Eric Simonson

11/20/20 • 67 min

Griz Greats: The Silver Anniversary of the 1995 National Champions

Eric Simonson came to Montana as a skinny, athletic offensive lineman from Plentywood, Montana. He transformed himself into an elite offensive lineman, one that would earn first-team All-American honors at tackle during his senior season in 1995. That year proved to be an unforgettable one as Simonson, who got married while in college and welcomed his son into the world while his football team was in a midst of a run that culminated in the first national title in school history.

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Mike Bouchee

Mike Bouchee grew up in Missoula as the son of former Griz lineman Bill Bouchee and the pride of Montana football was instilled in him at an early age. By high school, Bouchee was an all-state linebacker on a few of head coach Van Troxel’s last great teams at Hellgate High. And 1992, he was living a lifelong dream of playing for the Grizzlies and by 1995, he was Montana’s starting middle linebacker. Bouchee played a pivotal role on the Griz defense that season, leading UM with 97 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, and forcing two fumbles. He finished his career with 245 career tackles, at the time the 16th most in the history of Griz football. The two-time All-American also earned All-Big Sky Conference honors on the field and academically as well.

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Hall of Fame wide receiver Joe Douglass

Joe Douglass came to the University of Montana as a transfer after starting his career at Oregon State. In his two seasons with the Griz, he was prolific enough to earn All-American honors both years and earned a spot in the UM Athletics Hall of Fame. Douglass hauled in 145 catches for more than 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns. As a senior, he set a single-season record with 82 receptions and his 18 touchdowns in 1996 is still the most ever by a Griz. Joe Douglass joins Griz Greats: the Silver Anniversary of the 1995 national champions proudly presented by First Security Bank of Missoula and Blackfoot Communications.