APRIL 2020
C O M P L I M E N TA RY
CONTENTS
16
COVER STORY 16
THE STRENGTH OF THE HERD
04/2020
52
60
FEATURES 52
BISON SHOTS
RECURRING
See some more recent NDSU athletic accomplishments in these photos.
06 Editor’s Note 60 Team Makers 63 Swany Says
The 2019-20 athletic year did not end the way anyone wanted it to. Seasons and careers were cut short due to a global crisis. While it is an incredibly hard pill to swallow and overcome for NDSU studentathletes, coaches, administration and fans, we want to try and remain positive at Bison Illustrated. The past few years have brought wonders on and off the field of competition that no one ever thought possible. The coming years are sure to provide more incredible moments at NDSU too. We recall some of our fondest memories in hopes that it will give you a smile during this tough time. Together, the Herd is strong and regardless of circumstance, it is together that the Bison will forge ahead.
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nolan@spotlightmediafargo.com
FROM THE EDITOR ended their season without the opportunity to regain the conference crown. It all just ended, over a three day period in March.
Fathoming The Unfathomable
T
FROM NOLAN P. SCHMIDT
The last few weeks have been tough. For North Dakota State athletics, its student-athletes, coaches and administration, “tough” may be an understatement. As someone who writes words for a living, “tough” is the best word I can come up with. When I think about the last few weeks, I am oftentimes at a loss for words, truthfully. I still have yet to process it all. And I’m not even a studentathlete or coach at North Dakota State. I am just a guy who gets a front-row seat to see the fruits of hard labor play out in the field of competition. What I and so many do not see, is how much work student-athletes, coaches and administration put in away from the floor. They are in the gym before practice, getting extra reps in the weight room, writing game notes, balancing budgets, creating marketing campaigns and fulfilling academic goals off the floor. That is a small sampling of the things that go into North Dakota State’s athletic success. No one outside of 6
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the athletic department will truly know the scope and hard work it takes to be as successful as NDSU is. When the NCAA and Summit League decided to cancel championship and regular-season competition for the remainder of the winter and spring seasons, it floored many. The reasoning was sound, given the current state of affairs going on in our country and abroad. However, it left North Dakota State athletics and the community that supports them in utter shock. There would no longer be an NCAA Tournament appearance for the Bison men’s basketball team. Roger Kish and his wrestlers would not be able to compete on their home turf at the national tournament in Minneapolis. Bison track & field athletes would not be able to battle for national titles. NDSU softball was unable to add to their dominating Summit League streak. Bison baseball could no longer continue their quest to the top of the conference standings. Golf
As I attempted to process all of this, I could only think of the seniors. Knowing that student-athletes like Tyson Ward, Vinnie Shahid, Maddy Nilles, Cam Sykora, Andrew Fogarty, Madyson Camacho, Bennett Hostetler, Camryn Roadley, Andrew Israelson and so many others would not get to play their full season, tore me to shreds, honestly. When you see even a sliver of the work these kids put in, you would feel the same way. That led to a difficult decision for me as editor of this magazine. I battled with myself for days on end as to whether we should run this magazine or not. On the one hand, I felt photographing and interviewing studentathletes about their success felt wrong. These studentathletes are upset, sad and angry as some of them grieve the end of their athletic careers. As a magazine that promotes the positives, I felt it was disingenuous given that this is such a negative situation. It did not feel fair to the student-athletes to publish this magazine, and I always have their best interest at heart first and foremost. However, we could use this issue as a platform to honor those student-athletes in some way. They no doubt deserve the recognition considering how much time and effort they have put into North Dakota State. The main battle for me was to try and make it appropriate for the situation with the correct
tone. Obviously, that was easier said than done. The result for us is something that I believe promotes positivity for these student-athletes, coaches, administration and fans. It’s a collection of moments and memories that will forever be etched in North Dakota State’s history. These student-athletes who had their seasons and careers cut short have their own place in NDSU history. Just because their season was ended abruptly does not mean what they did before is invalid. All of it is valid and it all matters. This collection of photos is an homage to student-athletes, coaches and programs of the last decade. The past decade has brought tremendous highs to North Dakota State. One low (and it is a low) cannot overwrite that and it cannot deter from the future ahead. We have to keep that in mind no matter how close to rock bottom we may get. Bison pride is what makes NDSU athletics successful year after year. That pride will never waver regardless of circumstances. Thank you to all those student-athletes, coaches and administration. Your hard work and dedication mean more than you may ever know. Never forget that and never forget what you accomplished in 2019-20 and throughout your respective careers. While you may be hurting now, I promise there are brighter days ahead. Create your own future...
