Why Bozeman May NOT “Suck” After All

Despite the differences we Missoulians may have against Bozeman in the football arena, there is reason to celebrate our favorite rivals. I know. Hard to believe, right?

In all seriousness, even though we may poke fun against Bozeman Bobcats (see our slightly immature "Why Bozeman Sucks" viral cartoon video) there is reason to believe that they may follow the same unwritten Montana code as we do: "Love Thy Neighbor". We do seem to be one of those rare states where we still look at people in the eye when we pass them, sometimes even strike up a conversation with a total stranger. Montana is a community of small towns with the blessings of small town friendliness, something you just don't get in a city of dense populations.

This article came across my desk tonight and it really made me take a step back from all the slightly harmless sports trash talking. At this moment I was quickly reminded again that even though we may not see eye-to-eye on a few silly issues we are all still human and we still have very big hearts in Big Sky Country. And the Bozeman Bobcats may have the biggest of all..

From the Bozeman Daily Chronicle:

Ryan Murphy was a football player on Monday, Sept. 12, though he hardly resembled one. The Missoula Hellgate High School freshman could hardly stand up while on the sidelines. He wasn't following the action on the field. He was in pain.

Not only was Ryan, 14, diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, but the disease was classified as being in "blast crisis." Translation: advanced stage. Without treatment, he'd have six months to live.

If anyone needed his spirits lifted, it was Ryan, whose favorite team is the Montana State Bobcats.

But how? Ryan's neighbor, Jackson Hart, got the ball rolling.

Jackson had his mother, Shannone, (contacted) MSU head coach Rob Ash.

The idea was to have a picture taken of the team holding a sign that read "Keep Fighting Ryan!"

"We immediately accepted the request," said Ash, who gathered the team after a recent practice and told them about Ryan. "The players didn't know anything about the young man at first. When I told them the story, they said, ‘let's do this.' They were very enthusiastic."

The Bobcats took the gesture a bit further, each of them waiting patiently to sign the picture, which Ryan received last Thursday. Additionally, one player sent Ryan a "Positivity Bracelet" that he had worn every day throughout his football career.

Montana State running back Cody Kirk, took a special interest in Ryan's story.

"The thing that he and I both have in common is: we're both Bobcats from the Missoula area," Kirk said. "That's not the easiest place to be a Bobcat. That connection touched me a little more."

It humbled him as well.

And you know something? It's truly humbled this smack talking DJ, too. As I mentally gear up for this widely publicized Cat/Griz DJ Battle and then cheer on the sidelines in support of my Montana Grizzlies this weekend, I am now willing to momentarily set all that aside and offer a well earned salute to the boys in "enemy territory". This proves yet again that Montana state overall is still and always will be the best state in our nation.

And just so you know, if Ryan's treatment is successful, the child will be able to return home soon and possibly return to school later next year. Also, studies are showing that there is a 90% survival rate after five years, and even better odds over eight years.

Our prayers are with you, Ryan.

And, (I can't believe I'm about to say this...) thank you, Bozeman Bobcats.