The Montana State University Bobcat Club hosts annual Blue and Gold Gala and auction, supporting more than 350 student-athletes through scholarships
By Leslie Kilgore EBS STAFF
Editor’s note: This series is part of a partnership with Montana State University.
For Montana State University’s student-athletes, scholarships aren’t just about tuition or textbooks; they’re often the bridge that makes dreams possible for those committed to the life of an elite college athlete.
Behind every one of those scholarships stands the Bobcat Club, the primary funding source for athletic scholarships at MSU.
Each year, the Bobcat Club’s annual scholarship fund covers the essentials for MSU’s athletes who are recruited from around the country for many of the university’s highly successful collegiate teams. Tuition, room and board, books, medical care, academic advising, team travel and equipment are some of the aspects of a student-athlete’s life that are supported through Bobcat Club funds.
“It is the engine that allows us to recruit top talent and provide them with the resources they need,” said MSU Athletic Director Leon Costello. “It’s a full-circle investment in the lives of student-athletes by supporting them as students, competitors and future leaders.”
Events like the Blue and Gold Gala have become hallmarks of this effort, uniting alumni, fans and community members who support the importance of keeping Bobcat scholarships strong.
“In one night, the Blue and Gold Gala generates the equivalent of 16 full, in-state scholarships,” Costello explained.
This year’s Blue and Gold Gala and auction, which takes place on October 10 at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, will again bring excitement to the university’s large fan base and community of supporters. Organizers expect another sold-out crowd, and anticipation is building for an evening that blends celebration, school pride and a direct impact for student-athletes.
“Every year, the gala grows bigger and more important for our financial goals,” Costello said. “It’s an opportunity to gather with Bobcat fans and supporters during a home football weekend in an effort to support all student-athletes at MSU. It’s a night full of celebration and camaraderie that generates resources to support the development and careers of Bobcat athletes and programs.”
While the introduction of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policies in 2021 shifted the national conversation around college sports, allowing athletes to earn money from endorsements, social media, event appearances and personal businesses, for MSU athletes, scholarships remain the foundation.
“Scholarships are still the backbone of college athletics,” Costello said. “NIL is a separate opportunity for athletes to earn income, but it doesn’t cover tuition, room, board and the critical services that scholarships provide. That’s where the Bobcat Club remains essential.”
While a few high-profile athletes may benefit financially from NIL deals, most student-athletes do not earn significant income through these opportunities. Scholarships, however, still provide equity and stability across every sport, which is why events such as the Blue and Gold Gala are so important to the Bobcat Club’s overall success.
“My favorite memories of the gala are seeing our student-athletes interacting and engaging with our supporters,” Costello said. “It gives our donors the real reason why we do this and hopefully why they continue to support our athletes. There is nothing like an in-person conversation and interaction, and I believe we have the best student-athletes anywhere.”
In an era where larger markets may entice recruits with NIL opportunities, MSU leans on what makes it special—its unique location in the Gallatin Valley and the community in which it stands.
However, Costello added that MSU still needs to support the athletes as they have always done, while being aggressive with new ways in which they are now allowed to support athletes.
“The expectations are high at MSU, and if we want to enjoy the success we have experienced recently, we need to be leaders in this area,” Costello said. “When a recruit sees the level of investment our fans make through the Bobcat Club, it speaks volumes about what it means to be part of Bobcat athletics.”
This consistency ensures every Bobcat athlete, from football to track, basketball to skiing, has the same baseline support to succeed.
For Costello, the future of Bobcat Athletics depends on the continued passion of alumni, donors and fans who believe in the program.
“The Bobcat Club is an important part of the heartbeat of our athletic program. It’s what allows us to change lives,” Costello said. “We give young men and women the chance to pursue their education, compete at the highest level in athletics and represent MSU with pride.”
For more information on the Bobcat Club’s upcoming Blue and Gold Gala and auction, and to find out more on how the Bobcat Club supports all MSU athletes, visit msubobcatclub.com.
