DILLON, Mont. — The University of Montana Western, in partnership with Premier Plumbing & Heating, has launched The Bulldog Way: Honoring #18, a new community-wide initiative celebrating leadership, character and service throughout Dillon, Beaverhead County and the surrounding area.

The program is inspired by the legacy of MJ Simkins, who wore No. 18 as a tribute to his love for his hometown and community. In that spirit, The Bulldog Way: Honoring #18 invites people of all ages to reflect on what it means to be a leader and a positive member of their schools, teams, workplaces, neighborhoods and beyond.

Participants may: — Submit artwork or writing expressing what leadership and community mean to them. — Nominate individuals who exemplify the Bulldog Way through their actions, service and dedication to others.

Each selected honoree will be recognized as the Premier Plumbing Bulldog Way Honorary Team Captain at a Montana Western home athletic event for their spirit of leadership, community pride and Bulldog excellence.

"We are so fortunate to have such incredible support from our community, and this initiative is one way we can give back by honoring the very people who make Beaverhead County such a special place," said Michael Feuling, Montana Western Athletic Director. "MJ loved this community so much, and The Bulldog Way: Honoring #18 reflects the same pride, service and leadership that he stood for."

"We're thrilled to be the very first sponsor of The Bulldog Way: Honoring #18," said Kodi Laird, service coordinator at Premier Plumbing & Heating. "Partnering with Montana Western on this program means so much to us because it's about more than sports — it's about honoring leadership, character and the pride we all share in Dillon. For Premier Plumbing & Heating, it's about giving back to the place that built us and celebrating the same values this program stands for."

Montana Western Athletics invites community members of all ages to nominate individuals by completing this online form or by submitting creative artwork or letters in person at Premier Plumbing or the Montana Western Athletic Offices in the BARC. For more information visit the Bulldog Way page.

For complete coverage of UMW Athletics, be sure to follow us on social media at @umw_bulldogs (Instagram), @UMW_Bulldogs (X), and @Montana Western Athletics (Facebook) or visit our official website at UMWBulldogs.com.

#GOBULLDOGS!