 2007
• Former Montana quarterback Reese Phillips eyes sixth year of eligibility
• 3 more Grizzlies leave football program
• David Reese, Josh Buss named third-team All-Americans by College Sports Madness
• Former Billings Senior QB Nate Dick transferring from Montana to Rocky Mountain College
• Montana’s Gresch Jensen places third in Jerry Rice Award voting
• David Reese headlines All-Big Sky Conference awards for Montana
• Gresch Jensen, Josh Buss named Grizzly football MVPs
• Police: Investigation involving Grizzly safety Justin Strong nears completion

Game Weeks:

Week 12 at Montana State Bobcats

• Montana’s loss at Montana State leaves Grizzlies out of FCS playoffs
• Cat-Griz Notebook: Technical snafu sends coaches scrambling, Jensen impresses in first Brawl
• Heartbreak grips Montana Grizzlies after loss to Montana State Bobcats
• Season of thanks: Missoulians share what they’re thankful for this year
• 5 things to watch in the 117th Brawl of the Wild
• ALL IN THE FAMILY: Mick Delaney’s Montana roots run deep
• Blue-collar Blue Devil: Jesse Sims, Corvallis grad, tough on D-Line for Griz
• Cat-Griz Notebook: Lessons from last year’s Brawl of the Wild
• Homegrown: Brawl of the Wild through the eyes of players-turned-coaches
• Montana Grizzlies ‘definitely bitter’ about last season’s loss, ready to ‘take it back and then some’
• Montana not lingering on UNC win, moving straight into ‘Super Bowl Saturday’
• From Griz to Cat: Kendrick Van Ackeren starts his college coaching career at Montana State

Week 11 vs. Northern Colorado Bears

• Griz notebook: Emotions high for seniors, defense dominant with turnovers, Purdy hits new best
• Montana mauls Northern Colorado on senior day, 44-14
• 5 things to watch in Montana’s senior day matchup with Northern Colorado
• Big-hearted Myles: McKee-Osibodu motivated by heart condition that sidelined him as a teen
• Get to know this year’s Griz football seniors
• Montana’s Josh Buss named to Buck Buchanan Award watch list
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: Northern Colorado Bears
• Talking targeting: After Case Cookus’ ejection, Bob Stitt, Connor Strahm, discuss targeting
• Police: Results 2 weeks away in investigation into incident involving Griz football’s Justin Strong

Week 10 vs. No. 18 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks

• Long road ahead for Great Falls’ Troy Ross, but being with Grizzlies boosts his smile
• Griz notebook: Cookus tossed, Montana still on target for playoffs
• With all-around gritty performance, Montana upsets No. 18 Northern Arizona, 17-15
• 5 things to watch in Montana’s game against No. 18 Northern Arizona
• Forever grateful: Korey Alexander found his opportunity at Montana
• Working on family worm farm prepares UM’s David Shaw for starting role
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: Northern Arizona
• Montana QB Gresch Jensen in concussion protocol, ‘day-to-day for Northern Arizona game

Week 9 at Weber State Wildcats

• Griz notebook: Turnover penalties costly for Montana, targeting penalties don’t help either
• Rough first half dooms No. 24 Montana as Weber State topples Griz, 41-27
• 5 things to watch in No. 24’s road clash with Weber State
• Resilient Ralston: Mike Ralston has made the grand tour of the Griz depth chart
• Griz wide receiver Kobey Eaton embraces role as Montana’s kick returner
• Police: Two other Grizzlies with Strong during assault
• Grizzlies’ Justin Strong suspended for two games after weekend arrest
• Griz QB Gresch Jensen nominated to Jerry Rice Award watch list
• Police report: Griz player Strong claims self-defense in fight that led to felony arrest 
• Griz safety Justin Strong arrested, booked for felony assault in Washington
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: Weber State

Week 8: Bye

• Strong-willed: Through adversity, Justin Strong finds ways to shine
• Budget cuts ax Grizzly Marching Band’s trip to Bozeman; alumni spearhead fundraising efforts

Week 7 vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks

• Deep Montana receiving corps flourishes with ‘utmost confidence’ from Gresch Jensen
• Griz Notebook: Sandry stands out, North Dakota leaves Wa-Griz with more injuries
• No. 24 Montana Grizzlies dominate North Dakota in statement 41-17 win 
• 5 things to watch in Montana’s homecoming game against North Dakota
• An inside look at the newly unveiled Washington-Grizzly Champions Center
• Griz Q&A: Tim Semenza relishes opportunity to be kickoff specialist
• Third school’s the charm: James Banks takes the road less traveled in becoming consistent talent for Montana
• Griz CB Markell Sanders uses athletic ability, experience to lead young defensive backs
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: North Dakota Fighting Hawks

