(Editor's note: MSUB Athletics release)
BILLINGS -- The Yellowjacket Athletics Online Auction is scheduled to run from Feb. 22-28, as the athletic department announced the addition of the virtual event as well as the decision not to induct a Hall of Fame class in 2021.
The week-long virtual auction will feature a variety of items including featured vacation destinations, weekend getaways, officially licensed Yellowjacket Nike gear, and signed memorabilia. All proceeds from the event will be used to support the Yellowjacket Athletic Excellence Fund to support scholarships for MSUB student-athletes and provide additional financial support for the department as a result of COVID-19. “We strive to continue supporting our student-athletes through this very challenging time, and we want to thank all of those who participate in the upcoming auction by donating or purchasing items,” said Yellowjacket director of athletics Krista Montague. “We cannot emphasize enough the direct impact your contributions make on our student-athletes and athletic department as a whole.”
This year’s Hall of Fame event, which was scheduled for Jan. 29, has been canceled after the decision was made not to induct a class in 2021. “What makes our Hall of Fame event so enjoyable is the ability to celebrate with our inductees on Friday night, and then recognize them at the basketball games the following day,” said Montague. “With the inability to do either in a way to provide our 2021 class the recognition it deserves, we decided to not induct a class in fairness to them. Any former Yellowjacket worthy of induction into our Hall of Fame deserves to enjoy the experience of being awarded the honor to its fullest extent.”
The Hall of Fame selection committee will reconvene in the coming months to determine the class of inductees for the 2022 event.
In lieu of the in-person Hall of Fame event, the athletic department will be launching a spotlight campaign focused on highlighting members of the Hall of Fame. The ‘Reconnecting With The Past’ series will run on www.msubsports.com in the weeks leading up to the online auction. “Our annual Hall of Fame and Distinction induction ceremony is one of our keystone events, and making the decision to cancel this in-person gathering this year was incredibly difficult,” Montague said. “We are looking forward to sharing some stories of some of our distinctive Hall of Fame alumni in our upcoming interview series, as well as launching our online auction the last week of February.”
For more information on the Yellowjacket Athletics Online Auction sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn, including to donate an item for the event, please contact director of development Hollie West at hollie.west@msubillings.edu.
