Monte and the Joyner brothers (Tim, Jim) prepare to depart from Missoula to face the Iowa Hawkeyes for the 2006 season opener.
Enjoying a quick breakfast in the Missoula airport.
Our flight attendant giving Monte some love and affection. Monte seemed to get quite a bit of that on this trip.
It was 5 o'clock somewhere while we had a layover in the Denver airport. Time for a few Cerveza's.
A very nice Hawkeye fan at the gate. EVERYONE we met was very gracious and kind.. great people.
Got the rental car in Cedar Rapids and headed south for a quick drive to Iowa City.
Mitch, Pam, and Monte in front of their new RV. They flew to New Hampshire to purchase the RV, and drove it back through Iowa for the game. DEDICATED fans.
Inside Hawkeye basketball arena. A VERY cool stadium, nice open design. Head coach Steve Alford is from our hometown in Indiana.
Had to take a quick break for a #1.
Jim & Tim inside the arena.
Monte outside Kinnick Stadium
Another shot of Kinnick stadium.
No one would let us inside to get a sneak peak at the stadium on Friday, this man was gracious enough to let us snap his picture however.
One last shot of the stadium the day before.
Monte went head to head with "Herky" inside one of the many Iowa bookstores. Herky looked pissed, perhaps it was a sign of things to come.
Monte met a few of their other small mascots and toys. No match, Monte was WAY cooler.
Monte had one sweet Iowa bear screamin for Mercy! ~wink~
Pam had had enough of all the Black and Gold, it was time to move on and show the Hawkeye fans how to party Montana style.
Monte was checked for ID just once by the fine officers of Iowa City.
Miss Planet giving Monte some love.
Craig thinks the Griz are #1.. Damn Right!
A few nice students came over to compare notes.
Mike is staring to make sure that Monte is taken care. Uh huh.. right.
Met lots of Griz Fans in Brothers, a very nice Bar/Grill in the Ped Mall.
Michelle, Tim, Monte
Christy Anderson and Monte know each other well.
Mike and Monte, things start to get a little wild from here on.
More Hawkeye fans wishing the Griz well.
Hawkeye helmet and Monte.
He looks pissed, but was a very nice bartender at Third Base / Fieldhouse bar.
Hey, it fits!
Hey, can I buy you a drink?
Mmmm, smooth...
Monte does some tap hits! Lights out commencing....
No, Monte does not smoke. Smoking bad!
Mike trying to keep Monte as safe as possible.
But ultimately, he gets a little action.
OOOp.. carded again.
Things aren't looking good for Monte.
Jackass... and not the one wearing the shirt. ~wink~
Sadly, Monte's story ends here. A lone idiot Hawkeye fan snatched Monte from us as we were leaving the bar. She ran into the bar and we sent the cops after her trying to retrieve Monte. They returned with her and broken headed Monte. We refused to press charges against her. (You can thank us later!) and decided it was time to get back to the hotel to rest up for the big game.
Our day started great with a cab ride to the stadium. The driver said I have to make one more stop and squeeze a few more people in with you. 6 sorority girls and two more guys were added to our cab.
We weren't complaining! It smelt pretty damn good in that cab.
The UM GSA tailgate area.
The paint job begins.
Continues...
Complete!
My ride from the tailgate area to the stadium, I wish.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Game / Stadium Pics.
Almost the final score!
Tim, Jim, & Monte!