Football Preview | Meet The New Coaches | Gene Taylor | History of Bison Football | Ames, IA
August ‘14
A NEW ERA IS BORN One New Athletic Director, 14 New Coaches And Many New Athletes Are Hungry To Preserve The Bison Legacy
CONTENTS
AUGUST 2014 | VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 Bison Illustrated is a free publication distributed monthly (10 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
Spotlight Media
PRESIDENT
Mike Dragosavich
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
44
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EDITOR
HISTORY LESSON
Discover the deeply-rooted history of Bison football through the eyes of the first NDSU football coach, Henry L. Bolley, as we get you ready for another season of Bison football.
RESEARCHERS/ CONTRIBUTORS
Josh Swanson, Joe Kerlin, Terry Ludlum, Brian Shawn, Andrew Jason, Amber Morgan
COPY EDITORS
CIRCULATION MANAGER PHOTOGRAPHY
FIVE FRESH FACES
Get acquainted with a handful of new coaches that will be roaming the sidelines with the Bison for the first time this season.
A FINAL WORD WITH GENE TAYLOR
Gene Taylor stops by one last time to celebrate an unprecedented 13-year run as athletic director.
BISON PRIDE
14 25 Hidden Moments 16 What We Missed 34 What’s On Deck 40 Fall Calendar 54 Football Preview 62 Ames Guide 66 Breaking Ground 4
76 Where Are They Now? 88 Team Makers 90 Swany Says MORE
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
info@spotlightmediafargo.com bisonillustrated.com @bisonmag facebook.com/bisonillustrated
Lisa Marchand, Meagan Pittelko, Amber Morgan, Cody Bickler, Tanya We ets Brent Tehven Tracy Nicholson, Paul Hoefer, Paul Bougie, Kristen Killoran Codey Bernier J. Alan Paul Photography, NDSU Athletics, Tiffany Swanson
ADMINISTRATION
Heather Hemingway
SPECIAL THANKS
Ryan Perreault, Wes Offerman, Ryan Anderson, Jeff Schwartz, Colle en Heimstead
WEB DEVELOPER
Nick Schommer
DIGITAL CONTENT MARKETING/ SOCIAL MEDIA DELIVERY
AT A GLANCE
Joe Kerlin Sarah Geiger, George Stack, Nicole Smart
MARKETING/SALES
70
Andrew Jason
DESIGN/LAYOUT
GENERAL MANAGER
24
Paul Bougie
Tanya We ets
Chris Larson, George Stack, Peyton Berger, Hal Ecker
FOR ADVERTISING CALL 701-478-SPOT (7768) or email info@spotlightmediafargo.com
Bison Illustrated is published monthly by Spotlight Media LLC. Print quantity exceeds 40,000 per issue. Printed in the U.S.A. Bison Illustrated does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented. Bison Illustrated assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Bison Illustrated is NOT an official publication of North Dakota State University. Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight Media LLC. 502 1st Ave N. First Floor Fargo ND, 58102 or info@spotlightmediafargo.com
Garry Higdem ’75, Sandy Fiechtner ’78, Darrell Strobel ’64, Amy Uthus ’07, Gary Boehler ’70
WE’RE PROUD We were honored to be recognized in May 2014 with NDSU Alumni Awards at a Fargo ceremony. We reside across the United States in New York, Maryland, Colorado, Minnesota and Iowa and several of us have not been on campus for many years. During our visit, we could feel the great energy and passion that surrounds NDSU. It made us feel very proud to be part of the Bison family.
www.NDSUalumni.com
We encourage you to demonstrate your NDSU spirit each day. This type of energy has an impact on visitors, alumni, current students and fans. When we show our pride it elevates and enriches North Dakota State’s tradition of excellence.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
WELCOME BACK
My, How Things Have Changed!
WE’RE STARTING WHAT’S TO COME really believe that this magazine will FRESH THIS YEAR Icontinue to make a difference for the
I’VE BEEN SAYING THIS SINCE I PLAYED FOOTBALL AT NDSU: “I can’t believe how grateful I am to be surrounded by the greatest people in the world. That’s you, Bison Nation. I can’t thank you enough for your support and encouragement. I wouldn’t have any of my opportunities if it wasn’t for you.”
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which we all know can be a good thing, or … Hey, it’s going to be a good thing. At this point, I do not know who the new athletic director will be, but I can tell you that I am excited about the new coaches that have come in. I had a chance this summer to meet most of them and chat with some of the promoted coaches. Their attitude and motivation is comforting to me as the publisher of this magazine. It makes us excited at Bison Illustrated because all these new faces mean new photos and interviews that we can share with all of you. I think we can all agree that if there is one thing that will happen this year, it will be a surprise, and the suspense is killing us.
BEHIND THE ISSUE
We really wanted to showcase the new people in the athletic department this year, without losing touch of the tradition that this program will continue. We also consider our first issue a great platform to catch everyone up on what they might have missed last year, and I will say, a lot of great things happened across almost every sport. It is also an opportunity to showcase what’s to come.
university in recruitment, fundraising and tradition. When we sit at the brainstorming table, we strategize ideas that can open our readers’ minds and provide resources to motivate everyone to make an impact or become involved in the university. For instance, we are working on an article that breaks down the finances of the athletic department in a way that a fifth grader can understand. The intention of this article is to better understand where NDSU stands amongst other universities, showcase our financial strengths and weaknesses and close the case on some common misconceptions when it comes to fundraising and scholarship funding. Another story we are working on is highlighting the different careers and successes Bison alumni have achieved postNDSU, and to highlight the lifelong stamp that being a Bison leaves on a student-athlete. I hope when you read these publications you say “Wow” consistently and can’t put them down.
GO BISON!
Mike Dragosavich
NOTES:
1
What an Honor
I was featured in the NDSU Magazine this spring. It was a dream come true. Thanks to Laura McDaniel and staff. 3
September’s Issue is Big
The big football issue will be out next month, and we have THE best photo of coach Chris Klieman for the cover. (Not to mention the entire staff posed for the article.) 5
Our Team Rocks!
A special thanks to Joe Kerlin and Paul Bougie. They both bleed green and gold, and I couldn’t be more proud of these two for taking my vision and helping it become a reality.
2 Statewide
Distribution
I am proud to announce that we will put Bison Illustrated on newsstands all over North Dakota and we are making our app FREE. This means more than triple the amount of distribution than last year. Oh yeah, Grand Forks will be getting the mag, too! That should be interesting. 4
Creativity
I hope everyone enjoys our new creativity. We want to push the boundaries when it comes to photography, graphic design, article angles and more. Look out for the Picassostyle painting of Bucky Maughan coming soon.
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Turning the Page
Preseason Football Awards
FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome back to Bison Illustrated! Every new season brings new opportunity and for us, we can’t wait to continue giving the people what they want. The first issue of the season always ignites our imagination, but I’m sure you already noticed by looking at the cover.
Joe Kerlin Editor, Bison Illustrated CONTACT ME
joe@bisonillustrated.com facebook.com/bisonillustrated @bisonmag @j_kerlin
When Mike came to me
with the idea of putting a baby on the cover, I thought he had officially fallen off the deep end. I mean, who puts a baby on the cover of a sports magazine? Laughing at your boss is generally a poor way to give your opinion in the workplace, but the more I thought about it, the clearer the metaphor became. North Dakota State will be going through dramatic changes this year. The beginning of a new chapter has arrived. The way I see it, NDSU Athletics has just closed a remarkable 13-year story in a very, very large Bison book, dating back to the N.D.A.C. days (see pg. 44). Starting in 2001, the rags to riches plot was something reality TV producers drool over. The Bison were taking a journey into the unknown by joining Division I with a first time athletic director who was bold enough to put his career and the program’s tradition on the line. At first, it was baby steps. The reclassification happened, new conferences were introduced to Bison Nation as fans adapted to new competition and NDSU was outmatched. Slowly, notable victories occurred in and outside of conference play. The football team won the Great West Football Conference, a conference originally founded by a collection of FCS “misfits” that
Offensive MVP Zach Vraa His deep-threat ability combined with Carson Wentz’s big arm should make for a busy highlight reel. Defensive MVP Christian Dudzik He’s an impactful return man and is one of the best ball hawks in the FCS from his free safety position. Field General Carlton Littlejohn He successfully moved to the inside linebacker position last season after Grant Olson’s injury. Look for him to get comfortable flying all over the field this season. Sleeper CJ Smith He had a great first season as a starter. We’ll get to see what he’s really made of this season when he is defending the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver. Crowd Pleaser Andrew Bonnet He can play any position and he will get every fan out of their seat when hurdling helpless defenders.
Gene Taylor helped form. Then, other sports followed suit in the Summit League. The football team eventually found a home in the Missouri Valley Football Conference and, well, you know the rest. Last season is when that chapter in Bison history ended. Now we’re looking at a new football coaching staff, new men’s and women’s basketball coaching staffs and an entirely new boss working as the athletic director. The pressure will be on the new coaches to keep the rich tradition going, but here are three athletes that will make the transition a lot easier. The Unknown – The idea that we don’t know what we have with Carson Wentz is what makes him intriguing this fall. What makes him more fascinating is that both his position coach and offensive coordinator speak extremely highly of him. Of course they’re going to speak highly of him. He’s the new quarterback. Listen, I get it, but when you’re surrounded by the amount of coach speak I find myself around on a day-to-day basis, there’s a sense of giddy excitement when you get quarterbacks coach Randy Hedberg and offensive coordinator Tim Polasek talking about Wentz.
