July 22, 2008

PARK CITY, Utah – At the annual Big Sky Conference summer kickoff in Park City, Utah, league officials today released the 2008 predicted standings and Northern Colorado was chosen ninth by both the coaches and the media in the polls.

The Bears garnered nine points in the coaches poll and 65 in the media poll. The Montana Grizzlies, winners of 16 straight conference games and a perfect 11-0 regular season in 2007 were chosen to repeat as champions in both polls, receiving seven of the nine first-place votes in the coaches poll and 23 of 43 nods in the media poll. Eastern Washington was picked to finish second in both polls, while the middle six spots differed between the factions.

The media chose Montana State third, Northern Arizona fourth and Weber State fifth, while Portland State, Idaho State and Sacramento State took spots six through eight. In the coaches poll, Northern Arizona was chosen third, Montana State fourth, Weber State fifth, Portland State sixth, Sacramento State seventh and Idaho State eighth.

“The win over Montana State last year was the beginning of a metamorphosis for this program,” said Head Coach Scott Downing. “The last four games of the season were much better and we started to play pretty well. We ended off the season with a positive taste and the players were disappointed they didn’t win the last three games. Hopefully we can continue to build on what momentum we had at the end of the season.

“Until we go out and win some more games on the field, we expect to be chosen last. These types of polls provide motivation for our players, because the players and the community have pride in what they do. I’m excited for our program. Our guys are solid, good athletes. I think we’ll see some younger players step up and some veterans step up and end their careers on a high note.”

Northern Colorado reports for fall camp on Aug. 8 with the first practice scheduled for 7:45 p.m. and the season opener will be at Purdue on Sept. 6.

2008 COACHES POLL

Team (1st-place votes)	Points
1. Montana (7)	63
2. Eastern Washington (1)	52
3. Northern Arizona (1)	50
4. Montana State	40
5. Weber State	38
6. Portland State	30
7. Sacramento State	27
8. Idaho State	15
9. Northern Colorado	9

2008 MEDIA POLL

Team (1st-place votes)	Points
1. Montana (23)	361
2. Eastern Washington (19)	350
3. Montana State	254
4. Northern Arizona (1)	248
5. Weber State	229
6. Portland State	194
7. Idaho State	124
8. Sacramento State	113
9. Northern Colorado	65