(Editor’s note: Montana State University press release)
BOZEMAN, Montana – Six of the greatest athletes in Montana State University history and one of the Big Sky Conference’s most dominant teams grab the spotlight on January 19 when they earn induction into the Bobcat Athletics Hall of Fame.
Brandy Anderson Archdale remains one of Bobcat volleyball’s most productive players ever, guard Scott Hatler set assist records while leading Montana State to the 1996 NCAA Tournament, offensive lineman Brent Swaggert and receiver/return specialist Corey Smith led one of the most stunning turnarounds in FCS history in helping the Cats to the 2002 and 2003 Big Sky Championships, Rusty Squire earned All-America skiing honors, and Federico Ueltschi remains one of the top men’s tennis players in school history. In addition, MSU’s 2004-05-06 men’s tennis Big Sky Championship teams enter the Hall.
The 2017-18 Induction Ceremony is Friday, January 19 – the night before this season’s Cat-Griz basketball doubleheader in Bozeman – in the Strand Union Building’s Joseph May Ballrooms. A social begins at 6 pm, with dinner at 7 pm and the induction ceremony to follow. Cost is $30 per person with an RSVP prior to January 10, $40 for an RSVP January 11 or later. To RSVP or for more information, call 406/994-6859.
BRANDY ANDERSON ARCHDALE: A key cog in the Bobcat volleyball program’s revival in the late 1990s, Brandy Anderson Archdale was a three-time All-Big Sky selection, earning First Team honors as a senior. Originally from Maryland, she remains second in school history in kills, and her 40 against Cal State Northridge remains a school record.
SCOTT HATLER: One of the greatest point guards in Big Sky Conference history, the Great Falls product’s 608 career assists was second-most in league history upon the completion of his career, and more than 20 years later that is still fifth-most on the conference record list.
COREY SMITH: Corey Smith capped perhaps the most electrifying season by a return specialist in school history in the most fitting fashion possible in 2003 when he returned the opening kickoff of the Cat-Griz game for a touchdown. Still the only time that has happened in series history, that play propelled the Bobcats to their second straight win over UM. Smith, from the Federal Way, Wash., set a Big Sky record with four punt returns for touchdown that season, and became the first player in league history to return two punts for touchdowns in the same game, and a punt and kickoff for scores in one game. He was Consensus All-America in 2003.
BRENT SWAGGERT: One of the key players in Montana State’s rise from a winless 2000 season to back-to-back Big Sky Championships, Swaggert remains one of three players in program history to earn All-America honors three times. He was Third Team All-America as a senior, and Honorable Mention as a sophomore and junior. Swaggert, originally from Minnesota, started all 48 games during his Bobcat career, and was a two-time First Team All-Big Sky selection.
RUSTY SQUIRE: One of Montana State’s great ski races, Rusty Squire earned Second Team All-America honors three straight seasons. He was All-America in 1979, ’80 and ’81.
FEDERICO UELTSCHI: One of the most dominant competitors Montana State has produced, Federico Ueltschi won three straight Big Sky MVP awards, the only Bobcat to win even one. He was a four-time All-Big Sky choice, and remains the Montana State record-holder in wins.
2004-05-06 MEN’S TENNIS TEAMS: The 2004, ’05 and ’06 Bobcat men’s tennis teams, coached by Mike Phillips, dominated the Big Sky men’s tennis scene. Each of the three squads captured league titles and advanced to the NCAA Championships.
