Billings’ Clay Oven Named New Grizzly No. 37, Continuing Legacy of Excellence
MISSOULA, MT – In a moment that unites the community of Billings, Clay Oven has been chosen to wear the prestigious No. 37 jersey for the University of Montana Grizzlies, a tradition steeped in history since the 1980s. Former Grizzly cornerback and Billings native Trevin Gradney, who wore the number last season, made the announcement, emphasizing the honor of passing it to another player from his hometown.
Gradney expressed his pride, stating, "It was a really cool experience to be the first one from Billings to wear the number last year. Clay is a good guy, and I think he deserves to wear it." Oven, now the 19th player to inherit the No. 37, is the first underclassman to don the jersey in over a decade. He joins a celebrated lineage of Grizzly linebackers, underscoring the legacy’s significance to the community and the state.
"This means a ton," Oven remarked, acknowledging the honor of representing the tradition of hard work and dedication that the number symbolizes. "To grow up [in Billings] and represent it again from Missoula, it’s awesome."
Oven’s impressive background includes being named UM’s co-defensive scout team player of the year during his freshman year. He has also excelled academically, earning Academic All-Big Sky honors and the President’s Award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in criminology.
The No. 37 jersey has evolved into a symbol of the "Spirit of Montana," championing values like hard work and teamwork. Clay Oven aims to uphold this tradition, continuing the legacy that began with Kraig Paulson in 1983. As he prepares for the upcoming season, both he and Gradney celebrate not only their personal achievements but also the strong sense of community that binds them and their hometown.
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