Zoo Crew leaders gear up for Brawl of the Wild in Bozeman

MISSOULA, Mont. – Excitement is building as the University of Montana's Zoo Crew prepares to support their teams in the Brawl of the Wild. The rivalry between the University of Montana and Montana State University is heating up with a volleyball match in Bozeman and the two top 10 football teams.

Charlie Deacon, a first-year Zoo Crew leader, is eager for his first experience at the Brawl. "I definitely think we'll be chirped at a little bit... But we're going to show out and we're going to be excited and cheer on the Griz and hopefully they get wins in both games," Deacon said.

Abby Pettit, another first-year leader, is also looking forward to the games. "I'm really looking forward to the game. I've been anticipating it all year... And I hope it's a good old fashioned football game," Pettit said.

The Zoo Crew is known for bringing energy to every game, but the Brawl of the Wild is something special. As part of the annual "Can the Cats" food drive tradition, the crew dressed up as food to raise awareness and collect donations.

Madison Collins, a fourth-year Zoo Crew leader who grew up in Bozeman but attends the University of Montana, is ready for the challenge. "Basically, my whole life, I grew up in Bozeman. I'm not originally born there... But after high school it was during Covid, so I graduated in the class of 2021... And I kind of wanted something a little different... I remember last year I got to work the game for my athletic internship and be on the field and the energy in Wa-Griz (Washington-Grizzly Stadium) was electric," Collins said.

Students are carpooling and riding with the spirit squad to Bozeman, all with the goal of returning to Missoula victorious. The rivalry weekend promises to be filled with energy and excitement as the Zoo Crew supports their teams.