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MISSOULA - University of Montana quarterback Andrew Selle will be lost for the season, as he suffered an unfortunate career-ending injury late in the second quarter in last Saturday's 28-25 Homecoming victory over Sacramento State, announced a dejected UM Head Coach Robin Pflugrad Monday. The Griz aren't revealing details of Selle's shoulder injury.

The 6-2, 211-pound senior began the 2010 season as one of the most prolific offensive returnees in the Football Championship Subdivision, and was a candidate for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the outstanding offensive player in the division.

"It is a really a sad day and the news was hard to take," Pflugrad said. "Our staff really relies on Andrew for many things on and off the football field. He is more than a football player, more than a student-athlete, and more than our team captain. He's everything rolled into one.

"He is what Grizzly football is all about and I believe he is what The University of Montana is all about," Pflugrad said. "It's a big loss and a tough deal for our team, and I know our players are taking the news very hard. He is our inspirational leader and he was our summer leader.

"He put the team on his back last year; him and a few seniors who are no longer here, and won 14 games in a row,"Pflugrad continued.

"Not many people in America can say they won 14 football games in their college career, let alone in one year; so I am very sad about the situation."

The product of Billings (Billings West High School) ended his outstanding four-year career at Montana with a record of 14-3 as a starter.
He is ranked 10th in school history in career passing yards (4,131) and in total offense (4,217 yards). His 38 career touchdown passes rank him ninth (tied with Marty Mornhinweg) all-time at Montana.

He was a team captain and started all four games this season for the 11th/12th-ranked Grizzlies. He completed 41-of-77-5 passes for 599 yards and five touchdowns this year.

"It's a tough deal, and any time a career is ended short - much shorter than you expected; it's very difficult to deal with emotionally," said Selle as he watched his teammates practice in Washington-Grizzly Stadium this afternoon. "It's still early on and maybe it hasn't quite hit me yet.

"I had a little talk with the team here before practice and just reiterated to them how excited that I still am about our team, and how excited I am to be a part of the team and that I'll be out there for them," Selle said. "Though I can't play on the field on Saturdays I'll be right there with them and help out on the sideline, and try to be coach out there and help out with the team every way I can."

He had a prolific junior season, going 224-of-356-6 for 3,043 yards and 28 touchdowns. A year ago he led the Big Sky Conference and was ranked fourth in the FCS in passing efficiency (157.31). He was 12-1 as a starter last season for the second-ranked Griz.

Last season the Grizzlies went 14-1 overall and advanced to the FCS championship game, losing 23-21 to Villanova. Selle passed for a career-high 351 yards in that title game.

Selle had a few thoughts when asked about some of his fondest moments in a Griz uniform.

"Obviously the first time you get in the game and the first time you throw for a touchdown is always exciting," Selle said. "Our playoff run that we had last year. The incredible comeback against South Dakota State, the big win against Stephen F. Austin, and then that night game with Appalachian State. Those are memories that will stick with me forever.

"Playing in two national championship games, even though we kind of came out on the losing end of both of them are great experiences that I know I will remember forever."

Selle is also an outstanding student and an Academic All-American candidate, maintaining a 3.79 GPA. He earned his B.A. degree in math last semester and is now pursuing a graduate degree in education/mathematics.