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Governor Martz Declares Friday, Dec. 21 as "Grizzly Day"Exchanges Gifts with South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges in honor of Championship Game For Immediate Release December 19, 2001 (Helena)-In recognition of the University of Montana Grizzlies' trip to the NCAA I-AA Championship game in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Governor Judy Martz has declared Friday, December 21, 2001 as 'Grizzly Day'. Governor Martz also contacted South Carolina's Governor Jim Hodges to propose the exchange of gifts in honor of the championship game. South Carolina is the home of Furman University, the University of Montana's opponent in Friday's game. "The University of Montana's Grizzly football team represents the entire State of Montana in this National Championship game," said Governor Martz. "Nearly half of the players on the roster come from high schools throughout our state. This game is an opportunity to truly showcase the talents of Montana's athletes. I encourage all Montana athletes to work to achieve their full athletic and academic potential." As a part of Grizzly Day, Governor Martz is asking all Montanans to show the true spirit of sportsmanship by wearing team colors of the Grizzlies, in honor of the University of Montana and of all programs that contribute to the success of football in Montana. "All Montana athletes are winners. This day is a great opportunity to show our support for high school and college teams alike," said Governor Martz. "Just as head coach Joe Glenn contributes to the success of UM's football team, high school coaches throughout the state have trained their players for competition at the college level. This is our opportunity to honor those coaches and players as well." In addition, Governor Martz contacted South Carolina's Governor Jim Hodges to suggest that they exchange gifts from each state in honor of the game and to recognize all the athletes involved. "We all know Montana produces the best beef and grain in the country," said Governor Martz. "In support of the University of Montana Grizzlies, we're providing a sample of that beef in the form of T-bone steaks from the Montana Beef Council, and pasta from Pasta Montana to Governor Hodges. In exchange, Montana will receive top quality barbecued pork, straight from South Carolina." ### (Proclamation Attached) WHEREAS: The University of Montana Grizzlies have achieved an incredibly successful year, winning the Big Sky Conference Championship, and qualifying for the NCAA I-AA National Championship; and WHEREAS: The National Championship Game will be held in Chattanooga, Tennessee on December 21, 2001 against Furman University, located in Greenville, South Carolina; and WHEREAS: The University of Montana's participation in the National Championship game brings great recognition and pride to the entire State of Montana; and WHEREAS: Many Montana high school football teams have contributed top quality players to the University of Montana and other schools around the state and country; and WHEREAS: Nearly half of this year's University of Montana Football team comes from Montana high schools; and WHEREAS: Montana has produced numerous football players who have gone on to achieve recognition at the college and professional levels; and WHEREAS: The Montana Grizzlies, through their participation in the National Championship Game, serve as a representation of the dreams and aspirations of all Montana football players; NOW THEREFORE: I, Governor Judy Martz, do hereby declare Friday, December 21, 2001 as Grizzly Day in honor of the University of Montana Grizzly Football Team, and in honor of all Montana's outstanding high school football players; In recognition of this Day, I ask all Montanans to wear team colors representing the Montana Grizzlies in honor of both the University of Montana, and all high school programs who have contributed to the success of football in Montana. Signed this 19th Day of December, 2001 # # # |
