Bulldog Chain Gang, Fitzgerald Recognized By Frontier Conference

University of Montana Western Press Release

HELENA, Mont. – Frontier Conference Commissioner Dr. Scott Crawford announced a handful of annual conference award recipients and nominees, with two honorees representing the University of Montana Western: The Bulldog Football "Chain Gang" received the Frontier Conference Distinguished Service Award, and Jace Fitzgerald was named the conference's nominee for the NAIA A.O. Duer Award.

"Chain Gang" earns Frontier Conference Distinguished Service Award

The Montana Western football chain gang has received the 2025 Frontier Conference Distinguished Service Award, recognizing 20 years of commitment, consistency and professionalism on the sidelines of Bulldog football games.

Led by Donnie Keltz since its inception, the group has remarkably maintained the same core volunteers for every home football game over the past two decades. Their dedication is especially noteworthy at a time when colleges across the country face increasing challenges with staffing game day operations.

Known for their reliability, attention to detail and courteous demeanor, the crew has earned praise from Frontier Conference officials and opposing teams alike. Their commitment to representing Montana Western with class has made them a staple of the game day experience at Montana Western.

The Distinguished Service Award honors individuals or groups who go above and beyond in service to the conference and its student-athletes.

Fitzgerald named Frontier Conference A.O. Duer nominee

Fitzgerald has been named the Frontier Conference's 2025 nominee for the A.O. Duer Award, presented by the NAIA to one male and one female student-athlete who demonstrate outstanding character, scholarship and citizenship.

Fitzgerald, a business administration major, carries a 3.95 cumulative GPA. He is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, and has earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District, Daktronics Scholar-Athlete and Frontier Conference Academic All-Conference honors.

On the field, Fitzgerald started all 12 games at linebacker during the 2024 season, earning first-team all-conference honors after finishing with 81 total tackles, including 40 solo stops, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also recorded six pass breakups, helping to lead one of the league's top defenses. He ranked No. 10 in total tackles across the Frontier Conference.

In the community, Fitzgerald is a regular volunteer at youth sports camps hosted by Montana Western and serves as a youth coach in football, basketball and baseball. He also works with "Hook a Kid on Golf," a Dillon-based program that teaches fundamentals of the game while promoting healthy habits and sportsmanship.

Fitzgerald was recently selected to wear Montana Western football's legacy No. 18 jersey for his senior season—an honor awarded annually to the student-athlete who best represents the legacy of M.J. Simkins, a former Bulldog whose name is synonymous with integrity, leadership and service.