The Montana State University Bobcats football coaching staff is getting ready to return to the Mission Valley for a Shadow Boat ride at the Kwataqnuk Casino & Resort, and a golf scramble at the Polson Golf Course.

The Shadow Boat ride will take place at 6 p.m. Friday at the casino, and the golf scramble will occur Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Polson golf course, which is part of the Bobcats’ initiative to reach out to their fan base in the Mission Valley, according to Tom Farrell.

“The real reason that we do it is to raise money for athletic scholarships and we want to build relationships and exposure for Bobcat fans and alumni in Northwest Montana,” Farrell said. “Bozeman is a long way from Polson and we realize that on game day, our fans make a big commitment to travel to Polson and Kalispell. That is why they make that special trip every year to come and mingle, meet the fan base and to build that relationship from the past year.”

Prominent Bobcat names include current head coach Jeff Choate, former Bobcats player and current assistant coach DeNarius McGhee, Matt Miller, and 14 other members of the Cats’ coaching staff.

Other prominent members of Montana State University include the current president Waded Cruzado, among other distinguished alumni.

“This is a great opportunity to build relations and a great public relations exposure for the athletic department,” Farrell said. “People in the Mission Valley are primarily a Grizzly fan base and that is why we put a special emphasis to get up here, mingle and meet (our Bobcats’) fan base in Northwest Montana.”

Because the boat ride will be in late July, Farrell knows the Bobcats’ fan outreach will compete with several things going on in the heart of vacation season.

“We will be bumped up against events such as family reunions and class reunions,” Farrell said. “There are a lot of people that will have friends visiting from out of town and this date is traditionally always nice weather in the Mission Valley for a lot of events. That should help with our golf tournament.”

Farrell said this event could not be put on without the support of multiple businesses.

“We really appreciate all of the community support,” Farrell said. “We have so many vendors and donors in our community that have stepped up for us every year and donated cash. Their acknowledgment and support is greatly appreciated.”