Elvis Akpla, one of MSU's 10 seniors
Photo by: R. Dean Hendrickson
Bobcat Seniors Find Spotlight
11/19/2011 8:46:00 AM | Football
MSU sends off sensational seniors under lights
The ten players who take the Bobcat Stadium field for their last regular season home game helped return the Montana State University football program to the spotlight.
Just before noon Saturday, the school, in a small way, will return the favor.
Around 11:30 am today, about a half-hour before the 111th Cat-Griz game, Montana State University officials will turn on Bobcat Stadium's newly-installed lights. By the time MSU's 10 seniors, owners of 32 victories and two Big Sky Championships in the last four seasons, take the field for Senior Day introductions, the lights should be in full effect.
And that spectacular senior class, whose faith in Bobcat football remained unshaken through an unexpected coaching change and disappointments early in each of their careers, will
“Most of the guys in this senior class had just signed when we came to MSU in the summer of 2007,” said Bobcat coach Rob Ash. “They didn't have to buy into our program. They didn't have to stick with us. But they did. They were loyal to this school, and to our coaching staff. It really pleases me that they'll be the first guys to take officially take that field with the lights fully powered. They deserve it.”
Montana State's 10 2011 seniors will leave their fingerprints all over the school's record book. Elvis Akpla is within striking distance of MSU's receiving yards record, Jason Cunningham is already the all-time Bobcat scoring leader, CJ Palmer is in the school's top 20 in rushing.
But numbers don't begin to tell the story of this group.
The four offensive linemen have combined for over 100 career starts, providing a leadership point – not to mention a productivity point for the league's top-rated offense – for the entire program. Clay Bignell, battling for his livelihood if not his life the last time Montana and Montana State met in Bozeman, has walked the fine line between being one of the team's free spirits while inspiring teammates with his intensity.
The examples of selflessness set by Palmer and John Laidet ring throughout the program. Palmer plays as hard as he can on as many special teams as he can while preparing himself in case he is needed at running back. Laidet, a starter, also contributes on special teams. So does Shane Robison, the tight end who has rotated at that position throughout the season.
At least two of the seniors - Leo Davis and Clay Bignell - have parents that attended MSU. Bobcat Pride is not a catch-phrase for these individuals. It is a way of life.
Players pass through college football programs every year. Those good enough, tough enough, and fortunate enough to win championships are remembered.
And today, Montana State honors 10 young men who will be remembered as great champions.
And great Bobcats!
Just before noon Saturday, the school, in a small way, will return the favor.
Around 11:30 am today, about a half-hour before the 111th Cat-Griz game, Montana State University officials will turn on Bobcat Stadium's newly-installed lights. By the time MSU's 10 seniors, owners of 32 victories and two Big Sky Championships in the last four seasons, take the field for Senior Day introductions, the lights should be in full effect.
And that spectacular senior class, whose faith in Bobcat football remained unshaken through an unexpected coaching change and disappointments early in each of their careers, will
“Most of the guys in this senior class had just signed when we came to MSU in the summer of 2007,” said Bobcat coach Rob Ash. “They didn't have to buy into our program. They didn't have to stick with us. But they did. They were loyal to this school, and to our coaching staff. It really pleases me that they'll be the first guys to take officially take that field with the lights fully powered. They deserve it.”
Montana State's 10 2011 seniors will leave their fingerprints all over the school's record book. Elvis Akpla is within striking distance of MSU's receiving yards record, Jason Cunningham is already the all-time Bobcat scoring leader, CJ Palmer is in the school's top 20 in rushing.
But numbers don't begin to tell the story of this group.
The four offensive linemen have combined for over 100 career starts, providing a leadership point – not to mention a productivity point for the league's top-rated offense – for the entire program. Clay Bignell, battling for his livelihood if not his life the last time Montana and Montana State met in Bozeman, has walked the fine line between being one of the team's free spirits while inspiring teammates with his intensity.
The examples of selflessness set by Palmer and John Laidet ring throughout the program. Palmer plays as hard as he can on as many special teams as he can while preparing himself in case he is needed at running back. Laidet, a starter, also contributes on special teams. So does Shane Robison, the tight end who has rotated at that position throughout the season.
At least two of the seniors - Leo Davis and Clay Bignell - have parents that attended MSU. Bobcat Pride is not a catch-phrase for these individuals. It is a way of life.
Players pass through college football programs every year. Those good enough, tough enough, and fortunate enough to win championships are remembered.
And today, Montana State honors 10 young men who will be remembered as great champions.
And great Bobcats!
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