BOZEMAN, Mont. — The University of Montana is pitching in to help send Montana State University’s Spirit of the West marching band to the FCS National Football Championship.
Last year, MSU donated $3,000 to the UM Grizzly Band for its trip to Frisco, Texas. This year, UM is returning the favor with an equivalent donation.
“It’s always great when Montanans can support each other on the national stage, said Dave Kuntz, a representative for the University of Montana. “Just like we got the support from Montana State last year, the University of Montana is excited to get behind the effort to send the Spirit of the West marching band down to Frisco.”
The Spirit of the West marching band has a fundraising goal of $300,000 to offset the cost of a chartered flight, lodging, meals and transportation during the trip.
A representative for MSU says the school will find the money to send the band to Texas regardless, but that donations from the community help as the university does not budget for the trip.
MSU organized a similar fundraiser the last time the Bobcats played in the national championship, and a representative for the school said the community has always been extraordinarily supportive of the band.