Montana's Monte Is Looking For Their Next Mascot

Alright, let's get this out of the way first: If you are 40 years old, you cannot be Monte.

I'm sorry, I know some of you had your heart set on being the next Monte, but you're too old.

Harsh. But true.

The Montana Grizzlies need their next Monte

Our beloved mascot needs someone to put the suit on and take over the legacy of Monte.

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A post shared by Monte (@monte_bear)

Do you have what it takes to be the next Monte? We're holding tryouts to add a new member to the family! Click the link in my bio or visit GoGriz.com/BeMonte to sign up. - Monte's Instagram

What's it like being Monte?

There are some stipulations, as I already alluded to. Monte needs to be a student at the University of Montana or signed up to be in school as an incoming freshman.

Monte has to test himself in the classroom, too. It's not enough to be enrolled but you also need to take at least 12 credits.

So none of that half-assing your way through school, Monte.

"First and foremost, you have to be a student and take care of all of your academic requirements. From there, you have to manage your time between classes, work if you have another job, Griz games, practice and outside appearances," said University of Montana Athletics Assistant Director of Marketing/Graphic Design Ethan Jenkins via text message.

You may think being Monte means you show up for games and that's it. Well my friend, you're wrong.

"Being Monte is a pretty unique experience," said Jenkins

Monte is always happy. Even if you, the student wearing Monte, are having a bad day, you can't bring that to the suit.

"It also honestly just helps to be a generally positive person. Monte doesn't have off days. He's always happy, always excited and always cheering on the Griz no matter what else is going on."

Monte greets the masses. Credit: University of Montana Athletics

Then there's the training. You think training for Monte is easy? Think again, my friend.

"Honestly, I think a lot of people would be surprised at how much physical training goes into being Monte. A lot of mascots just stand around and wave or carry a flag every now and then, but that's not the case here," said Jenkins.

"Our student-athletes work in the weight room, they take dance classes, they do tumbling and gymnastics practice, and they work on their own and with the spirit squad on skills all the time."

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I broke out in a sweat just reading what goes into it.

Plus, you may run into occupational hazards like goalposts.

Registration forms can be found here. Tryouts are held on Wednesday, April 30 from 4-6 pm in the West Auxiliary Gym of the Adams Center.

Big Sky Conference Mascots Ranked on How Easily I Could Beat Them in a Fight

I came up with a random thought the other day. "If I were to get in a fight with every mascot in the Big Sky Conference, how many of those fights could I win?" For clarification: I am fighting whatever animal/person the team's nickname is (Grizzlies, Bobcats, etc.) in a one-on-one setting. No outside weapons being used, just a classic mano e mano fight.

What I've learned is I have very little chance at winning most of these fights.

Gallery Credit: Ace Sauerwein