How a single losing season defined a decades-long dynasty
In short: The Montana Grizzlies have maintained a staggering .890 winning percentage, including playoffs. Since 1986, they have secured 25 consecutive winning seasons, with 2012 standing as their only losing campaign in nearly four decades. This dominance has turned their Missoula home into the 'Mecca of the FCS.'
The Grizzlies' ascent to college football prominence was not immediate. After their inaugural 1897 season, where they won just one game, the program struggled through various conference affiliations. They joined the Pacific Coast Conference in 1924 but never played a home game against a California team during that era. The programme underwent a genuine transformation during the 1960s, sparked by Jack Swarthout, whose leadership led Montana to consecutive undefeated regular seasons throughout 1969 and 1970.
Success brought both glory and controversy. The program reached the pinnacle of the FCS twice: in 1995 under Don Read and in 2001 under Joe Glenn. However, the program has also faced significant setbacks. In 1972, a federal grand jury indicted five officials and coaches for conspiring to use federal-aid money for fictitious athlete jobs. More recently, the NCAA forced the program to vacate its 2011 conference title and five wins due to infractions involving a publicized scandal.
Today, the Grizzlies are a powerhouse in the Big Sky Conference, a group they helped found in 1963. They hold several significant records, including 17 consecutive playoff appearances from 1993 to 2009. Their home, Washington–Grizzly Stadium, is a centerpiece of their success, ranked No. 1 in the FCS for game day experience. The stadium's capacity is 25,203, though it saw a record crowd of 26,856 on November 20, 2021, during a victory over rival Montana State.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Montana Grizzlies football
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