Striker Alert – I caught the World Cup fever this summer and it transferred over into my interview with soccer coach Mark Cook (which you can read on the new bisonillustrated.com). He spoke about his team’s defense-first strategy and how Anisha Kinnarath and Lauren Miller are going to be leaned on to create most of the scoring opportunities, like the U.S. leaned on Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Jones. Magic happens on the pitch when two strikers build an unbreakable rapport. I can’t wait to see what happens in Kinnarath and Miller’s case. I’m going to predict a lot more goals from this one-two punch. Progress – Much like Miller, Emily Miron is the future of the Bison volleyball team. Only a sophomore, Miron has already participated in USA Volleyball’s U.S. Collegiate National Team and brings size and skill to the middle blocker position for the Bison. The Bison volleyball team is on the cusp of arriving back to its glory days and Miron will be the one leading the charge. Enjoy the baby on the cover, enjoy the rest of the magazine and lastly, enjoy this new chapter of Bison athletics. A new era is born!
Go Bison,
Joe Kerlin 10
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Spreading the Word
FROM paul bougie CONTACT ME
701-478-7768 paulbougie@spotlightmediafargo.com
Time to start a new chapter – no, that’s not right. This all feels like a new volume; as the story of the Bison goes on, there will be new sagas and stories. We look at how the last book ended: three-time National champs in football, a second appearance at the Big Dance in basketball and softball, baseball, track and field all had great success. But the heroes we knew are gone: Craig Bohl, Saul Phillips, Carolyn DeHoff and Gene Taylor. Close that book. Welcome to the Bison Story. A new beginning, with some of your old favorites, new faces who will rise up and add to the story of the Bison. With all that happening at the NDSU campus, even here at Bison Illustrated, there are new faces and names, which will continue to bring you the Bison story. Mike Dragosavich is still our leader and Joe Kerlin, a true Bison, is our editor. Now add myself into the mix in the new position of Associate Publisher for Bison Illustrated. What does that mean? Well, I’ll be having more input and assisting with content, editorial direction of the magazine, and continually looking for new and exciting opportunities to spread the word of the Bison. We are also excited to be taking Bison Illustrated across the state. More copies will be printed and we are also expanding our website, bisonillustrated.com. As we start this move across the state, quite a few people are going to be doing extra work, and that is our distribution team; they will be very busy. However, you can help! If you want Bison Illustrated delivered to your city, give me a call or send me an email. I would love to hear from the Bison faithful. I want to also thank all the advertisers who have and continue to support Bison Illustrated. It’s because of you that we can continue to grow. If your company wants to be part of the fun, contact me for advertising opportunities. It is time to put on your green and gold; it’s BISON SEASON! I will see you all in the west parking lot of the Fargodome with my plastic tailgatingapproved Bison drinking horn. (And you can have your very own! Go to oneherd.com today!)
Paul Bougie Bougie loves his Harley almost as much as the Bison.
THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
MIKE
Joe
Jesse
Michael
ANDREW
BOUGIE
Brent
AMBER
Tracy
BRANDON
LISA
HEATHER
TIFFANY
George
NICOLE
KRISTEN
CODEY
NICK
PAUL
sarah
We are Spotlight Media. Every month, Spotlight Media brings you Stride, Fargo Monthly, Bison Illustrated and Design and Living Magazine. Here are the people behind these magazines.
To learn more about the team at Spotlight Media and our four magazines, go to spotlightmediafargo.com 12
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Congratulations On a Season of
Pure Dominance! Proud to call ourselves Bison Faithful!
Aaron Greterman
701-200-1909 4342 15th Ave S, Ste 105 | Fargo, ND 58103
WWW.FARGOSOLD.COM
HIDDEN
MOMENTS
More goes into having a memorable athletic season than conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. We’ve singled out 25 facts about last season that even the most hardcore Bison fan may have missed during the season. To kick off the new year, we take a step back to see what NDSU athletics accomplished last year.
twenty-five
HIDDEN MOMENTS
academic success Tim Colwell was named the
Capital One Academic All-American Athlete of the Year for Division I baseball and first team Capital One Academic All-American
The Bison football team reached its highest collective GPA average in its 10 year Division I history. Overall, the football team had a 2.9 GPA.
Eleven out of the 12 players on the women’s basketball roster were named to the Summit League Winter/Spring Academic Honor Roll.
Every athlete on the women’s soccer team was named to the Commissioner’s List of Academic Excellence. In doing so, the soccer team was awarded a Team Academic Achievement Award given to the top team in every Summit League sport.
The Bison gathered 19 All-Academic Summit League athletes across the 14 sports affiliated with the Summit League.
The men’s cross country team had the highest collective GPA of any men’s team with a 3.4. The women’s golf team had the highest collective GPA of any women’s team at 3.5.
Football quarterback Carson Wentz won the NCAA Elite 89 award for his remarkable 4.0 GPA.
conference
Men’s basketball players Jordan Aaberg, Mike Felt and Chris Kading were named to the NABC Honors Court announced by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
glory
The women’s outdoor track and field team placed Ashley Tingelstad, Paige Stratioti, Morgan Milbrath, Antoinette Goodman and Deborah John on the NCAA All-American Second Team. 14
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The Bison gathered 91 AllSummit League athletes across the 14 sports affiliated with the Summit League.
The Bison named eight wrestlers to the Western Wrestling Conference AllConference Team.
The Bison placed 52 student-athletes on the Summit League Fall Academic Honor Roll. Nineteen athletes were named Distinguished Scholars.
The Bison placed 135 student-athletes on the Summit League Winter/Spring Academic Honor Roll. Sixty-four athletes were named Distinguished Scholars for having GPA’s over 3.6.
The football team placed a record 65 student-athletes on the Missouri Valley Football Conference honor roll. Ryan Drevlow, Andrew Grothmann, Justin Juckem and Danny Luecke were honored with the President’s Council Academic Award for having a cumulative GPA over 3.5.
Six Bison wrestlers were named to the Western Wrestling Conference All-Academic Team, including NCAA All-American wrestler Steven Monk.
Baseball player Tim Colwell, men’s basketball player Taylor Braun, women’s outdoor track and field athlete Antoinette Goodman, women’s cross country runner Brecca Wahlund and men’s indoor track and field athlete Andy Lillejord were all honored as Summit League Player of the Year in their respective sports.
Soccer freshman phenom Lauren Miller and prized women’s basketball transfer Brooke LeMar were awarded with Summit League Newcomer of the Year honors in their respective sports.
The softball, wrestling, football, men’s basketball and women’s track and field coaching staffs were all awarded with conference Coach of the Year honors.
Four Bison wrestlers advanced to the NCAA Championship. Steven Monk wrestled his way to being named an NCAA All-American, the second Bison wrestler to do so during the Division I era.
rewriting records Tim Colwell breaks the baseball career records in games played (211), at-bats (830), hits (291), runs (172), triples (18) and stolen bases (52).
Men’s track and field athlete Alex Renner breaks indoor shot put (57-9 1/2) and outdoor shot put (57-5 3/4) records.
Women’s track and field athlete Emily Lesser breaks the indoor shot put (50-4 3/4) and weight throw (64-4) record.
Women’s sprinter Antoinette Goodman breaks the 60 meter (7.5), 100 meter (11.36) and 200 meter (23.31) track records.
The men’s basketball team broke the school’s season field goal percentage by shooting 50.5% on the season.
Men’s basketball player Mike Felt broke the career games played record with 132.
SPRING
REVIEW
what we missed
By Joe Kerlin
Welcome back to NDSU Athletics, where programs are addicted to winning, coaches are decorated with awards and, even though the spring sports only compete in a handful of games in Fargo each year, they still find a way to bring home the Summit League Championship trophy. No matter the frigid weather conditions, you cannot overlook the accomplishments by the spring sports. Track and field and baseball reached new heights this season. Joining them on the list of Summit League success are the common culprits on the softball diamond. We sat down with each spring coach and got an exclusive look inside the magnificent bookend to a historic year at NDSU athletics. 16
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SPRING
REVIEW
Baseball (10-12) 25-26 RECORD
Summit League
Summit League Champions (Lost in NCAA Corvallis Regional) Photo By Jim Trewin
S
eniors on the Bison baseball team came into the 2014 campaign with a bad taste in their mouths. After two historic seasons in a row, the baseball team had to deal with back-to-back gut wrenching losses in the conference championship game. It wasn’t just the fact they lost a game, but the circumstances surrounding the loss cut deep. Old arms on the pitching staff graduated and the window to capture their first Summit League Championship seemed to have slammed shut. “It took us awhile to get into a rhythm this year because we didn’t pitch very well and we weren’t swinging the bats,” head coach Tod Brown said. With six seniors in the lineup and the conference schedule around the corner, the Bison knew they needed to get back on track if they wanted to even sniff another conference championship game. The bats got hot, and the pitching staff found their collective groove as the Bison went 17-8 down the stretch, led by Tim Colwell, Kyle Kleinendorst, Wes Satzinger and pitching ace, David Ernst. “If there was anything that put us over the edge, it was the agony of getting our guts ripped out the past two years and not wanting that to happen again,” said Brown about the team’s end-ofthe-year success.
The Bison’s championship game demons were deflected as John Skrbec’s grand slam home run in the Summit League Championship game against Western Illinois gave the Bison an early lead. They didn’t look back, winning 9-0. The Bison baseball team were Summit League Champions for the first time in school history and on their way to the NCAA Tournament. “It was a special moment to see the players dog pile after the win,” explained Brown. “I would say one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever had was giving Gene Taylor a hug. I broke down simply because he was the guy that gave me a chance. I was so happy to put a ring on his finger and a trophy in his trophy case.” The Bison brought home the ninth conference championship for NDSU in the 2013-14 athletic year. The team was rewarded with an appearance on ESPNU against the number one team in the country, the Oregon State Beavers. A second inning home run by Kleinendorst and a gutty pitching performance by Ernst wasn’t enough as NDSU fell to the number one seed. They were eliminated the next day by UNLV, but the memories and experience gained is something the Bison will look to build on next season.
