Montana to stay in Football

"K2T Wisata"

The University of Montana has decided to stay in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Montana President Royce Engstrom announced the decision Thursday stating that the Grizzlies would stay in the Big Sky Conference as well.

“It was a complex issue with many pros and cons,” said Engstrom in a press conference. “In the end, the better course is to stay with the conference we helped establish in 1963 and to continue building on its solid foundation.”

School officials had been considering a move up to the Football Bowl Subdivision and joining the Western Athletic Conference.

Engstrom stated the three keys to his decision for the school to stay put were the fact he wanted to maintain the cross-state football rivalry with Montana State, he wanted Montana to compete against institutions with similar academic missions and he wanted to maintain the prestige and integrity the program.

“At this time, FCS football presents the best overall fit for the University, it provides our student-athletes and fans with a great experience, and it is consistent with the strategic direction of the University,” Engstrom said.

The Grizzlies have won two national titles (1995 and 2001) and have played in another six national championship games.