[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 589 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 589

 Congratulating the Montana State University football team for winning 
  the 2025 Division I Football Championship Subdivision Championship.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 27, 2026

    Mr. Daines (for himself and Mr. Sheehy) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Congratulating the Montana State University football team for winning 
  the 2025 Division I Football Championship Subdivision Championship.

Whereas, on January 5, 2026, the Montana State University Bobcats football team 
        (referred to in this preamble as the ``Bobcats'') won the National 
        Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship 
        Subdivision (referred to in this preamble as the ``FCS'') national 
        championship by defeating the Illinois State University Redbirds 35 to 
        34 in a thrilling overtime victory;
Whereas the Bobcats secured their first FCS Championship since 1984 and fourth 
        national championship title for football in school history;
Whereas head coach Brent Vigen led the Bobcats to a second consecutive national 
        championship appearance and third appearance during his 5-year tenure;
Whereas the Bobcats secured the 2025 Big Sky Conference Championship;
Whereas the Bobcats defeated their archrivals, the University of Montana 
        Grizzlies, in the game known as the ``Brawl of the Wild'' on November 
        22, 2025, in Missoula, Montana;
Whereas, on December 20, 2025, in Bozeman, Montana, the Bobcats defeated the 
        University of Montana Grizzlies again in the first postseason matchup 
        between the two programs since the rivalry began in 1897;
Whereas the Bobcats finished the season on a 14-game winning streak, defeating 
        seven ranked opponents;
Whereas the President of Montana State University, Dr. Brock Tessman, former 
        President, Dr. Waded Cruzado, and Athletic Director, Leon Costello, have 
        fostered a dedication of athletic and academic excellence at the 
        institution;
Whereas five Bobcats earned FCS Football Central All-American honors, including 
        offensive lineman Titan Fleischmann, safety Caden Dowler, defensive 
        lineman Kenneth Eiden IV, running back Julius Davis, and defensive 
        lineman Paul Brott;
Whereas 44 players on the Montana State roster are from Montana and embody the 
        State's values of possessing a strong work ethic, toughness, and 
        dedication;
Whereas, in the national championship game, quarterback Justin Lamson rushed for 
        two touchdowns and threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns, including the 
        game-tying touchdown pass on fourth down in overtime, earning the game's 
        Most Outstanding Player;
Whereas Taco Dowler, from Billings, Montana, caught eight passes for a total of 
        111 yards, including the game-tying touchdown catch in overtime.
Whereas the Bobcat special teams blocked a fourth quarter field goal attempt and 
        overtime extra point attempt, preventing Illinois State from taking and 
        extending crucial leads late in the game;
Whereas Myles Sansted kicked the game-winning extra point in overtime to secure 
        a hard-fought victory; and
Whereas the Bobcats were supported at the game in Nashville, Tennessee, by the 
        Spirit of the West Marching Band, cheerleaders, and thousands of faculty 
        members, students, alumni, and fans from around Montana and the United 
        States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) congratulates the Montana State University Bobcats 
        football team for winning the 2025 Division I Football 
        Championship Subdivision Championship;
            (2) recognizes the players, coaches, staff, and fans whose 
        hard work and dedication led to the championship; and
            (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
        prepare an official copy of the resolution for presentation 
        to--
                    (A) the President of Montana State University, Dr. 
                Brock Tessman;
                    (B) Athletic Director, Leon Costello; and
                    (C) head coach of the Montana State University 
                football team, Brent Vigen.
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