How a Native American Griz Football Player Inspires Academically

He has a chance to become the first athlete from Montana's Blackfeet Reservation to earn a letter playing football for the Griz.

But his aspirations go far beyond that. And he embraces the role model he has already become in just a few short months.

UM News Service tells us that Tommy Running Rabbit, who grew up in Browning, always dreamed of playing football for the University of Montana Grizzlies. Earlier this year, his dream became a reality when he signed with the Griz.

THE "GATES" HAVE OPENED

His athletic achievements at Browning High in football and other sports are extraordinary. But Tommy also arrived at UM as an exceptional student. And that stellar academic record has earned him the GATES SCHOLARSHIP, a highly-selective scholarship supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The scholarship is for outstanding minority students from low-income households and covers the full cost of earning a bachelor’s degree!

Tommy plans to major in biology with a goal of attending pharmacy school and returning to his hometown of Browning as a pharmacist. Also awarded a Gates Scholarship was Tanner Iron Pipe, a UM freshman from Browning who plans to major in environmental science and sustainability.

In Tommy's own words about receiving the scholarship, “It means a lot. I want to show the kids, and everyone back at home anything is possible. Not trying to sound corny but if you work hard and if you do the extra steps, it will help.”

Tommy Running Rabbit has big aspirations for himself as he balances academics with athletics. Succeed on the football field and in the classroom, all while making his hometown proud. He knows that Browning is rooting for him during each Griz football game this season.

The rest of Griz Nation will be, too.