What’s Your Favorite Grizzly Football Memory?

Back in August, longtime University of Montana equipment manager Steve Hackney announced his retirement.

Hackney will be sent out in grand style Friday night, as a roast will be held in his honor (former Griz football coach Joe Glenn will serve as roast master).

Hackney spent 29 seasons as UM's equipment manager, and has witnessed several remarkable moments over the years.

All of which got me thinking. I myself have seen some amazing athletic accomplishments at the University of Montana, with a majority coming courtesy of the football team.

So I began to wonder: What's my favorite Grizzly football memory? My earliest recollections are of watching Sean Goicoechea, like myself a former Stevensville Yellowjacket, roam the secondary for the Griz in the mid-90's.

But my favorite? For me, one singular play on a cold November day in 2006. The Griz were taking on their in-state rivals from Bozeman, and leading 3-0 in the 1st quarter, when UM safety Van Cooper Jr. decided to set a physical tone. One of the Bobcats' soft receivers, Michael Jefferson, came across the middle on a crossing route. Cooper leveled Jefferson so hard, his helmet flew off in mid-air. Naturally, the pass was dropped, and the Griz wouldn't look back, securing a hard-earned 13-7 win.

So I pose the question to you, Griz Nation. What's your favorite memory? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.