Max Baucus: “in December of last year, my staff and I, as well as some Montanans who were in the DC area, traveled hundreds of miles…”

“in December of last year, my staff and I, as well as some Montanans who were in the DC area, traveled hundreds of miles to West Virginia to see a football game. It wasn't just any ordinary football game, it was the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship, which pitted the University of Montana against Marshall University. The game was the most exciting of my life. After a come-from-behind drive that lead to a last minute field goal, the University of Montana Grizzlies won their first football championship in the school's history. That day I saw my team beat an opponent that ESPN said was the heavy favorite. I saw my team beat an opponent that had played in the big game many times before. I saw my team beat an opponent that has so dominated Division I-AA football that they will soon be moved to Division I competition. You see, my team possessed qualities that are hard to measure: heart, self-discipline, work ethic. A player can learn these qualities from only one person, their coach. Mr. President, I was saddened, but not disappointed, to learn that Don Read will retire from coaching the Montana Grizzlies football team. I was saddened to see that our coach, with 10 straight years of winning seasons and a national championship under his belt, had decided to move on. But I was not disappointed because I know that Don will still play a major role in his community.…”