Voice of the Grizzlies signs off

While the weather has continually tried to trick us it really is August and we’re on the cusp of the opening of 2016 Grizzly football campaign.

And it certainly as usual with no lack of anticipation since at this time of the summer Griz Nation chomps at the bit to get a morsel of inside information that provides some Water Cooler Fodder.

And for me for the first time in the last 23 years I am not scrambling to get a relatively accurate two-deep so as to compile spotting charts amid preparation for the Griz season.

Indeed it goes even deeper since my Griz odyssey actually began when I was hired to do the football Public Address at the “Dorn Dome” (Dornblaser Field), then moving into the newly constructed Washington Grizzly Stadium when it opened in Oct. 1986.

And while I am a bit melancholic after working in some capacity at every Griz football game since that first game against Cal Fullerton in 1985, I look excitingly at the turn to another era as a spectator.

There are so many people who were responsible for an amazing run with Griz athletics during which I attempted to portray the “good guys” yes as our team and took the responsibility of representing the University of Montana worldwide.

The Lady Griz of course represented an important part of my time (8 years) and it gives me special pleasure to see Shannon Cate Schweyen named as the replacement for the retiring venerable Robin Selvig.

I called every game of her amazing career and the first round NCAA win at Wisconsin in 1992 and too numerous to enumerate Big Sky-Mountain West title games rank right up there with Griz hoops post season achievements and of course seven national championship football games as memories I will always especially cherish.

I have always relished that through thick and thin I was able to represent the University of Montana.

Of course radio would not be possible without the unending support of a legion of sponsors and statewide affiliates who chose to be a part of it all. Their support developed into far more than a business relationship and I treasure their friendship.

And in Lake County KERR Radio has played a key role in providing residents the best in Griz programming while serving as an outstanding example of the importance that local stations play, especially in rural areas.

For many it is the link, the conduit if you will, to a community’s need to share information and be involved.

Griz sports on the radio would not be possible without all the support folks whose name you probably don’t know and who keep the train on the tracks and most don’t even get to see but a snippet of a contest.

There were so many different flagship station owners during the time I can’t even remember them all but suffice it to say KGVO has been a Grizzly mainstay and where I first spun a country disc in 1983.

The list of friendships throughout the athletic department and other parts of campus also is endless and the Missoulian deserves kudos for allowing me to broadcast the games while working for 13 years as a staff reporter.

There are indeed so many others who played a vital role that I am sure I would overlook on a long list of thanks.

Of course the players and their families were amazing to be around and travel with and seeing their youngsters start to make their way through the variety of programs was a load of fun.

I think I have been associated with some kind of team since Cub Scouts and to be that fortunate throughout a person’s work life is rare and something I never take for granted. You can’t put words on how meaningful that is and I have to admit the lack of its presence is concerning to me.

People have been so gracious and supportive in their comments that it has made the transition far easier.

In closing and in passing the torch so to speak I want to introduce you to my friend, Riley Corcoran, who beat out a strong field to become the Voice of the Grizzlies.

It is with pleasure I hand off that mantra – The Voice of the Grizzlies - to someone with unending energy, expertise and dedication. I have known Riley for a while, have spent time with him this summer and full well realize Griz radio is in solid hands.

He has been extremely gracious, tolerated my story telling and brings amazing enthusiasm to the position. At a young age he has all the makings of a pro.

I encourage you to get to know him and there’s no better time to do that than the Coach’s Show which not only gives you an opportunity to ask your own questions but to interact with the athletes and coaches.

Again thanks everyone for your kind words and support throughout the years and be sure to turn down that TV and listen to that radio, but most of all in the words of John Wooden “Be at your best when your best is needed!)

-Mick Holien, Polson