News - The University of Montana

This year’s Homecoming was especially memorable for me. As a senior at The University, this Homecoming was my last as a Grizzly student. It certainly won’t be my last overall. My dad brought me to my first Griz game at three months old in 1986 and I have been attending Homecoming since then. UM Homecoming continues to bring new experiences, as I’ve held differing roles throughout my college career. As a little girl, I can remember idolizing the cheerleaders and dreaming of my future. For the last two years, I fulfilled my dreams of becoming a Griz cheerleader. This year, I couldn’t be more honored to represent UM as an ambassador. I know what the little girls and boys envision as they see UM students in the Homecoming parade because I used to be that little kid with big dreams. I am utterly flattered to be a role model for those following in my footsteps. Homecoming at The University of Montana evokes just that–coming home. For alumni, students, and fans alike, Homecoming represents tradition. As we enter the bright future that this institution offers, we embark on new journeys, while celebrating what makes UM the quintessential example of higher education. I will forever remember the boom of the canon in celebration of a Grizzly touchdown and the smiles of children lining the streets of the Homecoming parade. Homecoming represents a time when dreams come true at The University of Montana.

Kelsey Poore ‘09
2008 UM Ambassador

When I got the phone call informing me that I was selected to be one of the 2008 UM Ambassadors I was extremely excited, honored, and somewhat nervous. I knew very little of what was in store for the UM Ambassadors the week of Homecoming, but after going over the itinerary with Kelsey Crawford and meeting the other UM Ambassador (Kelsey Poore) my nerves were at ease.

Wednesday night was the Pep Rally that we, both Kelsey and I, were to be introduced. For Kelsey this was old news for she has been to a pep rally many times being a member of the UM Cheer Squad, but for me this was a whole new experience. When my name was called to go onto the stage, my heart pounding, I stepped up to get introduced to the crowd. Thankfully the lights blinded me from seeing the mass of people starring at me, but after stepping off stage I tried to take everything in and watch the beautiful firework display.

Anticipating the next couple of days, Kelsey and I helped usher for the Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony and as a treat we got to stick around afterward to eat and mingle with the Alumni as well as the staff from the Alumni Association. After the ceremony, I called it an early night in preparation for Saturday.

The Saturday of Homecoming is always my favorite day of the week. Getting to ride in the Pink Ford Thunderbird during the parade made it so much sweeter! While Kelsey and I rode in the gorgeous car, waiving to the people who lined the parade route, seeing all of the Missoula community wearing griz gear and taking part in the spirit of Homecoming was truly an experience that will live with me forever.

At the beginning of the parade, I remember standing around with Missoula’s finest, Senator Max Baucus, Mayor John Engan, and our own President Dennison and his wife Jane, and our pink car getting more and more excited for the parade to start.

After the parade I made my way to the field where I met up with Kelsey Crawford at the entrance and together we walked down to the field. I had been walking in heels, so the soft turf was quite a relief from the hard concrete. I looked up and was amazed by the sight of the crowd slowly getting to their seats, football players warming up, official standing around chatting, and the marching band lining up for the beginning of the game. It was my first time experiencing the game from this angle. Waiting for my cue to walk out onto the field, my mind was racing with questions and hopes that I wouldn’t trip or do anything embarrassing. Those thoughts subsided the moment when Kelsey and I began to walk out onto the green field. My heart was rushing with excitement looking at the crowd of 25,000! I waved and smiled then walked off the field to enjoy the rest of the game with my family.

It was an experience and an honor that I will never forget. I am forever thankful to those who made this opportunity possible!

Bridget Smith ‘10
2008 UM Ambassador