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Bison Pride Stands Tall
a
As I write this note I am sitting in my home quarantined and brainstorming ways to keep our business strong through all of this adversity. I had to make a decision whether or not to run this issue or not. It was a tough decision. We met and discussed that if we did run this, how could we ensure that it was tasteful. I started thinking about it and I thought we should run an issue that celebrates the fact that Bison do not give up when there is adversity. We find a way to keep our heads up, and focus on the positive things in life. Nolan and I discussed the idea of putting out an issue that celebrates our culture at NDSU and reflects on the positives from the past so we can stay motivated for the future. We thought it would still be nice for our diehard fans to receive
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another issue while they are stuck at home. They would then be able to browse through some of the great memories. We appreciate every one of you athletes who had their careers cut short. Luckily, the NCAA decided to bring some resolutions that change that. I know as a Bison myself that none of you would have wanted us to not run this issue. That would simply be giving in to the adversity. This is our ninth year of Bison Illustrated and I want to take a second to give thanks to everyone who has helped us publish this magazine. Thank you to our advertisers for helping us keep the lights on.
Thank you to the athletic department for your collaboration and support. Thank you to the student-athletes for your attitudes and gratefulness to the fans and community. Also, thank you for your willingness to have some fun with us in the magazine. Thank you to our team at Spotlight for your dedication to quality design and content. Thank you to Nolan, our editor, for his inspiring passion and commitment to telling NDSU’s athletic story each issue. Thank you to President Bresciani for believing in us when we want to try something different. Thank you to the coaches and supporting staff in athletics, and finally a big thank you to our
drago@spotlightmediafargo.com
community and Bison Nation. What an amazing unit! We will get through this together. Nothing a little Bison Pride can’t handle! See you all in September for the next issue! See you in Oregon,
Mike Dragosavich Mike Dragosavich Publisher/Founder
APRIL 2020 | VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4 Bison Illustrated is a free publication distributed monthly (8 times a year). Our mission is to help promote North Dakota State University Athletics, provide a quality and fun reading experience and to improve the way of life in our community. The publication is mailed to homes across the US and has newsstand distribution throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.
Publisher Mike Dragosavich Drago@SpotlightMediaFargo.com EDITORIAL Editorial Director Alexandra Martin Alexandra@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Editor Nolan P. Schmidt Graphic Designer Kim Cowles Photographer Kayleigh Omang Photography@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Contributors Josh Swanson INTERACTIVE Business Development Manager Nick Schommer nickschommer@spotlightmediafargo.com Inbound Marketing Specialist Kirsten Lund Videographer Tommy Uhlir , Laura Alexander Executive Sales Assistant Kellen Feeney Graphic Designer Ben Buchanan ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Sales Executives Zach Olson Zach@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Matt Becker Matt@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Client Relations Jenny Johnson clientrelations@spotlightmediafargo.com Marketing Designer Christy German ADMINISTRATION VP of Human Resources Colleen Dreyer Account Strategist Cassie Wiste Controller Jay Borland DISTRIBUTION Delivery Bruce Crummy, John Stuber, Craig Sheets
FOR ADVERTISING, CALL 701-478-SPOT (7768) or email info@spotlightmediafargo.com Bison Illustrated is published by Spotlight Media, LLC. Copyright 2020 Bison Illustrated & bisonillustrated.com All rights reserved. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Bison Illustrated. Bison Illustrated and Spotlight Media, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. Spotlight Media, LLC accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers. Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight Media LLC. 15 Broadway N, Suite 500 Fargo, ND 58102 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com
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Spring cleaning means giving your home a much-needed refresher, complete with sanitizing products, vacuums and mops. But this month, we are thinking of spring cleaning in a different way: we are thinking about clean-living as a whole. Trending globally are discussions of how to be more eco-conscious and energyefficient, so this month, we dove into how we’ve seen these practices enacted in our region. From decorating with reclaimed goods to constructing with sustainable materials, we took a look at the variety of ways you can incorporate clean living into your space.