MVP
TIM COLWELL
“He is the guy that was the most consistent from the first day to the last day of the season. There were a lot of guys that contributed to our success, but Tim Colwell was the player of the year in the conference and he played so well all season.” Head Coach Tod Brown
awards TIM COLWELL – Sr. OUtfielder
Summit League Player of the Year, 1st Team AllLeague, Corvallis Regional All-Tournament Team
MICHAEL LEACH – Sr. Catcher 1st Team All-League
KYLE KLEINENDORST – Sr. First Baseman 2nd Team All-League
WES SATZINGER – Sr. Infielder 2nd Team All-League
DAVID ERNST – Jr. Pitcher 2nd Team All-League
PARKER TREWIN – Jr. Pitcher 2nd Team All-League
TREVOR JAUNICH – Jr. Pitcher 2nd Team All-League
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SPRING
REVIEW
softball RECORD
36-18 (13-3)
Summit League
Summit League Champions (Lost in NCAA Minneapolis Regional) Photo By Richard Svaleson
MVP
ALEX SOBRERO
“I’d say she’s old school, blue collar. She never makes excuses for anything and always has a smile on her face. She is always just happy to be at practice and a lot of players look up to that, so she really stood out.” Head Coach Darren Mueller
awards ALEX SOBRERO – Jr. Outfielder 1st Team All-League
CHEYENNE GARCIA – So. Second baseman 2nd Team All-League
JENINA ORTEGA – Sr. Catcher 2nd Team All-League
JACKIE STIFTER – Sr. Designated Player 2nd Team All-League
KRISTA MENKE – Jr. Pitcher
1st Team All-League, Summit League Tournament MVP
COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR
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T
he tone for an entire season is rarely conceived during the first tournament or first month of the season. The tone is developed the first time a team’s back is against the wall. The Bison were favorites to win the Summit League after falling short in 2013. The first conference series of the season was played on the road against a hungry IUPUI team. The score was 1-1 when IUPUI had the bases loaded with no outs in the bottom of the seventh. The tone was ready to be set. “There were a lot of times when we challenged our kids throughout the year,” said co-head coach Jamie Trachsel. “This was a good growing moment; we need you guys to perform now. And they did it.” The Bison were a young team this season, and through the inexperience, they came out victorious against IUPUI in the first Summit League game of the season after a tremendous pitching display by Krista Menke. Sophomore Cheyenne Garcia broke the tie with a home run in the top of the ninth. Getting out of the seventh inning jam and coming from behind to win instilled the resilience the Bison discovered during the 2014 season.
IUPUI wasn’t the last time the Bison resilience was put to the test. The Bison found themselves with their backs against the wall after losing their first game of the Summit League tournament. “It was do or die time after that,” head coach Darren Mueller said, mentioning a team meeting he called the next day. “No one in that meeting honestly thought we couldn’t come back and win the tournament,” Trachsel said. The tone that was set earlier in the season against IUPUI pushed the Bison through the rest of the tournament, as they went on to win five elimination games in a row. It was the fifth Summit League Championship in six years for the Bison. And the icing on the cake was added when they went down to the Minneapolis Regional and defeated Auburn in the first round. The Bison were bounced out of the tournament two games later, but Mueller and Trachsel know they will be back for more in 2015. “They’re coming back early to work out and they have lofty goals,” said Trachsel. “But they’re ready to put their money where their mouth is.”
SPRING
REVIEW
Track & Field B efore the football team won three FCS championships, before the athletic department’s transition to Division I and before Gene Taylor took over as athletic director, there was one Bison program above the rest. That program was the Bison track team. With a rich history dating back to when men’s head coach Don Larson took over the program in the early 1980s, it’s no surprise both the men’s and women’s team have continued their success at the Division I level.
2014 reassured that dominance as the women’s team brought home the Summit League Outdoor crown for the seventh consecutive season and the men’s team won the title for its fifth year in a row. “I think part of it, for me, it’s the fear of losing that motivates me,” said women’s head coach Ryun Godfrey. Godfrey has led the Bison to three consecutive Triple Crowns. Winning the championship in cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field in the same season is not a small feat for Godfrey, who also won both Indoor and Outdoor Coach of the Year awards for the Midwest Region. Godfrey wasn’t the only one cleaning house when it comes to hardware. The women’s 4x400 relay team qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore. Ashley Tingelstad, Antoinette Goodman, Paige Stratioti and Morgan Milbrath placed 14th out of 24 teams that qualified. The girl’s 3:35.36 time was good enough to finish ahead of schools like South Carolina, Arizona State and Minnesota.
men’s
Summit League Champions
awards Photos By Richard Svaleson
women’s
Summit League Champions
awards Women’s All-League Team
The men broke a record of their own, qualifying six athletes for the NCAA West Preliminary meet in Fayetteville, Ark. Brett Kelly shined in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, coming in only six seconds short of a spot in the NCAA Championships.
QUINN BAUMANN – So. Javelin
JEROME BEGIN – jr.
400-meter hurdles, 4x400 meter relay
BRANDT BERGHUIS – So. Shot put
TREVOR BERNER – jr. Hammer throw
AMY ANDRUSHKO – RFR.
ADAM COYKENDALL – jr.
ANNA BENKE – RFr.
JOSH EILER – Sr.
pole vault
Discus
ANTOINETTE GOODMAN – Sr.
ALEC ESPELAND – Sr.
800 meters
Javelin
100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100 meter relay, long jump
1,500 meters
ASHLEY HEINZE – jr.
800 meters
400 meters, 400-meter hurdles
ROSE JACKSON – fr.
4x100 meter relay, heptathlon
DEBORAH JOHN – Sr.
100-meter hurdles, 4x100 meter relay
FAITH KRUCHOWSKI – Sr.
800 meters, 1,500 meters, 4x400 meter relay
SIERRA ROSENAU – So. Javelin
Beating national powers combined with the magnitude of the meet gave NDSU more than just medals to hang in the trophy case. “The exposure at the University of Oregon is second to none, so we had a packed stadium every day,” said Godfrey. “That was nice for the athletes to see people standing in line to get tickets to get in.”
Men’s All-League Team
ASHLYNN SIMON – jr. 4x400 meter relay
PAIGE STRATIOTI – jr.
400 meters, 800 meters, 4x400 meter relay
ERIN TESCHUK – so.
3,000-meter steeplechase
ASHLEY TINGELSTAD – Sr.
MOSES HEPPNER – Sr. DALTON HERDING – So.
800 meters, 4x400 meter relay
BRETT KELLY – jr.
5,000 meters, 3,000-meter steeplechase
BROCK LARSON – So. Decathlon
GRANT MJELSTAD – So. Decathlon
ALEX NEUMILLER – So. 4x400 meter relay
COLIN PAARMANN – So. Triple jump
TYLER PARKER – So. Javelin
ALEX RENNER -– So. Shot put
200 meters, 400 meters, 4x100 meter relay, 4x400 meter relay
ANGUS STOUDT – So.
KATELYN WEIMERSKIRCH – RFR.
JONAH WARWICK – FR.
Discus, hammer throw
Decathlon
400 meters, 4x400 meter relay 23
COACHES
PREVIEW
5 The coaching carousel is always spinning. The recent trend of Bison coaches moving to bigger schools has left NDSU with a slew of new coaches coming into the 2014 season. Here is your opportunity to get to know five coaches that will take the sidelines for the first time as Bison this upcoming season. By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography
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jayden Olson ASSISTANT MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH
GREGORY RICK President
DELANEY RICK Super fan
THANK YOU
HOMETOWN Beulah, North Dakota ALMA MATER Dickinson State ‘03 PREVIOUS STOPS North Dakota ‘05-’07 Augustana ‘07-’10, Colorado State ‘10-’12, Nebraska ‘12-’14
Q A
Why did head coach Dave Richman hire you?
Q
Why do you think you’re the right man for the job?
A
Q A
“I have known him for a long time. I think we have the same goals and similar characteristics. I think we have the same personality because we get along from that standpoint. And I think he sees some areas where he can improve me and where I can add to the program.”
“I think I’m a high-character guy. I think I do things the right way. I think I have good recruiting capabilities and I’m a good coach on the court, so hopefully from all those standpoints I fit. I’m a guy that cares about the kids, cares about their education and is also someone that can help them be better people along the way.”
How do you go about building relationships with the players on this team?
“I think the biggest thing is ‘sweat-equity.’ You know, you’re on the court and you’re grinding it out with them and figuring out those kinds of things. They see you’re going to work, they’re going to work for you. The thing is, when you walk into a situation like this and there’s guys and players here that have worked so hard and they do things the right way, it’s more that I’m trying to add and mix in with them more than change things.”
factoid Coach Olson was the Director of Basketball Operations at Colorado State and Nebraska, working for former NDSU head coach Tim Miles.
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Good Luck Bison!
COACHES
PREVIEW
andrew carlson ASSISTANT TRACK AND FIELD COACH HOMETOWN Fargo, North Dakota ALMA MATER University of Minnesota PREVIOUS STOPS None
Q A
“I remember my goal coming into college was to be an All-American. The one thing I learned pretty quick was from where I was at to All-American was a big gap, so I had to set smaller goals to get me to build the steps to get there. Here at NDSU, this isn’t just an overnight success. This is years upon years of building, building and building, and now you can see where it’s at.”
Q
How has running professionally helped you as a coach?
A
factoid Andrew Carlson and his dog, Rocket, were featured in “Bark” magazine while Carlson was training in Arizona. 26
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
Photos courtesy of University of Minnesota Athletics
How is goal-setting vital to the progress runners make over their careers?
“I ran professionally for nine years, from ‘05-‘14. You gotta really want to do it. The incentive financially for me couldn’t have possibly been a factor for me because if it was, I probably would’ve quit right away... At the same time it was exactly what I wanted to be doing, so the prevailing thought was always, ‘What I can do to get better?’ That’s been one of the main focuses of my life since I was 13. So I’m not just going on five years of doing this, I’m at 19 years now of having this passion. It’s just a part of my life, and I like it more now than I did the past few years because I’m seeing it from a new angle. I can see the passion coming out of the athletes that I was so focused on myself and I can now see it through them.”
training in Arizona.
