How Clay Oven Continues Billings' Grizzlies No. 37 Tradition

There were no Billings natives wearing the Montana Grizzlies legacy No. 37 jersey through the first 17 players dating back to Griz Hall of Famer Tim Hauck in 1983.

But over the last two years, there have been back-to-back Billings Grizzlies to take on the tradition.

Last year, it was cornerback Trevin Gradney. This year, Gradney passed the tradition down to sophomore linebacker Clay Oven.

Who is Clay Oven?

Oven enrolled at the University of Montana during the 2023 season, a magical year that saw the Grizzlies make the National Championship game.

Though Oven didn't see playing time in year one, he was named Co-Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year by his team.

In year 2, Oven played 13 games as a redshirt-freshman. Mostly on special teams, which is a common place to begin if you play for Bobby Hauck's Montana Grizzlies.

His first solo tackle came against Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

Scroll to the bottom of the article to view all 18 players who have worn #37 before Oven

Prior to Montana, Oven was a stud linebacker at Billings Central. Oven was a two-time first-team all-state linebacker with the Rams and was a major part of the 2022 run to the State A championship game.

Credit: University of Montana Athletics

Football was Oven's calling, but the new #37 was a star track athlete and played basketball.

Congratulations to Clay on the legendary honor. We're looking forward to seeing what #37 does on the gridiron this year.