From crafting construction paper hearts and posting them in our windows to picking up a new hobby we “never had time for” before, creation abounds behind our closed doors right now. Come with us as we meet four local makers and see how their creations are brightening the Fargo-Moorhead community. In these unprecedented times, support your local doers and makers if you can and, who knows, maybe you’ll even be inspired to start your own line of creations.
After three full years in office, Governor Doug Burgum has a lot to say about business in North Dakota. Our Owner Mike Dragosavich sat down with the Governor and successful entrepreneur to learn more about what is going on at the state level that directly affects our region’s small businesses.
From
spotlight... This March was the 10-year anniversary of Spotlight.
While it’s hard to believe we have been creating magazines and other highlevel marketing tools for our community, it came with a certain amount of bittersweetness. Rather than celebrating our company’s accomplishments over the past decade, we were battening down the hatches to prepare for a battle we have never seen before. Other businesses in the Fargo-Moorhead area were preparing for the same battle along with us. For the first time in our history, our magazines were in jeopardy. In truthfulness, our entire company was in jeopardy. The COVID-19 scare had us leaving our office in Downtown Fargo and our entire staff quarantining themselves while working remotely. With no foreseeable solution in sight, it left many of us questioning if there would be a Spotlight on the other side of this mountain. It was easy for us to adopt a negative mindset in the face of almost insurmountable adversity. And then we remembered what our company was founded upon. A positive and inclusive approach to our community. We have always prided ourselves on focusing on the positive things in our community. Whether that be through the people (Fargo Monthly), the businesses (Fargo INC!), the places (Design & Living),
our state’s foundation (Future Farmer) or our favorite team (Bison Illustrated), our publications have never had a shred of negativity within them. So why would we start now? We as a community (and as a company) have faced hardships before, so why would we fold now? We’re here to say that we’re here to stay, regardless of circumstance. We’ve been supporting this community for 10 years and there is no reason to stop anytime soon. Spotlight is also here to say thank you to those who have come alongside us and supported us through everything. Without the community reciprocating their support, we are nothing. To our advertisers: In the face of hard times, you have continued to place your trust in us in spreading your word around town. Not only does this help us sustain our company at its most basic level, but we also take great pride in making sure you are reaching the outcomes you desire. Thank you for placing that trust in our hands. To our readers: A free publication is not always free, especially on our end. Your fervor for our content continues to be the backbone of our magazines. Our content means nothing when it is falling on deaf ears. Luckily, you have made that
an impossibility. Thank you for letting us share our love for Fargo-Moorhead with you. To North Dakota State University Athletics: It takes a lot of confidence to place trust in a rag-tag crew like us. The fact that you have allowed us to be a positive voice for the university and its athletics programs continues to be one of our company’s greatest blessings. Your willingness to team up with us and create Bison Illustrated is truly an honor and we all appreciate your eagerness to help us at every turn. Thank you for your continued backing of our magazine and what we do. To Bison Nation: Without you, there is no Bison Illustrated. Your ongoing love and support for Bison athletics continue to blow us away. We know this season did not end the way anyone would have liked and we feel the same amount of sadness as you in that manner. We hope that you continue to pick up our magazine when you see it and we hope it gives you a glimmer of hope and positivity in what is to come. Thank you for being our rock. Thank you, Fargo-Moorhead. From us to you, remain strong, remain tall and we will all forge ahead together. Stay #FargoForged,
The Spotlight Team
M E D I A • INTERAC TIV E • STUDIO 14
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REIMAGINED. REVITALIZED. RENOWNED.
