‘Voice of the Griz’ storyteller writing new chapter
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Besides the nickname “Voice of the Griz,” Mick Holien of Polson could very well take the tag “A Man Made for Journalism.”
Holien was exposed to the world of deadlines, working late hours, and asking questions at a young age. His father worked for the Spokane Spokesman, his neighbor across the street was the sports editor for the Spokesman, and the play-by-play broadcaster for the Spokane Indians, a minor league baseball team, lived directly out his backdoor.
“I had no chance,” Holien said. “I just didn’t know I had no chance.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, Holien took a job at the Spokesman between his junior and senior year of college.
“I ended up not being able to complete my senior year (due to the job),” Holien said. “I am still 50 credits short of my degree, which is one of my biggest frustrations.”
After 40-plus years in the journalism business, with an impressive resume, Holien made a name for himself despite not having that degree. One of his most notable jobs was the “Voice of the Griz” for 31 years. Holien spent his first eight years as the play-by-play announcer for the University of Montana women’s basketball team and for the past 23 years has been announcing UM men’s basketball and football games. In addition, Holien also hosted weekly radio shows with the head football and basketball coach, along with pre-game and post-game shows for the Grizzly Radio Network.
“I got the best seat in the house,” Holien said.
However, next year the seat won’t be filled by Holien. Earlier this fall UM athletic director Kent Haslam and Nick Garner, the general manager of Grizzly Sports Production, made the decision to not renew Holien’s contract.
“It was quite a shock,” Holien said. “I was angry and went through all the stages of grief.”
Holien said he was never given any specifics as to why his contract was not renewed. Despite the decision to not bring Holien back to the broadcasting table, Haslam is concerned about finding a replacement.
“Whoever comes in after Mick has extremely large shoes to fill,” Haslam said. “He is so well versed in the history of University of Montana and Grizzly Athletics, which will be one of the most difficult things to replace.”
Longtime Griz fan Scott Cordier was disappointed that he’ll no longer be able to turn on the radio and listen to Holien’s one-liners.
“He has that one-of-a-kind commentary voice,” Cordier said. “His whole heart was into that university and I don’t know if they will find someone like him.”
Although the decision left Holien blindsided, he tries to maintain a positive outlook.
“It has never been about me anyway. It’s always been about the student athletes and the coaches and the institution,” Holien said. “I feel a strong loyalty to that and that I represented the institution with class and with candor.”
As a true broadcaster and journalist, Holien strived to answer the “Five W’s and H of Journalism” — who, what, when, where, why, and how. These elements complete any story.
“I am a storyteller … that is just what I do,” Holien said.
The irony at this moment is that he must let go of the “why.”
Holien has decided to move on and start a new story — one that possibly comes full circle.
“I would like to be a U of M grad. I really would like to finally get my degree,” Holien said, though he could probably teach the course. “I would take an honorary one. That would be even better,” he said, grinning.
