For three decades, the name of Dave Coppock was fundamentally linked to cross-country and track and field programs at Montana State University Billings. Now, thanks to a financial gift from Dave and wife, Renee, the Coppock name will be forever linked to future success of MSU Billings student-athletes.

The Montana State University Billings Foundation & Alumni together with the Yellowjacket Athletic Association, announced this week a groundbreaking $50,000 gift from the former head cross-country and track and field coach and his wife. This contribution will – once finally endowed – establish the Dave & Renee Coppock Track and Field/Cross-Country Endowed Scholarship, a significant milestone for the athletic program at MSUB.

For over 30 years, the Coppock family has been instrumental supporters of the track and field/cross-country programs. During his time as head coach, Dave mentored and inspired countless student-athletes, while Renee made invaluable contributions by hosting numerous pre-season training camps at their cabin. Renee is also the board president of the Montana Women's Run, an organization whose annual race has raised money for a myriad of women's health, sports and community entities, including the MSU Billings cross-country program.  

Through this new endowed scholarship at the MSU Billings Foundation, the Coppocks aim to alleviate financial burdens for student-athletes, empowering them to excel both academically and athletically at MSU Billings. This donation is the largest single gift ever made to the track and field or cross-country program and marks the establishment of its first dedicated scholarship. 

The Coppocks' gift not only provides immediate support but also aims to inspire alumni and others to join the effort, ensuring long-term financial stability. To achieve that goal, the Coppocks are issuing a challenge to the track and field/cross- country community. Alumni, fans, and supporters are invited to contribute funds to match the $50,000 gift, aiming to bring the endowment total to $100,000. Reaching this goal would significantly enhance the scholarship's impact, providing increased financial assistance to student-athletes for years to come.

Once fully endowed at the $50,000 level, the scholarship will generate two $1,000 awards annually for track and field and cross-country student-athletes who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If the endowment reaches $100,000, it will generate four $1,000 awards each year.

"We are profoundly grateful to Dave and Renee for their exceptional commitment to MSUB and Yellowjacket Athletics," said Nick Schmidt, director of annual giving and athletic advancement at the MSU Billings Foundation. "Their generosity directly supports our student-athletes and brings us closer to bridging the funding gap essential for sustaining and growing our track and field/cross-country programs. With this challenge, they are fostering a spirit of community that can create lasting change."

To contribute to the Dave & Renee Coppock Track and Field/Cross-Country Endowed Scholarship and help meet the $100,000 challenge, you can CLICK HERE.

For more information about this endowment or other ways to support Yellowjacket Athletics, contact Nick Schmidt at (406) 657-2253 or nick.schmidt@msubfoundation.com.