Missoula Phoenix



The Missoula Phoenix are a semi-pro football team based in Missoula, Montana. the team plays their home games at Washington Grizzly Stadium which it shares with the University of Montana football team. The team has made several swithches from the Rocky Mountain Football League(AA) to the (AAA) leagues, but due to new ownership(s) they have stayed in the Rocky Mountain Football League, a 29-team, four-state (Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming), semi-pro/minor football league established in 1997. The season begins with over 80 prospects competing for a roster spot of which only 55 are given. Those trying out can range from college stars to those with almost no football experience.

History
In June 2006, frustration had grown among Missoula semi-pro football players that had peaked during a playoff loss. This led to a dissolution of the previous team and the founding of an entirely new and separate team that would become known as the Missoula Phoenix with a new owner.decided a new start for Missoula football was in order. That change manifested itself in the formation of a completely new and separate team with a new owner, color scheme, and logo. . The new management team consisted of Dr. Mike Johnson, Mr. John Velk Esq., Mr Todd Mackey, and Mr. Chip Bush which combined both representatives of the previous manifestation of the Missoula Phoenix and the proposed new direction. .

Despite a coaching change midseason, the Phoenix made the playoffs in their first season and finished second in the Northern AA. In the first round of the playoffs the Phoenix hosted and defeated the Great Falls Gladiator. In the next round, the Phoenix defeated the defending Southern AA (and then undefeated) champion Davis Vipers and thus giving the Phoenix the first road playoff win for any Missoula semi-pro football team. .

In June of 2010, it was reported that Michael Burks, the owner of the Missoula Maulers would purchase the Missoula Phoenix. Changes will include an updated logo and home games being played at Loyola Sacred Heart High School instead of Washington-Grizzly Stadium.