If there's a big lovable bear brave enough to plant a big ol' smooch on pop star Paula Abdul, it's the University of Montana's furry friend, Monte.

But wait! There's way more to rah, rah, rah about.

The University of Montana's Cheer Squad - with mascot in tow - was one of five teams nationwide selected for a new reality TV show featuring collegiate cheerleading and hosted by the "American Idol" judge.

The 90-minute show "RAH! Paula Abdul's Cheerleading Bowl" was filmed in November at the New Balance Track and Field Center in New York City. It debuts on national television on Saturday at 10 a.m. MST.

A promotional trailer on YouTube shows Montana was one of the two finalists in a competition among five teams - including the University of Arizona, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Miami at Ohio and the University of Hawaii - but it's still hush-hush as to which squad walked away with the crown and prizes that include a featured spot in American Cheerleading Magazine and a trip to MTV Spring Break 2009.

Even receiving an invitation to New York City to participate in the show was a fairy tale for these UM athletes. After all, they're not a competition squad. And it's no secret that cheerleading is more popular in other parts of the country.

"We're from Podunk, Montana," said 22-year-old Kelsey Poore, a senior cheerleader from Helena. "Things like this don't happen to people like us."

Until now, that is. One thing Montana has is spirit. Griz spirit. Lots of it.

"They wanted to capture real college cheerleading," said Stacey Farnes, head coach for the UM Cheer Squad. "Maybe not the top-level schools, but the ones who focus on cheering for their school."

The squad learned they were New York-bound the day of the Grizzlies' home football game against Sacramento State.

"They freaked out," Farnes said.

So began a hectic and stressful two weeks. On top of school and cheering at volleyball, football and basketball games, as well as part-time jobs, members of the squad began preparing for the competition, which involved choreographing three new routines full of stunts far more difficult than they typically attempt.

"I literally, for two weeks, had to make a list every day of when I had to do my laundry and wash the dishes," Poore said. "I had an hour-by-hour schedule for two weeks. I don't know how I did it."

The wild schedule didn't slow down once the team landed in New York, either. From sunup to sundown, for two days straight, these cheerleaders tumbled and twirled, cheered and chanted in front of a live audience. Griz fans and family in the area were invited to attend.

Meeting Abdul was a highlight for many. Allison Pringle, a senior captain of the UM squad, describes her as "personable" and moving with an entourage of six or seven assistants at all times. Abdul, a former L.A. Lakers Girl, would mingle with each team, giving pointers and suggestions.

Like many women, Abdul developed a crush on UM's mascot, and at one point even said, "Grab my ass, Monte," Poore recalls, chuckling.

Monte, of course, flirted back, and at one point bent the Hollywood star back, giving her a big wet kiss. In hindsight, maybe it was a little too forward, Monte said on Tuesday. But then again, what do you expect from UM's friendly critter?

"I just bent her down and gave her hell," he said.

The Montana students were in awe of the entire production. The lights. How the camera angles make the basket tosses look bigger and better. Anticipation built as the elimination portions of the show dragged on to ensure correct lighting. At one point Monte asked someone for a vitamin drink, and received a choice of eight different flavors.

"It makes you feel kind of Hollywood," he said.

The only sightseeing happened at the end of competition on the eve before the squad returned to Montana.

At 1 a.m. in Times Square, UM cheerleaders took to the streets doing exactly what cheerleaders do. Stunts.

"We like to take random stunting pictures," Pringle said. "You can't get a better backdrop than that."

The team is really tight, said Pringle, which made "it feel more like a family vacation than a cheer trip."

Though the cheerleaders won't reveal who won the competition, they are confident they represented Montana well. They did their best. They achieved higher goals than they thought possible. And now, they have more confidence then they did before.

"Our final routine, that made everything worth it," said Monte.

Even though he watched from the sidelines, he was proud of the hard work the squad put forth at the very end despite fatigue. "We kept messing it up (in rehearsal), but when we got in there, everything was perfect. When we got done, everyone just went nuts."

Reporter Chelsi Moy can be reached at 523-5260 or at chelsi.moy@missoulian.com.