2101 North River Drive, Moorhead, Minnesota
218.236.0100 | moorheadcountryclub.com #LOVEMYMCC
The
Strength Of The Herd Richard Carlson/Inertia
The 2019-20 athletic year did not end the way anyone wanted it to. Seasons and careers were cut short due to a global crisis. While it is an incredibly hard pill to swallow and overcome for NDSU studentathletes, coaches, administration and fans, we want to try and remain positive at Bison Illustrated. The past few years have brought wonders on and off the field of competition that no one ever thought possible. The coming years are sure to provide more incredible moments at NDSU too. We recall some of our fondest memories in hopes that it will give you a smile during this tough time. Together, the Herd is strong and regardless of circumstance, it is together that the Bison will forge ahead. 16
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Trey Lance looks downfield against Butler this season. Bruce Crummy
The
Games 18
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The Bison football team played their first regularseason game at Target Field in Minneapolis. Bruce Crummy
Head coach Matt Entz embraces his wife Brenda following NDSU’s semifinal win over Montana State. Hillary Ehlen 19
Senior Vinnie Shahid goes through his pregame routine before a Summit League Tournament game against Denver. Miranda Sampson/Inertia
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Forward Mariah Haberle looks to find an open teammate. Nolan P. Schmidt
True freshman Kelley Johnson was a vital setter for Jen Lopez and Bison volleyball in 2019. Nolan P. Schmidt
the Games 21
Shortstop Bennett Hostetler fields a routine grounder against Western Illinois. Nolan P. Schmidt
One of the brightest young talents, Max Loven is one of the Summit League’s best pitchers. Nolan P. Schmidt
the Games 22
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Emily Dietz shoots a mid-range shot against Northern Illinois. Nolan P. Schmidt
McGwire Midkiff looks for a takedown. Nolan P. Schmidt
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Bruce Crummy
The
victories 24
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NDSU celebrates in Frisco in January 2019. J. Alan Paul Photography
Big 12 Champ Cam Sykora takes the win against Utah Valley. Nolan P. Schmidt
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2018 Summit League women’s golf champions. Steven Branscombe
2018 Summit League men’s golf champions. The Summit League
the victories 27
2019 Summit League softball champions. Nolan P. Schmidt
the victories 28
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Trey Lance celebrating in Frisco. Bruce Crummy
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Bison football visits Washington D.C. US Senate Photographic Studio
Thememories andmoments 30
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Soy foods have a powerful nutritional profile. High levels of healthy protein and fiber | Essential vitamins and isoflavones | Gluten-free Excellent source of B vitamins, iron and phosphorus | Low in sodium and fat Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas With Edamame Salsa INGREDIENTS Quesadillas 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 cup chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 (8 ¾-ounce) can corn kernels, drained 2 cups shredded cooked chicken 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican four-cheese blend ¼ tsp. salt 6 7-8 inch flour Tortillas Salsa 2 cups frozen shelled edamame, divided 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered ¼ cup finely chopped red onion 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro ½ tsp. salt
METHOD Quesadillas Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally to soften, 2-3 minutes. Add corn and ½ cup edamame, cook 2 minutes longer.
Salsa Bring 2 quarts of lightly salted water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add edamame, return to a boil and cook until tender, 6-7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water and drain again. Transfer 1- ½ cups edamame (reserving ½ cup to add to chicken and cheese mixture) to a bowl and stir in the tomatoes, onion, lime juice, cilantro and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Transfer to a bowl and stir in chicken, cheese and salt. Mix well. Spread the lower half of each tortilla with ½ cup of the chicken mixture.
Yields 6 (7-8 inch) quesadillas.
Fold the top half of the tortilla over the filling to form a semi-circle. Repeat with remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
Nutritional analysis per serving: 486 Calories, 31 g Protein, 43 g Carbohydrates, 7 g Fiber, 22 g Fat, 9 g Saturated Fat
Wipe skillet with a paper towel and return to stove, medium heat. Add the quesadillas 2 at a time and cook 3-4 minutes per side or until lightly golden and hot. Divide among 6 plates and top each with ½ cup of the edamame salad.
