ALL-TIME BOBCATS: Joe Bignell
5/29/2019 3:37:00 PM | Football
Joe Bignell's football accolades at MSU were only part of his contributions to Bobcat Football
MAY 29: Each day until Montana State's 2019 season opener the staff of Bobcats By The Numbers will offer a look at one of the players to make one of the school's all-time teams, in alphabetical order. On November 21, 1933, The Exponent announced 37 players selected by a panel of former players and coaches, divided into three teams that comprised Montana State's "mythical" all-time team. In 1969, the Billings Gazette's Norm Clarke conducted a poll to select the school's all-time team, and again in 2000 Bobcat Athletics and the Billings Gazette selected a third all-time team. The BBTN staff added players from the 21st century.
Joe Bignell, TE, 1981-84
ALL-TIME TEAM: 2000 Billings Gazette
HONORS: Honorable Mention All-America, 1984; First Team All-Big Sky, 1984.
A CLOSER LOOK: It's funny how time can change perspective. As 1984 closed, Joe Bignell was an All-America tight end for a National Championship football team. Three-and-a-half decades later his stats and accomplishments haven't really changed, but legacy sure has. That 1984 Bobcat team gave MSU fans a thrilling ride, from one-win woes the season before to the highest of highs. Bignell was part of the team's prolific offense, and more than that was part of an aura of irrepressible toughness and immutable will. He finished that season with 1,149 yards receiving, still the most in school history, and his 1,598 career yards were second-most by a Bobcat. His 88 catches that season is a school record, 17 clear of second place. For all his football accolades, though, Bignell has somehow polished his legacy through the years. He sent three sons to play for the Bobcats, with Nate becoming a productive defensive lineman and Mac an All-Big Sky linebacker. Joe Bignell also became a respected high school coach, and has ranched for many years. In addition to his sons, nephews Clay and Brian Bignell were tremendous defensive players for the Cats. His name remains one that still brings great pride to Bobcat fans, three-and-a-half decades later.
Joe Bignell, TE, 1981-84
ALL-TIME TEAM: 2000 Billings Gazette
HONORS: Honorable Mention All-America, 1984; First Team All-Big Sky, 1984.
A CLOSER LOOK: It's funny how time can change perspective. As 1984 closed, Joe Bignell was an All-America tight end for a National Championship football team. Three-and-a-half decades later his stats and accomplishments haven't really changed, but legacy sure has. That 1984 Bobcat team gave MSU fans a thrilling ride, from one-win woes the season before to the highest of highs. Bignell was part of the team's prolific offense, and more than that was part of an aura of irrepressible toughness and immutable will. He finished that season with 1,149 yards receiving, still the most in school history, and his 1,598 career yards were second-most by a Bobcat. His 88 catches that season is a school record, 17 clear of second place. For all his football accolades, though, Bignell has somehow polished his legacy through the years. He sent three sons to play for the Bobcats, with Nate becoming a productive defensive lineman and Mac an All-Big Sky linebacker. Joe Bignell also became a respected high school coach, and has ranched for many years. In addition to his sons, nephews Clay and Brian Bignell were tremendous defensive players for the Cats. His name remains one that still brings great pride to Bobcat fans, three-and-a-half decades later.
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