Montana Grizzlies Sports, Football and Basketball : Grizzoulian

There have been times when I've questioned our marketing department but I'd start filling out my transfer papers if UM dipped as low as the Western Carolina Catamounts.

This is from an actual WCU press release [via AppFan]:

The Western Carolina University Athletic Department today announced an exciting new aspect to Catamount Football this season - the "Armchair Coaching Series," sponsored by Wal-Mart. This new feature will allow local fans the opportunity to put their creative football knowledge to use by creating their own play, with the chosen scheme to be used by the WCU coaches in a game.

That's right; the WCU coaches will actually select an offensive or defensive play submitted by fans for each home game this season.

Oh there's more. Fans will receive prizes based on the results of the play:

Offensive Plays

• 0-3 yard gain = Western Carolina logoed t-shirt
• 4-10 yard gain = $25 gift card to Wal-Mart
• 11-19 yard gain = $100 gift card to Wal-Mart
• 20+ yard gain = 10 megapixel camera or gift card
• Touchdown = 32" flat screen television or shopping spree

Defensive Plays

• Less than 15 yard gain = Western Carolina logoed hat
• 0-3 yard gain = $25 gift card to Wal-Mart
• Tackle for Loss = $100 gift card to Wal-Mart
• Interception/Turnover = store selected home theater system or gift card
• Defensive TD/Safety = $1,000 shopping spree

Now, let's start looking at the extremes. A defensive play gives up the game winning touchdown: you're suited up and out there as a wide-receiver on a post route while the QB lobs one over the middle. Offensive play wins the game: offensive coordinating gig on the FCS level.