Dear Montana State Bobcats, Thanks For The Memories

When it was all said and done, the final score was 35-32 and NDSU had just won their 10 National Championship in 14 years.

As the players wearing green and yellow rushed the field, all Bobcat Nation could do was watch. Let's be honest, this hurts and that's ok, it should. While other programs are bigger, I don't know of a single college football program that pound for pound has more passion than the Montana State Bobcats.

I'm not a lifelong Montanan, but I have been here several years now and know that you're either a Bobcat or a Griz in Big Sky Country. Those are your options, and I would tell anyone to choose wisely. For those who bleed the Blue and Gold, it's a hard pill to swallow.

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One win away.

One win from the perfect season, something never done in the history of Bobcat football. It had all of the makings of the perfect ending. It was the perfect matchup. The number 1 and number 2 teams facing each other. Tommy Mellott was the Walter Payton Winner while NDSU's Cam Miller was the runner-up. It was Tommy's last game as a Cat, and it just happened to be the team he played his freshman year for the National Championship when he left early after injury.

Surely it was destiny, right? I mean the football Gods wouldn't let this moment pass, would they?  I'm sure I am not the only Bobcat fan who was putting up prayers last night.

However, in the end, it didn't happen.

What did happen though was a season for the record books. 15 wins, including wins on the road against bigger schools. There were the tailgates, the games, and the Bobcat faithful who showed up and cheered on their beloved Cats. It's no secret that Bozeman and much of Montana is Bobcat Crazy, but this year, it was different.

This year, felt special and that's because it was.

I realize I am just one of the many, but I want the University, the Coaches, and the Players to know how much I have loved this season. From broadcasting at the tailgates to high-fiving random folks in the stands when the Cats score, it's been one hell of a ride and one that I will never forget.

So, to the players and coaches, thank you. Thank you for an amazing year full of memories and stories that will be told for years to come. Thank you for all of the hard work that you put in the gym, in practice, on the field, in the classroom, and as part of this community. You have made us proud and remind us what dedication and passion look like.

I can't wait until next year and as always, Go Cats.