COACHES
PREVIEW
maren walseth HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH HOMETOWN Bloomington, Minnesota ALMA MATER Penn State PREVIOUS STOPS Navy ‘04-’07, Penn State ‘07-’14
Q A
What was missing from this team last season?
Q
When does the relationship-building process begin with your new players?
A
Q A
“I never thought of it as missing anything. More so, a new energy is what I saw was needed. Growing up in Minneapolis, Coach (Amy) Ruley recruited me, my sister played here. I’m very aware of the history and the passion the school, the department and the community has for the program, so it wasn’t like something was missing in that capacity. More so, the product was missing on the floor.”
“It started right off the bat. My first day I got here at 7:30 at night because I had some flight issues, but I went right to dinner with them. Building relationships with the players and recruiting them first. They came here with a different vision and a different coach and what not; it’s not their fault it’s no longer in place. It would be an error on my part to not try and get to know them or not try to recruit them. I’m certainly going to have a level of expectation and push the envelope by getting the most out of them, and they won’t respond unless they know I care about them.”
How are you going to use your past experience at Penn State to help you at NDSU?
“My experience with Coquese (Washington), she gave us— all of her assistants— a lot of responsibilities. She prepared me, as did the university prepare me for this opportunity, because I had my hands in a lot of things. I was in a lot of meetings and at the end of the day she made all the decisions, but I took in a lot of the conversations and what was going on to prepare me the best I can. You can’t be fully prepared because I’ve never done it, but to prepare me the best they could for this situation. It’s recruiting, managing your staff, managing your locker room after a win or after a loss. There was a lot from her and how she ran and built the Penn State program that I’d be silly not to draw upon because it was successful and I walked in that success.”
Photos courtesy of Penn State Athletics
factoid In Walseth’s first season as an assistant coach at Penn State, the Lady Lions went 13-18. Her last season in 2013-14, the Lady Lions went 24-8 and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament.
29
COACHES
PREVIEW
Photos courtesy of UI Athletics
factoid Coach Alexander’s first visit to Fargo came when she was in 9th grade. Alexander was here for one of the basketball camps put on by the men’s and women’s basketball programs.
30
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
Kachine Alexander ASSISTANT WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH HOMETOWN Minneapolis, Minnesota ALMA MATER University of Iowa PREVIOUS STOPS Concordia St. Paul ‘12-’14
Q A
Why did Maren hire you as her assistant?
Q
How are your playing and coaching styles similar?
A
Q A
“Maren was coaching at Penn State when I was playing at Iowa, so I think she knew the passion I had for basketball and when I’m on the court. I’m kind of a firecracker. I brought a lot of energy onto the court. I have a very good basketball mind for my age and I can relate to the kids more because I am younger. I think all those intangibles worked for this area and this situation, especially for recruiting.”
“I was very high energy all the time, high motor, never gave up on any play. I’m kind of the same as a coach because I still have a high motor on the bench, because you might see me during the games on the bench yelling and screaming, cheering, fist pumping, whatever to get my girls going. You have to make them feel the moment in that particular time. Also, I was a defensive player in the Big Ten when I was in college, and now I’m actually the defensive coordinator here. I think those two are hand in hand. I have a special place in my heart for defense.”
What was it like playing basketball in Vienna, Austria?
“It was different. It was a whole different culture and different type of basketball, of course. It was a good experience. I always tell people to go over there once. If you love basketball, go over there and play for a season. If you don’t like it, you don’t like it, but at least you can say you did it.”
THE HAPPIEST OF HOURS
E V E R Y D A Y
4 - 6 P M
&
9 - 1 1 P M
COACHES
PREVIEW
randy hedberg QUARTERBACKS COACH HOMETOWN Parshall, North Dakota ALMA MATER Minot State PREVIOUS STOPS Minot State ‘82-’89, Central Missouri ‘90-’95, North Dakota ‘96-’98, St. Cloud State ‘99-’07, Southern Illinois ‘08-’13
Q A
Q A
Q A
When did you decide coaching was something you wanted to do?
“I got drafted out of college into the NFL by Tampa Bay. I didn’t have a really long career. I got done playing football and I came back to the state of North Dakota and got involved with coaching.”
Who is responsible for making you the coach you are today?
“The guy I really think was kind of my mentor was a coach who wasn’t a football coach; he was a college track and field coach. His name was Wiley Wilson. He was the longtime track and field coach at Minot State when I was there. His grandson actually played for the Bison, Andrew DelaBarre; he was a good tight end for the Bison in the mid-2000s. But he (Wilson) was a really good friend of mine and helped me out when I was a young coach. He was just a good guy to visit with, really knowledgeable about things, and I really enjoyed his company.”
What’s it like to take a step back from being the head coach and only focusing on one position?
“The thing that has been really good for me is focusing in on just coaching and working fundamentals and techniques of the position and that’s what I really like right now with my position. I can watch our guys and hopefully give them a few things they can learn to use down the road. I have done research from that standpoint a lot over the past few years and talking with other quarterback coaches and things like that. I didn’t do that as a head coach as much, but now with the quarterbacks, that has been really intriguing to me.”
Photos courtesy of St. Cloud State University Athletic Media Relations
factoid Randy Hedberg was voted the 31st greatest sports figure in North Dakota by Sports Illustrated in 1999.
33
FALL
PREVIEW
WHAT’S ON DECK By Joe Kerlin
THE MOTTO "The biggest satisfaction from last year was the Denver coach calling us the hardest-working team in the Summit League, and I think we want to build on that. I think our team effort we put in is really important. Our slogan is 'Better Together' and that’s the one thing that our group really bought into and has been a strength of this team."
Photos by Tiffany Swanson and J. Alan Paul Photography
The fall sports season is just around the corner and we have got you covered on everything that will be happening in the world of Bison athletics. We sat down with each fall coach as they rehashed last season and gave us their expectations coming into the 2014 season.
LAST SEASON "I think the biggest thing was the development of our team. We were so young and we were very inconsistent in the beginning of the year, but near the end of the year we were obviously a better team, but our consistency was much, much better."
RETURNING IMPACT PLAYERS ANISHA KINNARATH AND LAUREN MILLER "They’re both very good technical soccer players. They’re both strong and physical and both can shoot the ball well. But with two strikers, they need to have a relationship about who is making runs where and recognizing the kind of partnership to combine off each other, and I think that’s when they really started to grow as the two of them learned to play with each other."
SOCCER 34
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
HEAD COACH
MARK COOK
Mark Cook is entering his third season as the head coach of the Bison soccer program. His emphasis on work rate has translated into creating one of the hardest-working teams in the Summit League.
FALL
PREVIEW
PROTECT THE CROWN "We want to defend our title ... The last three years we have won the Triple Crown: cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field championships. We’re the defending champs in cross country, and that’s what's on my mind at this point."
TRAINING "Track can be very technical, whereas cross country you’re dealing with one race and it’s a long distance race. So you’re getting these athletes ready for the 6,000 meter race in terms of that. There’s a simplicity to it because there aren’t as many facets to it. Just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy; there are a lot of hours that goes into it by the athletes, running a lot of miles this summer."
Ryun Godfrey is entering his 16th year as the Bison cross country coach. During his tenure, he has led the Bison to three straight conference titles and four overall.
WOMEN’S XC
HEAD COACH
RYUN GODFREY
MOTIVATION "We are really senior-driven. I think we have five seniors on our roster, four being fifth-year seniors. I think they’re at the point now where it’s, 'Let’s have a big year, this is our chance to put a stamp on the program.' They’re great leaders and they’re driven and focused."
RICH HISTORY "It’s a culture. It’s an attitude that running and track and field, in theory, is an individual sport. It’s just you out there, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t affected by the people around you. And I think having the women set the bar so high is going to reflect on everyone when they complete. I can tell you, athletes see that and ask, 'How do I get there?'"
MEN’S XC 36
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
ASSISTANT COACH
ANDREW CARLSON
Andrew Carlson joined the Bison staff in January. He ran professionally for nine years after running in college.
FALL
PREVIEW
THE ELEMENTS “You see everything. We play in the desert where it’s firm and fast, or Florida when it’s soft and wet. It’s course conditions; we play in someone’s advantage or disadvantages. Anyone can play on a golf course, you just have to really worry about your matchups with the course and work with that.”
EXPECTATIONS “I’m excited for the upcoming season; we have most everyone back. We lost one senior. It’s going to be a very balanced group and a very talented group and exciting group. All of our players 1-5 should shoot very good scores and be leaders from tournament to tournament.”
Matt Johnson has revitalized the women’s golf program at NDSU. With help from Amy Anderson, Johnson led the Bison to its first Summit League Championship in 2013.
WOMEN’S GOLF
HEAD COACH
MATT JOHNSON
CHEMISTRY “Just building the relationships and being with the team because I missed most of that. A part of being the coach is building those relationships. It was the ones I didn’t know. I’m looking forward to doing that and being with my first recruiting class.”
TOUGH ROAD “I’m hoping to be in the top two of the Summit League this year. Oral Roberts is coming back and they’re a very good team. We played against them in the Jackrabbit Invitational in Primm, Nevada, and they beat us pretty easily.”
MEN’S GOLF 38
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
HEAD COACH
STEVE KENNEDY
Last season was Steve Kennedy’s first official season as the head coach of the men’s golf team. Now a retired teacher, he is looking forward to spending more time developing his players.
LAST SEASON “Our biggest concern last year was keeping that group motivated throughout ... We said every day was like a week and every week was like a month for us. We did learn a lot and it was exciting to see. They have had a great offseason so hopefully they will continue it this summer and we’ll see.”
ANTICIPATION “They are willing to put in the hard work in the off-season and they have already made huge strides this spring so I’m excited about that. The fans will love it because we play with a lot of excitement and energy and it’s good. You can see it. You can see their excitement and passion for the game.”
