Bozeman Celebrates Montana State's First Title Since 1984

Holly Eiden watched her son Kenneth hoist the national championship trophy in Nashville, completing a family legacy that spans generations of Montana State football.

Her husband played for the Bobcats from 1987 to 1991. Now their son just finished his career as defensive end, wearing number 11 and winning it all. "Seeing Kenneth up there on that stadium stage, I was just so excited for him. And so proud," Holly said.

The Montana State Bobcats claimed their first national title since 1984, and Bozeman is throwing a championship parade this Saturday that former players say never happened for the wins in 1976 or 1984. This celebration has been 42 years coming.

Rick Vancleeve, who won a championship himself in 1976, remembers losing his mind when the final kick went through. "The second the game was over, my son told me, 'We did it,'" Vancleeve recalled. When asked if he'd attend Saturday's parade, he didn't hesitate: "Yes, for sure."

The six-mile parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from Bobcat Stadium, winding through downtown Bozeman along Main Street before returning to the stadium for an 11:30 a.m. celebration. The football team, coaches, marching band, Spirit Squad, and even the MSU rodeo team will take part.

Main Street will close from 9 to 11 a.m., and city officials encourage fans to walk, bike, or carpool downtown. All public parking areas will stay open, but this is shaping up to be the biggest celebration Bozeman has seen in decades.

Why This Inspires

Vancleeve is fielding calls from fans across Montana and beyond, all asking for details so they can make the trip. Former players who won championships without parades are finally getting their moment too, celebrating alongside the current team that reached three championship games in five years before breaking through.

For the Eidens and thousands of other Bobcat families, this victory connects past and present in a way that only college sports can. "They should be remembered forever," Holly said.

Saturday will bring closure to a 42-year wait, but the pride will last much longer than one morning parade.