Week 6 at Idaho State Bengals

• Stitt dismisses criticism from Idaho State coach Rob Phenicie
• Sibling rivalry in Montana, Idaho State game brings Louie-McGees closer
• Griz Notebook: UM’s comeback road win is first for Stitt, Phenicie accuses Griz of ‘being extremely dirty’
• Montana Grizzlies overcome 8-point halftime deficit, beat Idaho State 39-31
• 5 things to watch in Montana’s road game at Idaho State
• Treshawn Favors’ work ethic pays dividends for all Montana running backs
• Montana’s Josh Sandry seizes his shot at safety with childhood idol Shann Schillinger as coach
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: Idaho State Bengals
• Josh Buss expected to play despite questionable hit
• Montana QB Reese Phillips making slow recovery, honored by No. 11 flag
• First year Idaho State head coach Rob Phenicie draws upon time at Montana for guidance   

Week 5 at Portland State Vikings

• Justin Strong wins Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week award
• ‘Super powerful’ trip for Gerber Elementary students tied together by Montana’s Cooper Sprunk
• Montana breaks multiple streaks in win over Portland State
• Big defensive day by Justin Strong boosts Montana over Portland State
• Five things to watch in Montana’s road game at Portland State
• From unrecruited to selfless starter: Cooper Sprunk expects a lot of himself
• Montana football schedules released for 2018, 2019
• Despite attention and accolades, Josh Buss remains humble with Grizzlies
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: Portland State Vikings
• Presser Notebook: Grizzlies failed to adjust defense against Eastern Washington

Week 4 vs. No. 10 Eastern Washington Eagles

• Griz Notebook: What went wrong in Grizzlies’ loss to Eastern Washington?
• No. 11 Eastern Washington bounces back against Montana, wins 48-41
• Five things to watch in Montana’s conference opener against Eastern Washington
• Montana’s unwavering fixture, David Reese, sparks unparalleled leadership
• Small failure in fall camp turns into success, new perspective for Montana’s Brandon Purdy
• Griz QB Reese Phillips releases statement, discloses severity of injury, thanks ‘Griz Nation’ for support
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: No. 11 Eastern Washington Eagles
• Ahead of Eastern Washington matchup, Gresch Jensen takes the reins for Montana

Week 3 vs. Savannah State Tigers

• Grizzlies confident in Gresch Jensen’s abilities as next starting QB
• Griz notebook: Team rallies around injured Reese Phillips, defense fires on all cylinders
• Montana Grizzlies steamroll Savannah State, 56-3, lose QB Reese Phillips in the process
• 5 things to watch in Montana’s nonconference finale against Savannah State
• Great Falls native Josh Horner excited for final season with Montana Grizzlies
• Game week for Savannah State: ‘6 straight days living out of a duffel bag’
• Redshirt freshman Samuel Akem injects Griz team with ‘infectious personality’
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: Savannah State Tigers
• Notebook: Immediate looks at Savannah State

Week 2 at No. 7 Washington Huskies

• Griz players visit 3-year-old Great Falls kid at Seattle Children’s Hospital
• Griz remain confidence intact following loss at Washington
• Heart not enough as No. 7 Washington Huskies roll over Montana Grizzlies, 63-7
• Griz Notebook: Despite final score, defensive players show flashes of greatness
• 5 things to watch in Montana’s road opener against No. 7 Washington
• ‘Future of this program’ Gresch Jensen ready for hometown game against Washington
• Montana Grizzlies running back Josh Labrador leaves program
• Armed with his famed mullet, senior OL Robert Luke back in starting lineup
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: No. 7 Washington Huskies
• Kiwanis to help Cooper Sprunk’s pen pals get to Griz game at Portland State
• Bob Stitt and Griz prepare for talented Washington team, review Valpo takeaways

Week 1 vs. Valparaiso Crusaders

• Despite sixth-place Big Sky preseason ranking, Bob Stitt confident in Griz’s abilities
• Griz transition from fall camp into weekly routine
• NOTEBOOK: Last season is not on Grizzlies’ minds
• Montana Grizzlies’ scouting report: Valparaiso Crusaders
• Hurricane Harvey hits home for Montana’s Caleb Hill, Matt Nicholson, former Montana Tech coach Kelvin Sampson
• Two years after taking over starting QB duties, Makena Simis begins senior season as starting WR
• 5 things to watch in Montana’s season opener against Valparaiso
• Montana overcomes sluggish start with high-octane offense to top Valparaiso
• Griz Notebook: Reese Phillips connects with 7 receivers in season-opening win

Preseason Reports

• 5 position groups to watch as Griz start preseason camp
• As underdogs with ‘blue-collar approach,’ Griz kick off preseason camp with QB battle
• With key players returning, Griz wide receivers tout depth, relationships
• With high aspirations for 2017 season, Jeremy Calhoun leads Griz running backs
• Shann Schillinger remembers Baker’s Luke Gonsioroski, inspired by his ‘positive outlook’
• In third year with Chad Germer, experienced offensive line bringing back DOLA
• Josh Buss, James Banks grow into leadership roles for Griz linebackers
• Griz in safe hands with Justin Strong, Josh Sandry at safety
• With QB Reese Phillips taking all the first-team reps, Griz show strengths, weaknesses
• QB Reese Phillips runs away with starting job, Griz ‘coming together’ in second scrimmage
• THE LAST PLAY: Caleb Lyons retires from football after fifth concussion, to be student coach
• Ahead of his final Griz season, Cooper Sprunk embraces journey from walk-on to senior leader
• Relationships, goals, mindset atop Stitt’s priority list for third season with Griz
• Adversity-filled road leads Griz QB Reese Phillips into senior season
• Unique paths, same place: Transfer RBs ready for opportunity at Montana
• Wearing No. 37, Griz DE Tucker Schye ready for his chance
• Air Force Academy roots inspire Keenan Curran to be team player for Griz
• Maturity, team-first approach sets Griz LB Vika Fa’atuiese apart
• As the lone senior CB, Ryan McKinley prepares for ‘breakout season’ for Griz
• Angel Villanueva uses family adversity as motivation ahead of sophomore season
• Once a Griz walk-on, Missoula’s Eric Williams embraces starting role

