Giving Montana Kids the Griz Football Experience

A Montana Tradition - Meant to Be Shared

Griz Kidz is a Missoula-based nonprofit serving Montana families since 2004. It brings together the generosity of the Montana community to open the doors to Grizzly football for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

By providing donated tickets to University of Montana games, Griz Kidz creates meaningful experiences that connect kids to the tradition, spirit, and excitement of Griz football—while fostering a sense of belonging, community, and lasting memories.

20 +
Years

Serving Montana Families

6000+
Tickets

Distributed to Local Kids

50
Per Game

Kids Attending Home Games

Since
2004

Year Founded

What We Believe…

Griz Kidz was built on a simple idea—that every child should have the chance to experience a Griz game.

For many families, attending a University of Montana football game is not always possible. Through the generosity of donors and the support of the community, Griz Kidz raises funds to purchase and distribute tickets to individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a game at Washington–Grizzly Stadium.

Each ticket represents more than just a seat in the stadium—it’s a chance to step onto campus, feel the energy of game day, and be part of something bigger: the tradition, spirit, and excitement of Grizzly football.

For the children who attend, it is often a day they will never forget.

Griz Kidz is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

How We Started…

Anyone who lived in Missoula before the mid-1980s remembers that University of Montana football games were hardly considered a true community event.

As the program found its footing and began to succeed, home games evolved into a must-see experience in Missoula… eventually growing into a regional phenomenon. Fans now travel from across Montana to be part of game day. With two Division I Football Championship titles and eight national championship appearances, Grizzly football has become a point of pride for the entire state, with alumni and supporters celebrating from across the country.

Over the past several decades, we have watched a small-town program rise from humble beginnings to national prominence—becoming one of the most successful programs in college football during the 2000s, with 119 wins, and ranking among the top teams in the FCS throughout the 1990s with 93 wins.

However, as Grizzly football grew beyond its small-town roots, attending games became increasingly difficult for many—especially for children from financially disadvantaged families.

In 2004, Mike Rankin approached a group of his former Grizzly teammates with a simple but powerful idea: ensure that every child in the Missoula community has the opportunity to experience a Griz game. He believed that game day in Missoula is a Montana treasure-one that should be shared, not limited. From that vision, Griz Kidz was born.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

  • Payne West Insurance

  • Bank of Montana

  • Beach Transportation

  • Brown Law Firm, PC

  • CM Manufacturing

  • First Security Bank

  • Les Schwab Tires

  • Peak Health & Wellness

  • New List Item

  • Nick & Mary Babson

  • David Paoli & Walt Brett

  • Bouchee Development

  • Huse Law Office, P.C.

  • Zip Beverage

  • University of Montana

Meet the Board

  • Tim Polich

    PRESIDENT
    Director Since 2004

    Tim Polich played offensive tackle for the Griz from 1985 through 1989.  Tim is a Vice-President of Commercial Lending at First Security Bank in Missoula. 

  • Thad Huse

    BOARD MEMBER
    Director Since 2004

    Thad Huse played defensive tackle for the Griz from 1987 through 1991.  Thad is an attorney in Missoula, and currently owns and operates his own law firm, Huse Law Office, P.C. 

  • Bryan Tripp

    BOARD MEMBER
    Director Since 2004

    Bryan Tripp played linebacker for the Griz during the 1989 and 1990 seasons.  Bryan is an owner and manager of Gene Tripp Jr., Inc., a trucking and transportation business in Missoula.

  • Mike Rankin

    BOARD MEMBER
    Director Since 2004

    Mike Rankin played linebacker for the Griz from 1985 through 1989.  Mike is currently the Health and Wellness Fitness Director at the Peak Health and Wellness Center in Missoula.

  • Mike Bouchee

    BOARD MEMBER
    Director Since 2008

    Mike Bouchee played linebacker for the Griz from 1993 through 1996, participating in two National Championships and winning the Griz’s first title in 1995.  Mike is President of the real estate development firm, Bouchee Development, LLC, which is located in Missoula.  

  • Shane MacIntyre

    BOARD MEMBER
    Director Since 2012

    Shane MacIntyre played linebacker for the Griz from 2001 through 2005, was part of the 2001 National Championship team, and later, played in the 2004 National Championship game.  Shane works is the Managing Shareholder for the Brown Law Firm in Missoula. 

  • Jeff Larson

    BOARD MEMBER
    Director Since 2013

    Jeff Larson played quarterback and wide receiver for the Griz from 2007 through 2010.   Jeff is a financial advisor at Ameriprise Financial in Missoula. 

  • Dylan McFarland

    BOARD MEMBER
    Director Since 2015

    Dylan McFarland: played offensive tackle for the Griz from 1999 through 2003, participating in, and winning, the National Championship in 2001.  After his career, Dylan played in the NFL for 3 years, and he is currently a partner with the law firm of McFarland, Molloy, & Duerk. 

  • Tyler Hobbs

    BOARD MEMBER
    Director Since 2016

    Tyler Hobbs played defensive end for the Griz from 2006 through 2010, participating in two National Championships during his career. Tyler is a real estate agent with Western Montana Keller Williams