Defensive end Clive Lowe is a winner on and off the field by Jean Arthur · MSU Communications Services When Clive Lowe fought off a block and pulled down Montana quarterback Craig Ochs late in the third quarter--Lowe's fifth sack of the season--the 20-year-old defensive end knew the Bobcats could beat the Grizzlies. The pivotal November-day play helped the 'Cats defeat the Grizzlies in the 103rd meeting of the cross-state rivals. The victory crowned Bobcats as the Co-Big Sky Conference Champions. The defensive line played a big part in stopping the Grizzlies. Lowe, a 6-foot-3-inch, 226-pound, redshirt freshman with a reputation for tackles and sacks, found his way to the quarterback. "Clive is a little light for his size, but effective," said defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. "He is strong and explosive, and uses his long arms to keep linemen away. With continued effort in the weight room and improved diet, Clive could eventually be 265 pounds." Those linemen Lowe faced on a chilly Bozeman afternoon seemed a long way from the sunny Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods where Lowe spent his childhood playing street basketball. He never knew his father, and holds only faint memories of his mother. Lowe was three years old when his mother, Santrail Lowe, left to go to the grocery store--and never returned. She was murdered. Raised by his grandmother Maggie De Lions, and cousin Jeff London, Lowe focused on sports. "I played some Pop Warner league football as a kid, but you know, they never let me on the field in games," said Lowe, smiling at the irony. His cousin, London, helped him develop a love of sports and encouraged Lowe to play football as well as succeed academically. As a high school freshman, Lowe made the JV football team. As an MSU redshirt freshman, he gained understanding of the playbook and gained some of the bulk he needed--30 pounds--on "Gran's sweet potato pie" and fast-food fries. He also accrued an understanding of a rivalry that crosses the Continental Divide, checkerboards neighborhoods and intermingles with Montana politics. "I've never played in a game that big," he said of the 'Cat/Griz match. "The energy in the stadium was bigger than both teams. The crowd's energy was wonderful. When we won, the fans came on the field and grabbed us and hugged us." Memorable for Lowe, and the moment when he knew a win was within a 'Cat's claw reach, was when he dragged the quarterback to the grass and prevented a Grizzly first down. His tackle for a loss in the fourth quarter stopped the opposition's march and shored up a Big Sky Co-Championship. Lowe is a doer rather than a watcher. His inner strength comes from his love of his family and church. He doesn't get "pumped up" for games. Instead, his "self talk" visualizes plays, recognizes his own abilities and primes him to "give the hits rather than take the hits." He doesn't watch television sports because "they're boring." He does, however, acknowledge that it's the team's leaders who influence his play: seniors Jon Montoya, Adam Cordeiro and junior Ray Sebestyen. "Clive is an impressive athlete," said defensive end and team captain, Jon Montoya. "His speed and quickness are why he is successful on the field. Clive and others in the defensive squad, Travis Nellermoe and Ryan Cogley, have always found a way to the quarterback." Most important for Lowe, is his grandmother. The first place he lands during college breaks is at Gran's--and not just for the home cooking. Next for Lowe is a visit with his cousin, London, whom Lowe calls "Pops." Lastly, Lowe spends time working at the Boys and Girls Club where he spent many afternoons as a teen. "I like to give a little bit back to the Boys and Girls Club, so I work as Game Room staff," said Lowe. "The kids ask if I'm starting (in games). I like to talk to them about staying in school, doing well. I don't lecture them, and they catch on." Lowe catches on too. He recently switched majors to education. He stays fit. He intends to add strength and weight thanks to Grans and her sweet potato pie. Photo Credit: MSU Athletics File Photo