IMPROVEMENTS “Emily Miron is down with the U.S. national team and that will be great for her. Some of them, even our upperclassmen, didn’t think they would make the improvements they made this spring in the weight room and that kind of stuff so I think they’re really motivated for the season.”
Kari Thompson is entering her fourth full season as head coach of the volleyball team. Thompson is looking forward to the development of the eight sophomores who played big minutes last season.
VOLLEYBALL
HEAD COACH
KARI THOMPSON
UPCOMING
SEASON
SPORTING CALENDAR AUG/SEPT
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
22 Women’s Soccer vs North
4 Women’s Volleyball vs New
Dakota (Fargo) 7 p.m.
24
Women’s Soccer vs Presentation College (Fargo) 6 p.m.
29
Women’s Volleyball vs Miami (Ohio) (Milwaukee, WI) 10 a.m.
29 Women’s Soccer vs Air
Force (USAF Academy, CO) 5:30 p.m.
29 Women’s Volleyball vs Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI) 7 p.m.
29 Men’s Cross Country Bison Open (Fargo) TBA
29 Women’s Cross Country Bison Open (Fargo) TBA
Mexico State (Las Cruces, NM) 8 p.m.
5 Women’s Volleyball vs California (Las Cruces, NM) 5:30 p.m.
5 Women’s Golf Concordia
Invitational (Detroit Lakes, MN) (Wildflower) TBA
6 Women’s Volleyball vs
Radford (Las Cruces, NM) 11 a.m.
6 Football vs Weber State (Ogden, UT) 7 p.m.
7 Women’s Soccer vs Iowa
State (Fargo) 1 p.m.
(Orono, ME) 3 p.m.
22
Women’s Golf South Dakota State Fall Invitational (Sioux Falls, SD) (Minnehaha) TBA Dakota State Fall Invitational (Sioux Falls, SD) (Minnehaha) TBA
State Fall Invitational (Sioux Falls, SD) (Minnehaha) TBA
26
Women’s Volleyball vs South Dakota (Vermillion, SD) 7 p.m.
27
13
27 Men’s Cross Country
Stanford Invitational (Palo Alto, CA) TBA
13 Women’s Volleyball vs
Stanford Invitational (Palo Alto, CA) TBA
14 Women’s Soccer vs Holy
IUPUI (Fargo) 1 p.m.
15 Men’s Golf Omaha
Invitational (Vermillion, SD) (Dakota Dunes) TBA
Cross (Worcester, MA) 12 p.m.
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
State Fall Invitational (Sioux
Falls, SD) (Minnehaha) TBA
27 Women’s Cross Country
Bradley (Peoria, IL) 7 p.m.
40
22 Men’s Golf South Dakota
13
Football vs Incarnate Word (Fargo) 2:30 p.m.
John Crockett Two-time 1,000-yard rusher.
(Des Moines, IA) 1 p.m.
Women’s Soccer vs Alumni Game (Exhibition) (Fargo) 12 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball vs Miami (Ohio) (Peoria, IL) 10 a.m.
31
21 Women’s Soccer vs Drake
12 Women’s Volleyball vs UMKC (Peoria, IL) 4:30 p.m.
Women’s Soccer vs Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO) 1 p.m.
(Fargo) 2:30 p.m.
23 Men’s Golf South Dakota
12 Women’s Soccer vs Maine
30
20 Football vs Montana
9
Chip-N Club Invitational (Lincoln, NE) (Wilderness Ridge) TBA
Football vs Iowa State (Ames, IA) 11 a.m.
20
Women’s Volleyball vs Kent State (Towson, MD) 10 a.m.
23 Women’s Golf South
Chip-N Club Invitational (Lincoln, NE) (Wilderness Ridge) TBA
9 Women’s Golf Nebraska
Robert Morris (Milwaukee, WI) 11 a.m.
Edwardsville (Edwardsville, IL) 7 p.m.
8 Women’s Golf Nebraska Women’s Volleyball vs North Dakota (Fargo) 7 p.m.
30 Women’s Volleyball vs
19 Women’s Soccer vs SIU
Invitational (Nebraska City, NE) (Arbor Links) TBA
16
Men’s Golf Omaha Invitational (Nebraska City, NE) (Arbor Links) TBA
19 Women’s Volleyball vs St. John’s (Towson, MD) 9 a.m.
19 Women’s Volleyball vs
Towson (Towson, MD) 6 p.m.
28 Women’s Volleyball vs 29 Men’s Golf South Dakota 29 Women’s Golf South
Dakota Invitational (Vermillion, SD) (Dakota Dunes) TBA
30
Women’s Volleyball vs South Dakota State (Brookings, SD) 7 p.m.
30 Women’s Golf South
Dakota Invitational (Vermillion, SD) (Dakota Dunes) 7 p.m.
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HISTORY
44
LESSON
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
HISTORY LESSON Research by Joe Kerlin
In 1933, NDSU’s first football coach Henry L. Bolley wrote a letter to University Athletic Director C. C. Finnegan explaining the history and importance of football in Fargo. North Dakota Agricultural College, as it was called then, was on the verge of a bright future. Here’s what Bolley wrote...
45
HISTORY
LESSON
THE COVER LETTER Mr. C. C. Finnegan, State College Station, Fargo, N. Dak. Football at the N.D.A.A., Dear M. Finnegan:
Outline of History
I inclose a sketch of football at the North Dakota Agricultural College. I hope it may serve the purpose of yourself and Mr. Christy Welsh. Unfortunately, in the early days of the institution, definite records do not seem to have been kept of many of the features requested by Mr. Welsh. Careful reading of the athletic section of the FARGO FORUM, the SPECTRUM, the AGASSIZZ and the BISON should make it possible to pick out for the records most of the facts. The files of the SPECTRUM and the FORUM list some of the most important games, particularly those with the University, Carleton, St. Thomas, Yankton, McAllister, South Dakota, Creighton, Lawrence, Heske, Montana and other teams. The scores are usually stated. The historical sketch necessarily only touches a few high points. As given, it is, Yours truly,
Henry L. Bolley, Botanist and Plant Pathologist.
BISON HISTORY TIMELINE
46
1894 Bison First Season
1899 Henry Bolley Leaves Football Program After Its First Six Seasons
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
1903 Bison Play South Dakota State For First Time (85-0, W)
1922 Bison Join North Central Conference
1925 Bison Win First North Central Conference Championship
1928 C.C. Finnegan Becomes Head Coach
THE LETTER Football At the North Dakota Agricultural College
and game experience, neither team had had much practice other than demonstrated by the over enthusiastic volunteer faculty
“Indiana is a good state to come from,” Hoosiers agree. Many
coaches. To help develop interest, an agreement called for two
outside teams have learned that a good brand of sport has
games. This “game end return game” prevailed for a number of
flourished there. North Dakota definitely owes the origin of its
years thereafter.
aspirations in football to enthusiasms engendered in Indiana. In the “dark ages,” early 80’s, there existed in Indiana a “football
The game of ’94 were both won by the A.C. (NDSU) and of those of
league,” the number-colleges of which were Purdue, Indiana,
’95, the first was won by the U. (UND), and the second by the A.C.
Hannover, Franklyn, Wabash and De Pauw. A type of soccer was played. This early effort became defunct in 1883. In 1886-
Later, a local league was formed between the various colleges of
87, a new league consisting of Purdue, Indiana, De Pauw, Butler
South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota, and during the next
and Wabash flourished largely because numerous enthusiastic
decade games were chiefly with South Dakota, Huron, McAllister,
Hoosier graduates of Yale, Harvard and Princeton were available as
Hamlin, Carleton, St. Thomas and the Minnesota State Normal at
volunteer coaches.
St. Cloud. Intermittent games were played with the State College and the U. of Montana. Later, games with Creighton, Haskel and
In 1889 there was played at Crawfordsville, a strenuous game between
Marquette followed.
Wabash and Purdue. Because of this game and the success of the Purdue team, as coached by A. Weisner of Yale, the Crawfordsville
Previous to 1900, H. L. Bolley was coach and general manager
papers first supplied the epithets “gravel pit players,” “boilermakers”
with volunteer aids as available. Strong teams developed, but
and “pumpkin huskers” to the Purdue team. “Boilermakers” stuck.
victory often lay with the opponents. Worthwhile football spirit
Later Purdue teams cherished and punched that name on high. Much
gradually came out of the local
credit must be given to this early Indiana league and associated fans,
high schools, but players for the
George Ade, Chicago Athletic Association, at al, for the early, vigorous
College teams yet came largely
spirit of play is the Central West.
as raw material from the farms. The annual games between the
In 1890, when the writer came here as a member of the first faculty
two state institutions became
of the North Dakota Agriculture College, he found at the University
spirited, sturdy contests viewed
a fellow botanist, Prof. M. A. Brannon, personal opponent and
with almost fighting enthusiasm
member of the Wabash team at the time of the Purdue victory
by the public.
in 1889. Remembering that spiritful game, he suggested that the contest at once be continued in North Dakota, between the two
In the fall of ’98, a board of athletic
state institutions. That would have been easy for the “U”, for it
control was elected consisting
was the original territorial university of the two Dakotas and had
of two faculty members and
a sizable student body. Though anxious to try out as a volunteer
three students. This board and
coach, it was three years before I was able to find sufficient
its successors have continued
students to line up in scrimmage. The first games between the
to function. Professor Bolley
University of North Dakota and North Dakota Agricultural College
continued as general manager
occurred in 1894. Not having many nearby colleges to furnish cash
until 1909.
