Polson local Elijah Crick was chosen by the Montana Hope Project in partnership with Dream Come True, to celebrate with the Griz homecoming last weekend and be their coin tosser.  

A Polson Middle School seventh grader, Crick has cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder and a traumatic brain injury due to a traumatic birth. Crick was granted his wish as a 4-year-old through the Montana Hope Project, which is a state-wide organization that grants wishes to children living with life-threatening illnesses.  

Montana Hope Project in association with Dream Come True puts out the Bobcat and Griz schedule and then picks children to be granted a football wish, which includes being the game coin tosser. Each weekend they choose a different child. 

Elijah’s mom Rayanne Crick said the University of Montana Grizzlies treated him like "royalty” for the weekend. He received a signed game ball and a Grizzly football jersey #37. Elijah and his brother Samual got to hang out with the Griz mascot Monte. Monte gave them a tour of the locker rooms, weight room and the entire stadium.  

"Overall, it was probably one of the best experiences ever for him,” Rayanne Crick said. “Then on game day, he got to tailgate with the sponsors, and then he was recognized on the field at the 50-yard line.”  

Elijah started the game off by winning the coin toss for the Griz. The University played the Cal Poly Mustangs and won with a score of 28-9.  

The Montana Hope Project is supported by the Association of Montana Troopers who help organize and coordinate these events.  

“The troopers are the ones that provide that kind of special bond and an opportunity with the community. They are an integral part of the whole project,” Crick said. “Nick Navarro is the trooper who helped put all of this together. He truly went above and beyond with  Dream Come true.”  

Crick explained that Elijah was already a football fan but is definitely a Griz fan after his experience at the homecoming game. This was also Elijah’s first ever Montana football game and what an experience to remember. 

    Samuel and Elijah Crick stand on the football field during Griz homecoming weekend. The boys got a tour of the stadium from Monte. (Rayanne Crick Photo)