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The title of this year's Bobcat Football season kick-off party was a bit of a misnomer. Rather than holding the event out on Martin Field, as has been done in years past, the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored event brought everyone inside the stadium, citing weather.

"You're all pansies," Bobcat Coach Rob Ash joked to a laughing crowd of about 100. "It wasn't that bad out there!"

Cat fans, alumni and students alike, paid their $5 fee to get in the door then indulged in complimentary food, drinks, and speculation about the upcoming season.

"Football season is coming, we're all excited, let's get together!" exclaimed Associate Director of the MSU Alumni Association Kerry Hanson.

"Fall is in the air, and an event like this with the chamber, it brings out the Blue and Gold gets us all ready for a kickoff on Saturday," said 2000 graduate, Paul Pahut.

'The Spirit of the West Marching Band' led the fans in a rendition of the school fight song before Coach Ash took to the microphone. He thanked the enthusiastic crowd for their support then went on speak on this year's team. It's a mix of senior leadership and young blood. This week Ash announced Redshirt Freshman Denarius McGhee will be the Cats' starting quarterback, over Senior Cody Kempt. Ash complimented both students on how they took the news. Ash said you can tell a lot about an athlete's character by how they take being a backup after working hard to be the starter.

"Cody Kempt showed tremendous character," Ash said.

The Cats start their season at home versus Fort Lewis at 1 p.m. Saturday.