www.ndsoybean.com
For free recipes and more information on soy foods, visit www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com or www.soyconnection.com
The Bison meet President Trump. Shealah Craighead
The Tyson Ward pose Dave Eggen/Inertia
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Perhaps the best male student-athlete in NDSU history, Payton Otterdahl captured two national titles in his senior season. Courtesy Of NDSU Athletics
Everybody up for the kickoff. J. Alan Paul Photography
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Sammy hoops. Zachary Hanby
Hi mom! Hillary Ehlen
Thememories andmoments
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Paige Vargas, official legend. Nolan P. Schmidt
Thememories andmoments 36
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2018 Summit League women’s indoor champions. The Bison women successfully defended their crown in 2019 as well. The Summit League
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For the second consecutive season, Vinnie Shahid was named the MVP of the Summit League Tournament. Dave Eggen/Inertia
Senior Elyse Huber led the Bison soccer team in goals in 2019. Nolan P. Schmidt
best of 2019-20
Alex Talley was an indoor All-American in the weight throw in 2019. Richard Svaleson
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Alexis Bachmeier led the Bison volleyball team in kills for the second consecutive season in 2019. Nolan P. Schmidt
cam Sykora became NDSU’s first Big 12 Champion this season. Brett Rojo
Junior Rocky Kreuser was a vital piece to NDSU’s 25-8 overall record in 2019-20. Nolan P. Schmidt
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best of 2019-20
The Journey. J. Alan Paul Photography
best of bison illustrated
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GOAT J. Alan Paul Photography 43
One of the best, Andrew Fogarty Hillary Ehlen
best of bison illustrated
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Need a new lid?
HAS HEAD COVERED YourYOUR online store for NDSU Bison gear.
Alexis Bachmeier rises for a kill. Hillary Ehlen
best of bison illustrated
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Akealy Moton was an indoor All-American in 2019. Hillary Ehlen
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Kelle’Mon Hinton takes flight.� Hillary Ehlen
best of bison illustrated 49
Melissa Erdmann, FNP Jaeda Ertelt FNP
Sarah Baker, FNP
bisonshots
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enior Rylee Nudell grabs a rebound in North Dakota State’s Summit League quarterfinal game against Denver. The sixth-seeded Bison women had not won a conference tournament game in 11 years heading into this year’s postseason. They changed that streak in this game, beating the Pioneers 72-68 in Sioux Falls. Nudell finished the game with 12 points and 12 rebounds. All of her points were scored at the free-throw line. The win cemented NDSU as a program on the rise with Jory Collins at the helm. Photo by Richard Carlson/Inertia
Want to contribute? Email your best photos to: nolan@spotlightmediafargo.com 52
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edshirt senior 133 pounder Cam Sykora has his hand raised following this Big 12 Championship match. Sykora became North Dakota State’s first Big 12 champion following a 5-4 victory over Northern Colorado’s Mosha Schwartz. Sykora finished his career in style with a 17-4 overall record including two major decisions and a whopping seven technical falls.
Photo by Brett Rojo/Big 12 Conference
Want to contribute? Email your best photos to: nolan@spotlightmediafargo.com
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eniors Vinnie Shahid, Tyson Ward and Jared Samuelson all celebrate as the clock strikes zero on their dominating victory over North Dakota in the Summit League Tournament championship. It was North Dakota State’s second straight conference tournament victory and fourth in seven seasons. In this game, NDSU was led by Shahid and Ward, who combined to score 48 of NDSU’s 89 points. Photo by Dave Eggen/Inertia
Want to contribute? Email your best photos to: nolan@spotlightmediafargo.com
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bisonshots
H
ead coach Dave Richman holds the Summit League Tournament trophy high following the Bison victory. Throughout his career as head coach, Richman is an astounding 12-3 in the Summit League Tournament which includes three conference tournament titles. The Bison topped another 20win season in 2019-20, going 25-8 on the year.
Photo by Richard Carlson/Inertia
Want to contribute? Email your best photos to: nolan@spotlightmediafargo.com
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TEAM MAKERS
Get Your Football Season Tickets Now Hillary Ehlen
North Dakota State is pleased to open even more seats for season tickets. In 2020, sections 13, 14 and 15, rows AA-KK inside the Fargodome will be available for season ticket purchase. If you plan on requesting new season tickets or relocating your current seats, your request must be received by April 30.
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Team Makers, here is what you need to know: • Seats will be allocated based on priority points and requests will be ranked by the May 1st point totals. • If two or more accounts request to be seated together, the request will be ranked by the account with the lowest point total. • You will receive notification by July 15th regarding the status of your request.
