Tommy Mellott, Troy Andersen among former MSU Bobcats to run drills for kids on June 21 in Big Sky, June 22 in Bozeman
By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
On Saturday, June 21, former Montana State University football players—now pros in the National Football League—will run a two-hour Bobcat Legacy Combine Camp for all K-8-aged kids, regardless of gender or sports experience.
At the inaugural event in June 2024, more than 125 kids showed up to the Lone Peak High School turf in Big Sky, some driving from West Yellowstone and even crossing the Idaho border. This year, organizers say it will be an even bigger event, with big-time Bobcat alumni planning to attend: Tommy Mellott of the Las Vegas Raiders; Troy Andersen of the Atlanta Falcons; Lewis Kidd of the San Francisco 49ers; Ty Okada of the Seattle Seahawks; Lance McCutcheon of the Pittsburgh Steelers; and Daniel Hardy of the Chicago Bears.
The free event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. and is open to kids from Big Sky and beyond. Registration is recommended but not required. Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be served courtesy of Montage Big Sky, and participants will receive free t-shirts and posters with autograph opportunities from the NFL players.
- Watch an EBS video recap of last year’s event in Big Sky.
In Bozeman, the camp is scheduled at Bobcat Stadium the following day, Sunday, June 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Bozeman event will be spectator friendly as kids run out onto the field, experience a simulated game day and tour the new Bobcats’ indoor athletic facility.
Organizer Josh Perkins of Justus Entertainment Group believes the annual event will spread the Bobcat brand and culture in Bozeman and Big Sky.
“This year, we’re trying to push it so it’s all genders and all sports. So it’s more speed and agility related… It’s more about being competitive,” Perkins told EBS. The event will include tug-of-war, a karaoke battle, and even media training where players will give advice on handling postgame interviews.
Perkins added it’s a good opportunity for kids to be exposed to cultures and minorities that may not be as prominent in southwest Montana. A Spanish-English interpreter will attend the events to bridge any language barriers.
Co-organizer Jeff Helms, assistant coach for Lone Peak High School’s football team, hopes the annual event will help build Big Sky’s football program culture while exposing local kids to popular athletes that might inspire their pursuit of any sport.
“Trying to be really supportive of [kindergarten] through eight graders, doesn’t matter what sport they play, doesn’t have to be football,” Helms told EBS in a phone call. “… I think it’s going to be the start of something that’s going to be pretty incredible year-over-year.”
Perkins thanked Ascend Property Management, Lone Mountain Land Company, Bluebird, The Wilson Hotel, Langlas Construction and other anonymous supporters for making the event free and open to the public.
