Montana’s Finest: Celebrating Four Legends at the 2024 Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame Banquet!

MISSOULA — The Adams Center came alive Friday night as the University of Montana celebrated its storied past during the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame banquet.

Hosted by the familiar voice of UM radio, Riley Corcoran, and supported by a dedicated team from the athletic department, four legendary figures from Griz history were memorialized for their remarkable contributions to Montana athletics.

Kelly (Pilcher) Beattie, a Missoula native, was inducted as the ninth Lady Griz honoree, reflecting on her stellar career in the early ’90s. “I feel so fortunate and blessed to have played here,” she shared. “I was part of incredible teams—those experiences are why I’m here today. It’s been wonderful to reminisce about those days.”

The group also included three football stars: Scott Gurnsey, Colt Anderson, and Dylan McFarland. Additionally, George Dennison, the university’s longest-serving president, was posthumously recognized with the Grizzly Lifetime Honors Award for his unwavering support of Grizzly athletics and its athletes.

Anderson, a Butte native who walked onto the Grizzlies in the mid-2000s, became one of the program’s most celebrated players before moving on to the NFL and coaching as the special teams coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. “It’s incredibly special to be here alongside names like Dave Dickenson and Tim Hauck—guys I looked up to as a kid,” Anderson said. “I never imagined I’d be recognized alongside them.”

Dylan McFarland, who made his mark on the offensive line in the early 2000s, was instrumental in leading the team to the 2001 national championship before pursuing a career in the NFL and earning his law degree at UM. “Reflecting on the people who supported me—my coaches, family, and friends—it’s truly humbling,” he noted. “Their sacrifices have been incredible, and I’m thrilled to celebrate with everyone here.”

Completing the lineup, Scott Gurnsey was a standout in the early ’90s before becoming a beloved radio voice for Griz fans. Gurnsey helped define modern Grizzly football, particularly his standout performances against rival Montana State, which laid a strong foundation for the program. “It’s a brotherhood,” Gurnsey remarked. “Whether I played with them or not, there’s an instant connection when I meet fellow Griz fans. It’s a bond like no other, and the University of Montana is truly special.”