• No changes will be made to the account without consent from the account holder. • Credit card payment will be due upon completion of your seat selection. • Any season tickets added to an account are the responsibility of the account holder. All season tickets are subject to the current NDSU Athletics seat transfer policy.
2020 Home Football Schedule September 12 vs Drake September 19 vs North Carolina A&T October 3 vs Illinois State (Homecoming) October 17 vs South Dakota State October 24 vs Youngstown State November 14 vs North Dakota
See the map below for pricing and sections available.
Make sure to submit your ticket requests by April 30. Ticket requests can be found at GoBison.com
SWANY SAYS Keeping Perspective, Holding On To Hope ncertainty can be terrifying. So, too, are today’s headlines. The dangers posed by COVID-19 hangs ominously above our heads like the sword of Damocles, suspended ever so precariously in the balance by a thread. We ask, when will life be back to “normal,” where we can gather in large groups for a barbeque, or offer praise at church. Where offices, retail stores, bars and restaurants reopen, and millions of Americans aren’t worrying about the next paycheck, or the paycheck after that, wondering in those silent moments at night, after the kids go to sleep, if they’ll be laid off.
U
struck the World Trade Center on that day none will ever forget. A month later, on October 30, 2001, I remember the pride in our resiliency when President George W. Bush strode to the mound at Yankee Stadium, wearing a New York Fire Department jacket, and tossed a strike. A simple pitch, but a monumental gesture sheared into our consciousness. Fans chanted, “USA, USA, USA,” and you knew, you just KNEW, that America was stronger than ever.
Many questions swirl from healthcare benefits to the safety of our families. It’s a daily deluge of really hard news.
Determined tears trickled down my cheeks that night, knowing that as a country, to borrow a line from John F. Kennedy’s famous inaugural address – where he implored us to, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” – we would “bear any burden, meet any hardship, [and] support any friend … .” We’ve seen that spirit alive in our neighborhoods and communities during these trying times.
In other times, even in a national crisis like 9/11, sports were a diversion. It was an escape, a way to decompress, recharge the battery and hope. Sports draw us together as a community like few other things. I was a sophomore at North Dakota State, sitting in a Western Civilization class taught by Professor Gerald Anderson, when the first plane
Whether it is hearts filling windows of our homes, chalk messages decorating sidewalks, the kindness of strangers delivering meals and groceries to shutins, or, most importantly, the heroics of our frontline healthcare providers marching undaunted to hell’s doorstep to confront this new enemy to save a stranger’s grandpa, treat a neighbor’s
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BY JOSHUA A. SWANSON *Swanson is a native of Maddock, N.D., a proud NDSU alum and a lifelong Bison fan.
sister or heal someone else’s mom. They are bearing any burden, meeting any hardship, and supporting any friend. These acts show that what unites us is far, far stronger than anything that could ever divide us. One of those uniting forces is sports, and in particular, for readers of this magazine, North Dakota State sports. The talk now is whether there will be a college football season. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit made headlines in late March for telling a truth hard for many of us to accept, stating, “I’ll be shocked if we have NFL football this fall if we have college football. I’ll be so surprised if that happens.” That’s difficult to digest. Herbstreit, of course, like the rest of us, wishes the last few months living with COVID-19 were a nightmare that would simply wash over like a bad dream. Whether you cheer for NDSU, South Dakota State, Ohio State, Michigan, the Yankees or Minnesota Twins, we all want sports back. We need sports. Not just major league or college sports, but youth sports, the teeball and little league games, the heroes competing in the Special Olympics – where, for generations, our kids have learned about teamwork, accountability, discipline and hard work. And just having some plain old fun and laughter. We need sports for the same reason, as a country, we needed it in the wake of 9/11. To come together as a community. To high five or hug a total stranger because of a Bison touchdown, or Twins home run; to hear our national anthem and see the stars and stripes waving in her glory. We need sports because it