1965 Pecan Bowl Grambling 20-7 D II Champs
1968 Pecan Bowl Arkansas State 23-14 D II Champs
1969 Camellia Bowl Montana 30-3 D II Champs
1979 Don Morton Becomes Head Coach
Tom Manns
1983 Palm Bowl Central State 41-21 D II Champs
1985 Palm Bowl North Alabama 35-7 D II Champs 47
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HISTORY
LESSON
Mr. Jack Harrison, noted end and quarterback (Minnesota) was
forced open play through speed and accurate passing. His system
assistant coach in 1900 and 1901 for six weeks each fall and was in
involved intricate throwing of the ball in long lateral, and varied
charge of the team in the field. He found a member of well prepared
back passes, often to such distances as to admit the receiver to
players including Fred and John Slate, Tom Manns, Spelisey, Worat,
an open field through which to race into well guarded finished
Wilde, John Swenson, Olson, McGuigan and others. Harrison was
runs. Later, at St. Louis University, his winning teams, the writer
an astute coach in field action. He seemed to have intuitive sense
thinks, should give to him credit for about the earliest effective
of directing individual players into finished play. The major games
use of the forward passing system, not then generally accepted as
were with Carleton, Hamelin, McAllister, South Dakota and the U.
of much merit.
of N.Dak. No games were lost. A.L. Marshall (Michigan) coached the 1904 and 1905 teams with Following Harrison, “Eddie” Coohems (Wisconsin) handled the
but ordinary results.
teams of 1902 and 1903. He was the first official athletic director. There has been an athletic director and assistant coaches of full
Gilmore Dobie, quarterback and end (Minnesota), Cornell’s
official faculty status in control of all teams since 1902. Coohems
present efficient coach, was made director of athletics and the
was selected because of all around athletic qualifications and
team of 1906 and 1907 leaped into prominence. This was Dobie’s
he developed winning teams in all lines. During his regime the
first effort and his teams have come down in history as one a
manager provided outfits for all who wished to enter a class or
too finished for ordinary teams. Victories under Dobie’s skilled
group team. Coohems was a specialist in physical training and
coaching, strange to say, brought a type of football depression in
delighted in training the various teams. To him fell the honor of
North Dakota, largely because enthusiasm waned as the victories
building the first effective basketball team, and efficient track team,
came too easy. He used classroom methods and effectively
high class baseball and a special type of open play football. He
proved systematic attack to be best defense. At this time Dobie introduced a system whereby few signals were called, player ran in series. Generally, after on call, three or more plays were reeled off in rapid succession without confusion. His was a silent, relentless attack. There was no stalling or conferences when once within the enemies 20-yard line. Dobie knew a player when he saw him, whether from farm or high school. No time was lost on men of small initiative or ineffective execution. His teams were physically fit, and there was need for few substitutes. Two field generals, Coohems and Dobie, each set high aspirations for future N.D.A.C. teams; and, as of old, the “Sioux” learned to fear the trampling “Bison.” Since those days there has been continued interest in the State and at the Institution. Each year it has been possible to place rather worthy teams in the field. As with other institutions, victory has not always followed the herd, yet winners in most contests have had to be strong, wary and alert.
1986 NCAA Championship South Dakota 27-7 D II Champs
1987 Rocky Hager Becomes Head Coach
1988 NCAA Championship Portland State 3521 D II Champs
1990 NCAA Championship Indiana (Pa.) 51-11 D II Champs
1997 Bob Babich Becomes Head Coach
2003 Craig Bohl Becomes Head Coach 49
HISTORY
LESSON
This article does not admit or comment as to most coaches,
In football, the large numbers in the larger institutions usually
teams or players.
give coaches and advisers superior possibility of building effective teams. New systems of handling teams and substitute
T.P. McGoffin (Michigan) was director in 1908 and 1909, Arthur
teams have come along. Coaches do not now rely on the skill of a
Ruber (Chattanuga) directed in 1910, 1911 and 1912, Howard Woods
few select men and a few substitutes but rather upon substitute
(Michigan State), 1913 and 1914, Paul Davis (Virginia), 1915 to 1916,
teams. These developments make the selection of outstanding
Stanley Borleskee (Michigan) was director from 1916 to 1924; and
All-American type of players difficult, and to compare players of
Ion Cortwright (Michigan State), 1924 to 1928.
present times with those of bygone years with relative accuracy is quite impossible. Yet, as observer of numerous games in various
During the period 1909 and 1928, there were many outstanding
parts of the United States from 1890 to 1933, I do not hesitate
individual players, yet from the standpoint of an observer, team
to list such men as French, Fred Sleight, Manns, L. Nemzek,
play was not always as much in evidence as might be desired. No
Spelissy, Byron Wild, Ed. McDonald, Rose, Wicks, Jack Marks,
plant is more sensitive to criticism and improper atmospheric
Walter Jacobson, Joe Cutting, Corbett, Muckelstone, Claude
conditions than football and none will be given here. Looking
Miller, Lounsborogh, Jahr, Roman Meyers and McKay as men
backward, there seems to be no serious cause for complaint.
who could have won places on leading teams of the country at
Ahead, the future is bright for football at the N.D.A.C.
any time.
Mr. C. C. Finnegan (Ripon) is athletic director and head coach. The institution has reached a position of major importance in
Football has been the major sport of the North Dakota
the State in the number of students. Their qualifications and
Agricultural College. The schedule of games and eligibility of
accomplishments along varied linear of activity give expectations
players have always been under control of competent athletic
of efficient teamwork in the future.
boards and coaching management. The institution is closely associated in the North Central Conference which carries under its regulations football, basketball, baseball, tennis and track. In this league the various institutions are of such relative rank and worth that there is reason to expect football in the Northeast and at the N.D.A.C. will continue in a stable, satisfactory growth.
Henry L. Bolley, State College Station, Fargo, North Dakota
2004 Bison Move To Division I-AA (FCS) and Great West Football Conference 50
2007 Bison Defeat Both Western Michigan and Minnesota
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
2008 Bison Move To Missouri Valley Football Conference
2011 FCS Championship Sam Houston St. 17-6 FCS Champs
2012 FCS Championship Sam Houston St. 39-13 FCS Champs
2013 ESPN’s GameDay Comes To Fargo, FCS Championship Towson 35-7 FCS Champs
HISTORY
LESSON
11 facts about last football season
Consecutive wins
at home in the FCS Playoffs (3 last season)
Number of Championships
(1965, 1968, 1969, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Home games,
totaling 167,600 fans for the season
Total number of
rushing touchdowns allowed by the Bison
second half touchdowns allowed Total number of
by Bison defense
Wins against Top 25 opponents
(SDSU, UNI, Youngstown St., Coastal Carolina, New Hampshire, Towson)
blocked kicks
Total number of by Bison defense
Missouri Valley Football
Conference Championships (2011, 2012, 2013)
AP All-American Honorees
(Billy Turner, Marcus Williams, Ryan Drevlow, Brock Jensen, Grant Olson)
Game-winning
touchdowns under three minutes in 4th quarter (Kansas State, UNI)
Bison Nation
FOOTBALL
PREVIEW
Looking Ahead
BISON FOOTBALL
23
John Crockett Sr. Running Back
2014 PREVIEW FOR THE PAST THREE SEASONS,
the Bison football team has looked familiar from top to bottom. Outside the minor changes here and there, the Bison football team was able to win threestraight FCS national championships with the same core of playmakers. Enter 2014, and fans will be picking up their media guides to familiarize themselves with a new group of stars on the field. Although players and coaches will be unfamiliar, the expectations remain the same and a fourth-straight Missouri Valley Football championship remains within reason. Here’s a quick look at the revamped football roster and the road the Bison must travel to be crowned champs once again.
85
Kevin Vaadeland Sr. Tight End
WHO’S BACK? 3 Returning Starters
By Joe Kerlin
59 54
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
82
Zach Vraa Sr. Wide Receiver
Joe Haeg Jr. Tackle
On paper, John Crockett has been the back-up running back for the Bison for the past two seasons. But his stats don’t back up that claim. Crockett is a playmaker whenever and wherever he is on the field, and his violent running style has fans confident he’ll be in contention to bring home some hardware this season. The Bison will also bring back its big play threat on the edge. Zach Vraa hauled in 11 touchdowns last season, proving when he’s healthy, No. 82 is a game-changer.
WHO ARE THE NEW GUYS? All eyes are on Carson Wentz this season as he attempts to succeed Brock Jensen at the quarterback position. Wentz is surrounded by playmakers in Crockett and Vraa that will attempt to make life easier for the new quarterback. But the bigger question is who will protect Wentz in the pocket? The Bison lost four offensive linemen from last year due to graduation and injury. Don’t be fooled. Jesse Hinz and Jack Plankers have already gained valuable experience starting in a handful of games last season. This season, they will be leaned upon to anchor the offensive line with returning starter Joe Haeg.
11
Carson Wentz Jr. Quarterback
KLIEMAN’S THOUGHTS “I tell a lot of people that he’s (Wentz) going to be a lot better in game four than he will be in game one; he’ll be better in game seven than four. Just let him develop because he has a lot of tools, and we’re looking for a great year from him.”
KLIEMAN’S THOUGHTS
“Jesse (Hinz) has always been a good football player for us, but he has taken his game to a new level and become a great leader. I look for Jesse to be an all-conference offensive lineman.”
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Jesse Hinz Sr. Offensive Lineman
46
Andrew Bonnet Jr. Full Back
83
Carey Woods So. Wide Receiver
POLASEK’S THOUGHTS “Zach Vraa, John Crockett and Carson Wentz gotta be ultra competitive for us, they gotta stay hungry, be great leaders and be dang productive.”
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FOOTBALL
PREVIEW
WHO’S BACK? 6 Returning Starters
38
Unlike the offense, the defense brings back more valuable players than you think. Three of the four starters from 2013 are back in the secondary and linebackers Carlton Littlejohn and Travis Beck come into the season with a combined 66 career starts. Experienced linebackers will help sack master and lone returning starter Kyle Emanuel anchor the defensive line.
