Letter from the AD: December 22, 2022
12/22/2022 8:14:00 AM | General
Even though the fall sports seasons are completed, it was another great start to the 2022-2023 athletic year. Bobcat football won its first Big Sky Championship in ten years by going undefeated during conference play, Coach Vigen was named Big Sky Coach of the Year, we extended the home winning streak to 20 which will continue into the Gold Rush game next fall, sold out every regular season home game (again), brought the Great Divide trophy back to Bozeman with a dominating 55-14 performance over UM, and hosted ESPN College Game Day on the MSU campus.
The men's cross-country team finished second at the Big Sky Championships, fifth at Regionals, qualified for the NC,AA Championships as a team for the first time since 2002 and Matt Richtman became MSU's third All-American. The women's team finished third at the Big Sky Championships and twelfth at Regionals.
The Bobcat volleyball team finished the year on a high note by upsetting the #3 seed Weber State on their home floor at the Big Sky Championships and Kira Thompson became the first Bobcat to be named AVCA National Player of the Week after her 32 kill and 20 dig performance against Sacramento State.
Bobcat Tennis, Golf, and Rodeo also concluded their Fall seasons as they prepare for their Spring Championship schedules. Follow all the action on msubobcats.com this Spring.
The men's and women's basketball teams continue their seasons and kick off Big Sky conference schedules next week. Both are looking to repeat their Big Sky Championships and trips to the NCAA Tournament. Get your tickets now to cheer them on in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
MSU skiing also kicks off their schedule after the New Year. You can catch them at home during the Montana State Invitational on January 13-14 (Nordic @ Crosscut Mountain Sports Center) and January 30-31 (Alpine @ Bridger Bowl).
It was a tough year as we said goodbye to many Bobcats, but two in particular that will leave a lasting legacy on our department, University, and Bobcat Nation as a whole. Sonny Holland and Ginny Hunt will be remembered for their contributions to MSU and for the way they truly embodied the Bobcat Spirit. We will miss them dearly but will continue to build upon the foundations they set.
Looking ahead:
- Tickets for the Big Sky Basketball Championships are on sale now. Click here to purchase tickets in our official section and help both teams defend their tournament titles in Boise, Idaho.
- Mark your calendars for the MSU Spring Rodeo April 13-16. Tickets will go on sale soon.
- Football season ticket renewals will start February 1. Help us continue to build on our 20-game home winning streak and create the best home field environment in the FCS! More information with be forthcoming.
- Please join me in thanking the entire Bobcat Athletics staff, coaches, student-athletes, fans, and donors for all they do to make Bobcat Athletics what it is today. It takes an entire TEAM and we are all fortunate to be part of this amazing Bobcat TEAM. Bobcat Nation is truly special, and we look forward to making more memories together.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
As always, it's a great day to be a Bobcat!
Leon Costello
Director of Athletics