creates friendships and cements bonds. I sit with my parents at every Bison home football game. I’ve been going to Bison games with my parents, grandparents, siblings and friends since 1990. The prospect of not having something that’s been such a huge part of our lives for literally decades is difficult. The question, though, isn’t if sports will be back. Sports will be back. During World War II, much of the sports world took a necessary pause to contribute to the arsenal of democracy and save civilization from the existential threat marching across Europe and the Pacific theaters. So, too, we lived without March Madness. We might miss the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup, maybe even the World Series and NDSU’s muchanticipated season opener against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. We’ll cope, we’ll adjust and most importantly, we’ll survive. When sports do come back and we can exhale, Lord Almighty, we’ll have ourselves a tailgate party for the books. For the time being, it’s important to keep perspective. It’s important to find hope, share a smile, to call a grandparent or friend to just say, “Hey, have you seen that Tiger King show yet, what’s up with that?” or, “Are you reading anything good right now?” I was driving to work earlier today, to pick up some files, when I saw a post on the #1 NDSU Bison Fans Facebook page by Bill Wetzsteon. Talk about perspective and brightening someone else’s day. Bill’s post made me smile, the big ear-to-ear smile where you know that we’ll get through this. Bill beautifully wrote about his role model, his son, Colin. I don’t know Bill, but I hope that in the near future I can meet
Miranda Sampson/Inertia
him and Colin at a Bison game. He starts by telling readers about Colin. “My son, Colin, is my role model. At birth, he weighed 2 pounds and 4 ounces. Twenty-four hours later he weighed just 2 pounds and underwent heart surgery. His heart was the size of a thimble. This unfair start in life was compounded when he was suckerpunched by a coward called cerebral palsy…Colin is now 22…After all the years of hardship, Colin has endured, he wakes up with a smile and goes to bed with a smile. He laughs heartily several times a day.” Bill goes on to talk about Colin’s love for Bison football. The post will warm your heart, and bring a tear of joy to your eye. “I would trade any tickets from the Super Bowl to World Series for one Bison game in the Dome. (Colin would hold out for tickets in Frisco). I have never been to a Bison game without Colin and never will.” I don’t know if Bill and Colin have been to Frisco, Bison Nation, but that’s our mission after this COVID-19 thing passes if they haven’t. The love Bill and Colin have for one another, and the love they share for Bison football is a reason for hope. It’s the reason for perspective. The Strength of the Bison is the Herd. I wish you, your loved ones, your friends and all of Bison Nation Godspeed and the best while we get through. We will get through this, and one day, sports will be back again. When they are, we’ll welcome them back with the openest of arms and the fullest of hearts.
Though some of your careers were abruptly cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, never forget the immeasurable impact you have had on North Dakota State. Not only that, never underestimate the influence you've had on this community, future student-athletes, coaches and everyone who considers themselves a member of Bison Nation. We thank you.
Baseball Carter Thompson Parker Harm Bennett Hostetler Tucker Rohde Blake Tritch Kyle Ferderer Jake Malec Nick Emanuel Alec Holcomb
Men’s Basketball Tyson Ward Vinnie Shahid Chris Quayle Jared Samuelson
Men’s Golf Andrew Israelson
Men’s Track & Field Tim Heikkila Michael Keogan Ben Klimpke Evan Kottsick Connor Schank Elliott Stone Guillaume Viault
Wrestling Cam Sykora Andrew Fogarty Cordell Eaton Dan Stibral Lorenzo De La Riva
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BISON ILLUSTRATED a p r i l 2 0 2 0
Women’s Basketball Rylee Nudell Sofija Zivaljevic
Women’s Golf Sierra Bennion Katelyn Martin Camryn Roadley
Women’s Track & Field Bailey DeMar Macy Denzer Jocelyn Dinius Alaysia Freetly Shelby Gunnells Paige Harris Amy Herrington Melina Kuerschner Keyawna Larson Klara Lyon Maddy Nilles Bailey Retzlaff Annika Rotvold Kennedi Sand Maggie Schwarzkopf Lindsay Wangerin Tasha Willing
Softball Lauren Reimers Madyson Camacho Stephanie Soriano Montana DeCamp
On March 30, 2020, the NCAA approved a resolution allowing an eligibility relief for spring sport studentathletes. This offers NDSU seniors in spring sports the opportunity to compete in 2021. The NCAA opted to not grant this relief for winter sport student-athletes.