Carlton Littlejohn Sr. Linebacker
53 52
Kyle Emanuel Sr. Defensive End
Travis Beck Sr. Linebacker
ENTZ’S THOUGHTS “Just because there’s three seniors, with Esley, Travis and Carlton, that doesn’t mean they’re done learning and done getting better. We need to continue to work through that and continue to get better weekly.”
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35
Christian Dudzik Sr. Safety
20
Colten Heagle Sr. Safety
WHO ARE THE NEW GUYS? Just like the offensive side of the ball, the defensive line will welcome new starters this season. Sioux Falls native Mike Hardie will step into his new role as starting defensive end, opposite the side of Emanuel. In the middle, Brian Schaetz will fill the void left by Leevon Perry and Ryan Drevlow. And an experienced Esley Thorton will join an already polished linebacker crew.
KLIEMAN’S THOUGHTS “I’m excited about Mike Hardie, who has been a role player, and now it’s his time to become an impact player.”
6
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Mike Hardie Sr. Defensive End
CJ Smith Jr. Cornerback
ENTZ’S THOUGHTS “I hope they (younger players) see how invested these seniors are. They put an unbelievable amount of time, not just in a year, but in the last four or five years to carry on the tradition. We are North Dakota State. It’s like a badge of honor to wear the Bison.”
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Brian Schaetz Jr. Defensive Lineman 57
FOOTBALL
PREVIEW
IOWA STATE 8/30
11 AM
MONTANA 9/20
2:30 PM
Ames, IA
Fargo, ND
(448 miles from Fargo)
Player to Watch: WR, #9 Quenton Bundrage 2013- 48 receptions, 676 yards, 9 touchdowns
TV Broadcast: Fox Sports 1 Series Record: 0-1
WEBER STATE 9/06
7 PM
Series Record: 3-3
WESTERN ILLINOIS 10/4
Ogden, UT
Series Record: 4-0
3 PM Macomb, IL
(1,113 miles from Fargo) Player to Watch: RB, #8 Bo Bolen 2013- 549 rushing yards, 203 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns
Player to Watch: WR, #7 Ellis Henderson 2013- 43 receptions, 1008 yards, 14 touchdowns
(634 miles from Fargo)
Series Record: 3-2
Player to Watch: CB, #5 Martinez Davis 2013- 50 tackles, 3 interceptions, 10 passes defended
Homecoming Game
INCARNATE WORD 9/13
2:30 PM
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 10/11
Fargo, ND
Series Record: 0-0 58
Player to Watch: RB, #25 Broderick Reeves 2013- 616 rushing yards, 6.7 yard/carry, 11 touchdowns
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
1 PM
Fargo, ND
Series Record: 5-3
Player to Watch: RB, #31 Malcolm Agnew 2013- 180 rushing attempts, 888 yards, 6 touchdowns
FOOTBALL
PREVIEW
INDIANA STATE 10/18
NORTHERN IOWA
2:30 PM
11/8
Cedar Falls, IA
Fargo, ND Player to Watch: QB, #15 Mike Perish 2013- 8 games played, 1,586 passing yards, 14 touchdowns
Series Record: 5-1
(436 miles from Fargo)
MISSOURI STATE 11/15
2 PM
Vermillion, SD
Series Record: 51-25-3
Dakota Marker
2 PM
Springfield, MO
(301 miles from Fargo) Player to Watch: RB, #21 Trevor Bouma 2013- 781 rushing yards, 169 receiving yards, 4 touchdowns
Player to Watch: RB, #7 David Johnson 2013- 1,291 rushing yards, 393 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns
Series Record: 21-25
SOUTH DAKOTA 10/25
4 PM
(767 miles from Fargo)
Series Record: 4-2
Player to Watch: Safety, #34 Caleb Schaffitzel 2013- 109 tackles, 4 interceptions, 11 passes defended
Harvest Bowl
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 11/1
Series Record: 56-40-5
2:30 PM
YOUNGSTOWN STATE 11/22
2:30 PM
Fargo, ND
Fargo, ND
Player to Watch: RB, #31 Zach Zenner 2013- 351 rushing attempts, 2,015 rushing yards, 23 touchdowns
Player to Watch: RB, #29 Martin Ruiz 2013- 1,094 rushing yards, 256 receiving yards, 17 touchdowns
Series Record: 4-4
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AMES, IA
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE TO:
AMES, IA
NO MATTER WHERE THE BISON PLAY NDSU fanatics show up in force. We expect this to be no different for their opening game in Ames, IA against the Cyclones on Aug. 30. To help you feel like a local, we have compiled a list of some of the hot spots to eat and places to check out.
Population: 60,634 Total enrollment at Iowa State: 33,241 Distance from Fargo: 446 miles
SCHEDULE Friday, Aug. 29, 2014
Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014 – Ames
7–11 P.M. – Bison Party Des Moines Marriot Downtown – Hall of Cities Ballroom
8–10:30 A.M. CT – Saturday Pre-game Party WEAR BISON YELLOW! Iowa State Center, Scheman Building – outdoor venue with limited covered areas
700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA
· There will be live music, free NDSU baseball hats and cash bar. · Tickets $5/person (age 6 and under free). · You can purchase tickets at: ndsualumni.com/iowastatescheduleofevents. 8 P.M.– Program with President Dean L. Bresciani, Yell Leaders, Cheer Team and Thundar
Corner of Lincoln Way and University Blvd, Ames, IA
10:15 A.M. CT – Fan Walk to the stadium (0.25 miles). Meet at the Iowa State Center, Scheman Building, and stampede to Jack Trice Stadium. Let’s show the Cyclones the strength of the Herd! 11 A.M. CT – Kickoff – The March is On! Jack Trice Stadium 1800 S 4th St, Ames, IA
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DRINKS
FOOD
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT
Battle’s Barbeque
218 Welch Ave, Ames
515-292-1670
facebook.com/battles.barbeque 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad
Della Viti 323 Main St, Ames
515-232-0241
225 10th St, Boone
dellaviti.com 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
Mother’s Pub
Aunt Maude’s
515-292-2301
547 Main St, Ames
2900 West St, Ames motherspub.net 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
Welch Ave. Station
207 Welch Ave, Ames
515-292-2334
welchavestation.com 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
West Towne Pub
4518 Mortensen Rd #108, Ames
515-292-4555
westtownepub.com 3.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
515-432-4249 scenic-valleyrr.com
515-233-4136
auntmaudesames.com 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
Brick City Grill
2704 Stange Rd, Ames
515-268-4224
brick-city-grill.com 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
The Fighting Burrito 117 Welch Ave, Ames
515-292-2222
Main Street Cultural District 312 Main St, Ames
515-233-3472 amesdowntown.org
fightingburrito.com 1 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
Olde Main Brewing Company
316 Main St, Ames
515-232-0553
oldemainbrewing.com 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
Coldwater Golf Links
DG’s Tap House
1400 S Grand Ave, Ames
125 Main St, Ames
515-233-4664 coldwatergolf.com
515-233-1528
dgstaphouse.com 2 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
Black Market Pizza
For a full listing of places and things to do in Ames, IA, check out:
visitames.com
2610 Northridge Pkwy, Ames
515-292-1111
blackmarketpizza.com 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
Café Beaudelaire
Reiman Gardens
515-292-7429
1407 University Blvd, Ames
2504 Lincoln Way, Ames cafebeaudelaire.com 1.5 mi. from Jack Trice Stadium
515-294-2710 reimangardens.com
63
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SHAC
UPDATE
B R E A K N G Photography by Tiffany Swanson | Story by Joe Kerlin
O
n July 22, NDSU celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Sanford Health Athletic Complex by honoring a section of the new facility
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to former athletic director Gene Taylor and his wife Cathy. Joining Taylor at the ceremony was NDSU President Dean Bresciani, Scheels President Steve Scheel and the president
of Sanford Medical Center Fargo Paul Richard. Men’s basketball player A.J. Jacobson and women’s basketball player Liz Keena also gave rousing speeches at the ceremony.
NDSU President Dean Bresciani spoke at the groundbreaking. Here’s part of what he had to say: “We have become the leading institution in North Dakota and what you may not know is that we are the top-ranked university nationally in the five-state area to the south and west. A part of that ranking and recognition coast to coast is the athletic programs at this institution.” "This facility and the collection of facilities are the next gemstones in what is going to bring incredible attention to this institution. But it goes beyond NDSU athletics, and frankly it goes beyond NDSU. This is a collection of facilities that is going to rival any in the nation, and frankly, will be the biggest collection of indoor game use between Minneapolis and Seattle."
T he $41 million renovation officially started in April and is on pace to open its doors October 2016. Gast Construction Inc., construction manager Darren Kruse said the demolition of the interior
is 60-70 percent complete with most of the old walls knocked down. Kruse added the concrete foundation for the building should be set before the end of this construction season.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on the renovation, follow our SHAC updates and hear from Kruse every month in Bison Illustrated. 67
Bob
Leo
FARGO
FAREWELL
(Cathy, Wife)
(Jared, 16)
(Casey, 19)
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A
FINAL WORD WITH
GENE TAYLOR Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography By Joe Kerlin
T 
here is not enough we can do as members of Bison Nation to thank Gene Taylor for what he has done for NDSU Athletics. He has played an instrumental role in taking the Bison brand from a local powerhouse to a nationally recognized program. This exposure was ignited by the reclassification to Division I, which has been well-documented. From local to national news outlets, and even this magazine, people already know what Taylor has done in his short 13-year stint as athletic director. The list of accomplishments is unprecedented in this region, but few got the opportunity to meet the man behind the walls of the old Bison Sports Arena. This is the man who worked tirelessly to bring NDSU a new athletic facility, the leader who was patient enough to find the right conference for each team and the fund-raiser who has tripled the athletic budget, along with tripling the donations through Team Makers. The Taylor era may be over, but with his name inside the Sanford Health Athletic Complex, he will be remembered forever. For one last time, here is our conversation with NDSU athletic director Gene Taylor. 71
FARGO
FAREWELL
2
1
3 5
4
6 1. Taylor and Saul Phillips hug after Summit League Tournament. 2. Announcing he will leave NDSU, June. 3. Receiving award in 2008 with his family. 4. With Bresciani at 2013 FCS Championship game. 5. Pep Rally, Frisco, Texas in 2013. 6. With Ryun Godfrey receiving the Coach of the Year.
