How Peter Christian Got His 2001 National Championship Ring

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Not many people know this, but I (Peter Christian) am the extremely proud possessor of a 2001 FCS (then Division 1-AA) National Championship Ring.

Here’s the story...

I was honored to become the Washington Grizzly Stadium announcer in 1998 when Wayne Hogan was the athletic director, and four years later, Montana Head Football Coach Joe Glenn led the Grizzlies to the 2001 National Championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee, beating Furman 13-0.

How Peter Christian got his 2001 National Championship Ring

Every member of that championship team earned a National Championship ring, for them to treasure for a lifetime.

After the team returned to Missoula, I received a call from Janie Haight with the UM Athletic Department who asked me to come down to their office, so naturally, I responded immediately.

I was told that head coach Joe Glenn and Athletic Director Wayne Hogan wanted me to participate in the celebration, and presented me with my own 2001 Division 1-AA National Championship Ring.

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The Championship Ring  was an Amazing and Most Unexpected Honor

I simply had no words to express my pride and gratitude for their generosity in allowing me to share in this most meaningful way of having a precious keepsake of that magical National Championship season.

My ring, pictured above, is my most prized memory of the now 26th (and soon to be 27^th) season as the Public Address Announcer for the University of Montana Grizzlies.

As time goes by, the ring will be passed on to my son, Luke, as a keepsake from his proud and loving father.

I will Treasure the Championship Ring and Hand it Down to My Son, Luke

So, no matter what happens on Sunday as the Grizzlies take on the defending National Champion South Dakota State Jackrabbits, this proud Griz fan has a precious memory that no one can take away.

Once again, I want to thank Coach Glenn and Athletic Director Hogan for the honor of sharing that championship year, and the full 26 years of serving the University of Montana, the team and the loyal fans of Montana football.

Go Griz!!