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Crime Coverage

         Justin Strong alleged assault

• Washington prosecutor declines to press charges ‘at this time’ against Justin Strong
• Police: Investigation involving Grizzlies’ safety Justin Strong nears completion
• Police: Two other Grizzlies with Strong during assault
• Grizzlies’ Justin Strong suspended for two games after weekend arrest
• Police report: Griz player Strong claims self-defense in fight that led to felony arrest 
• Griz safety Justin Strong arrested, booked for felony assault in Washington

          Connor Strahm DUI

• Griz linebacker Connor Strahm had BAC more than 2.5 times legal limit, records say
• Griz linebacker Connor Strahm arrested, charged with DUI
• Griz linebacker Connor Strahm to serve two-game suspension for misdemeanor DUI charge
• Trial date for Griz linebacker Connor Strahm set, needs to ‘earn trust back’ with team

Enterprise Reporting

• Attendance at Montana football games lowest it’s been since 2007
• Bobby Hauck could make more than UM prez, but contract sets stricter player conduct standards
• Griz fans can pre-pay for season tickets to keep tax deduction if they hurry
• Bobby Hauck joins unique coaching fraternity
• Champions Center ‘still on time and on budget’ for October dedication

Features 

Senior features

• ALL IN THE FAMILY: Mick Delaney’s Montana roots run deep
• Big-hearted Myles: McKee-Osibodu motivated by heart condition that sidelined him as a teen
• Forever grateful: Korey Alexander found his opportunity at Montana
• Resilient Ralston: Mike Ralston has made the grand tour of the Griz depth chart
• Strong-willed: Through adversity, Justin Strong finds ways to shine
• Third school’s the charm: James Banks takes the road less traveled in becoming consistent talent for Montana
• Treshawn Favors’ work ethic pays dividends for all Montana running backs
• From unrecruited to selfless starter: Cooper Sprunk expects a lot of himself
• Montana’s unwavering fixture, David Reese, sparks unparalleled leadership
• Great Falls native Josh Horner excited for final season with Montana Grizzlies
• Armed with his famed mullet, senior OL Robert Luke back in starting lineup
• Two years after taking over starting QB duties, Makena Simis begins senior season as starting WR
• As the lone senior CB, Ryan McKinley prepares for ‘breakout season’ for Griz
• Wearing No. 37, Griz DE Tucker Schye ready for his chance
• Adversity-filled road leads Griz QB Reese Phillips into senior season

Recruiting 

All-encompassing coverage

• Meet the entire Montana football recruiting class of 2018
• Kalispell Glacier’s football tide turning to Montana Grizzlies
• Like father, like son: Generations of Montana Grizzlies for Germers
• 15 Griz football commits make it official on the first day of the Early Signing Period
• SIGNING PERIOD CENTRAL: 16 Griz football commits prepare for early signing period, different coach in Bobby Hauck

Features

• Sean Anderson, standout offensive lineman from Phoenix area, commits to Montana
• Lorenzo Brown, defensive end from Las Vegas, commits to Montana
• Nathaniel Ferguson commits to Montana football, brings back Butte flair to Grizzlies
• Three-star safety Nash Fouch commits to Montana
• Tyler Ganoung, 2-star offensive lineman from Portland, commits to Montana
• Kalispell Glacier’s Cody Hartsoch commits to Montana Grizzlies
• Missoula Big Sky’s Levi Janacaro commits to Montana
• Alex Johnson, cornerback from Los Angeles, commits to Montana
• Loyola Sacred Heart’s David Koppang commits to Montana
• ‘Rough road’ for Milton Mamula leads him to commit to Montana Grizzlies
• Kalispell Glacier’s Max Morris first to commit to Montana under Bobby Hauck
• Kalispell Glacier standout safety Jackson Pepe commits to Montana
• Helena Capital lineman Conor Quick commits to Montana Grizzlies
• 3-star offensive lineman Cole Sain commits to Montana, excited to be back in home state
• Recruiting process comes full circle for incoming Montana QB transfer Dalton Sneed
• Billings Senior football standout Gabe Sulser commits to Montana
• Kalispell Glacier’s Drew Turner commits to Montana
• Helena Capital’s Trevor Welnel follows in brother’s footsteps, commits to Montana Grizzlies
• Teshawn White, a running back from Los Angeles, commits to Montana