By Bill Foley

Cameron Gurnsey is not going to be wearing No. 21 like his father did at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The Butte High senior said he wants to create his own legacy when he suits up for the University of Montana football team in Missoula.

Gurnsey, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound receiver, has verbally committed to play for the Grizzlies. He made the announcement Thursday on Twitter.

“It’s almost like a dream come true,” Gurnsey said after a Butte High practice Friday morning. “I grew up watching Griz games. Now that I get to go play for them, it’s pretty special.”

Gurnsey is the son of Scott and Kelcee Gurnsey and Ryan and Keisha Stosich.

Scott Gurnsey is a Grizzly legend. He played receiver for the Grizzlies from 1991 through 1994, and he has spent more than two decades working on radio broadcasts of Grizzly games.

Now, Cameron is going to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“That was always the dream,” the younger Gurnsey said. “My dad always went to the Griz, and that’s where he wanted me to go.”

Thank you to my family, coaches, and friends for helping me get to where I am today!! I am honored to announce that I am 100% committed to the University of Montana!! 🐻🐻 #GoGriz @Coach_Hauck @GrizCoachGreen @CoachGermer @SacksGriz pic.twitter.com/tgdj70fAJC

— Cameron Gurnsey (@CameronGurnsey) August 18, 2022

Gurnsey talked to Montana State and the NAIA schools in state before deciding on the Grizzlies.

The commitment comes after Gurnsey caught 65 passes for 967 yards and six touchdowns for the Bulldogs as a junior. He averaged 107.4 yards per catch in nine games, and he led the team in receptions, yards and average.

Gurnsey went over 100 yards receiving five times, including a 158-yard performance in Butte High’s playoff game. He ranked third in yards in Montana, trailing only current Grizzly freshman Ian Finch and Polson star Colton Graham.

His stellar junior season concluded with an All-State selection at receiver.

As a sophomore, Gurnsey caught 23 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns. He led the team in receptions, yards, average and touchdowns during the COVID-shortened campaign.

Gurnsey, who is know for his hops as much as his hands, also plays basketball and runs track for the Bulldogs. Before being slowed down as a junior by an aching knee, Gurnsey was a high jumper who could clear more than 6 feet.

Last winter, Gurnsey averaged 8.8 points and 3.6 rebounds to help the Bulldogs advance to the Class AA State tournament in Billings. He also had the team’s only dunk, a high-flying dunk in traffic at the Richardson Gym.

“The knee is good,” Gurnsey said hours before the Bulldogs play their Purple and White Game at Naranche Stadium. “I’m ready to go.”

Gurnsey said he did no play receiver because his father did. He said he played running back in Little Guy Football before switching to receiver in middle school.

“I don’t know, it just kind of happened,” Gurnsey said. “It was like it was meant to be.”

The Grizzlies plan to use Gurnsey as a pass catcher, too.

“I asked them were I’d play,” Gurnsey said. “They said outside, but all the receivers know all the positions. So, they can move me in and out.”

Butte High opens the season at home next Thursday against Billings Senior. Gurnsey will go into the game and season with peace of mind knowing his major decision has been made.

“Now I can just go out, have fun and play ball,” he said.

Gurnsey said he is not sure if he will sign with the Grizzlies in December or in February.