Q&A What did you know about NDSU Athletics before taking over as the athletic director? "They operated at a high end. Their success is well-documented with national championships. So when I came in, and that was one of the charges with President Chapman, I knew it was going to be a lot easier than what everyone thought because the support mechanisms were already at a high-level, above any other Division II program. I think that was one of the reasons 72
(we) had so much success and so much early success because we didn’t have to start from scratch. There were a lot of things already in place at the Division I level.”
Was it a no-brainer for you to write that letter suggesting NDSU go to DI? “It was, but I knew there was a lot of work to be done to get there. There were so many people that were so comfortable at Division II and saw it as a major change and saw us not having success. I mean, I didn’t know we were going to have the success that we’ve had. I knew we would have success, but no one could have ever scripted this. I knew there were support systems in place so that success would come along a lot quicker than other places that had made that transition.”
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • AU G U S T 2 014
Looking back at it then, you came into a pretty good situation, would you say? “Oh absolutely. NDSU was in a good place when I got here and obviously there were some challenges.”
What were some of those challenges? “They had to change the leadership, obviously. It was about a six-month period where they didn’t know who their athletic director was going to be and the biggest question was: are we adding hockey or are we going Division I? The longtime staff at the time, a very good staff, knew there were going to be some changes and a new guy was going to come in and they didn’t know what the new guy was going to do. ‘Is he going to include us?’ But they were great.
... They knew there were some major changes, in some shape or form, were going to happen. The challenge I guess was just the challenge of the unknown. But in terms of the structure and the quality of the people here, I didn’t have to come in and make sweeping changes and I didn’t want to, because the people that were really good and a lot of them are still here. Over time obviously, Amy (Ruley) retired and Bucky (Maughan) retired, but those are the changes that happen over time. There were a lot of people that were very solid when I got here. That made my job a lot easier than people probably realize.”
How much unknown will there be for the new AD? “I think in a different way there’s always going to be question about what he or she will be like, who are they going to bring in. The question will be how do you maintain it and how do you keep it moving? How do you keep at the top level, knowing you hope you have years like this? And I think that they will. There are teams here that will continue to win conference tournaments and make the NCAA Tournament. The football team will always be in the hunt for the national championship. With the coaches in place, I don’t have any concern that they’re not going to have success. Dave Richman said it best: ‘We were good before we got here, and they’ll continue to be good after Gene has left. We’re always going to be good.’ The new AD will be coming down the same hall with the same quality of people that I got a chance to walk into that are here now. So the new AD is going to come in here and say, ‘Wow, this is a pretty good deal.’ And if they don’t, I’d be pretty surprised. There are talented people up and down this hallway.”
How has your time at NDSU helped shape you professionally? “Probably – well maybe my staff won’t agree with this – (laughs) my patience. I was not a really patient person, and I think I became more patient here. ... If you work hard enough and you have people that believe in what you’re doing, things will work out for the best ... One of the examples was the conference affiliation; we had some ups and downs there. But we knew who we were as an institution, we knew who we were as a program and we knew eventually we were going to see North Dakota State in the bid, but that’s where the patience came in with me because it didn’t happen in one or two years. It took three or four years.”
What has Fargo meant to your family? “My kids growing up, this is home. This is absolutely home for them. My daughter is going to graduate from NDSU, as much as she thought she was going someplace else, she is going to be involved in
this program. Jared, in his mind, if he is good enough one day, he’d love to come back and be a Bison. This is home for them. Just like Cathy’s home was Pittsburgh and my home was Arizona. Casey has been out on the East Coast this summer and she said, 'Dad, now I know why I really like Fargo. It’s different.' For Cathy to have the dear, dear friends she has coming out of with. It’s easy for me, you know, it’s like you’re an athlete and you have those friends. For me, I had work friends. Cathy was beside herself and it took awhile, but now has dear friends here in Fargo and most likely even stronger friends than she’s had in Annapolis.”
“Yeah, I’ll sit back and go, ‘Wow, that was pretty cool.’ Yeah, I do. It means a lot. I think that’s why it’s so hard to leave because I care so much about the people that have done the hard work. The coaches and the staff, the amount of hours they have put in. But I do look back and take a great amount of pride in what we have done and the fact I sat back in this chair and made some decisions and made some calls that were questioned at the time and written about, positively and negatively, but you go out and do it. You’re not a normal person if you don’t take pride in doing that. I can’t take full credit because there’s too many things that go into (it) and too many people that worked hard that really deserve it. I told my staff this: ‘You guys, we need to collectively enjoy this.' For the last five or six years, once we got through the transition years, the experiences they have all had, whether it’s the championships or the basketball tournaments or whatever, there’s a lot of my colleagues that have been in this business for 20-some years that have never had runs like this. Collectively, if you’re a young administrator or you’re coming towards the end of your career, this is the time to embrace it and enjoy it and to feel good about it. I hope they all feel as good as I do.”
“What our community and our fanbase have done for me personally and professionally is something I’ll never be able to thank them enough for.”
So it sounds like the group of people in this building have created a sense of family. “You go up and down this hallway and there are guys that were single when I got here that now they have gotten married and had kids. It’s a collective family. There are a lot of guys that collectively hang out here. I don’t go out so much being their boss (laughs), but you bet I have gone out and had a beer with them from time to time. The bond is nice. It’s not unusual to go to a birthday party because it’s a pretty tight-knit group.”
“I just want to send out a big thank you and if I could hug every one of them I would...”
Everyone knows you’re a humble guy, Gene, and you like to pass the credit to the people working here, but do you ever sit back and just enjoy what you have done here?
What are you going to be most proud of looking back at your career at NDSU?
“I think just the collective move through a very challenging Division I transition; I hope it’s not an unprecedented success. They have had many years of success from the time I have left, and I think they will. The coaches have done that to make that happen. Just looking back and say, 'There were many naysayers who didn’t think we were going to have success.' Saying, 'Never going to do it. This is the dumbest decision you have ever made.’ I can look back and say we, we collectively, proved a whole bunch of people wrong along the way. Not just our fans, because our fans helped us get there, but across the country. I have had conference commissioners say, ‘Why are you doing this? You have had success at Division II; you won’t at Division I. I won’t let you in our conference.’ There were a lot of people like that.”
You stuck it to ‘em. “At the end of the day, that’s what I go back to think. Our fanbase, some of them were naysayers, but some of them were more public than others and some of them were private, but when they realized ‘Hey, this is our team,' they got behind them in a big way. I mean Team Makers going from 700,000 to 3 million (dollars), you name it. The dollars have gone up. People have said we better get on this train and enjoy this ride, and many, many people have. They can take as much pride in this as we have.”
Are there any final words you'd like to say to Fargo and the entire Bison Nation? “What our community and our fanbase have done for me personally and professionally is something I’ll never be able to thank them enough for. I just want to send out a big thank you and if I could hug every one of them I would, because they have been such a big part of the success. You know, sometimes I get way more credit than I deserve, but it’s really the people up and down the hallway, the student-athletes and the fans that finally got behind it. I will never be able to thank them enough for the experience I had here. My deep love and appreciation for Bison Athletics will never change, never change.” 73
FARGO
FAREWELL
10
SPRING 2008
Men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams and the softball team bring home NDSU’s first Summit League Championships. The football team moves to the Missouri Valley Football Conference after four seasons in the Great West Football Conference.
MOST MEMORABLE
MOMENTS from the
AUGUST 2007
After non-conference affiliation since moving to Division I, NDSU finds a home for 14 of its sports in the Summit League.
GENE TAYLOR ERA
OCTOBER 2011
Through the ‘Building The Competitive Edge’ campaign, construction begins on the Shelly Ellig Indoor Track and Field Facility.
JANUARY 2012
Bison football wins its first Division I FCS National Championship by defeating Sam Houston State 17-6.
NOVEMBER 2006
AUGUST 2002
Gene Taylor writes a letter to then NDSU President Joe Chapman, requesting NDSU move its athletics to Division I status.
The football team wins the Great West Football Conference, giving NDSU its first Division I conference championship.
AUGUST 2004 FEBRUARY 2004
He becomes chair of the coaches committee for the Great West Football Conference. NDSU Football finds an immediate home.
NDSU officially reclassifies from Division II affiliation to Division I with its 16 programs.
SEPTEMBER 2013
ESPN’s College GameDay comes to downtown Fargo for the first time ever. Later that year, GameDay’s Fargo site is awarded the “Herbie Award” for best GameDay site of the season. Later that fall, the State of North Dakota accepts NDSU and Gene Taylor’s request for a $41 million remodeling of the Bison Sports Arena.
JULY 2014
NDSU hosts the official groundbreaking ceremony of the new Sanford Health Athletic Complex.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS • 2008 and 2012 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics FCS Central Region Athletic Director of the Year • 2012 honoree of the NDSU BlueKey Honor Society Doctor of Service Award • Produced 64 CoSIDA Academic All-America® awards, 3 NCAA Woman of the Year nominees, 4 NCAA Championships Elite 89 student-athletes, and 18 NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship winners 74
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AMANDA
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SMOCK
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Where Are They Now? Amanda Smock By Amber Morgan | Photo by Tiffany Swanson
F
or someone who didn’t expect to become a professional track and field athlete, Amanda Smock has come a long way. A former NDSU track and field star, she still holds the NDSU indoor and outdoor triple jump records – which she hopes and expects will be broken soon. Now a professional competitor in triple jump, Smock has won multiple national
titles and competed as the only U.S. competitor for the triple jump during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Formerly known as Amanda Thieschafer, Smock competed for NDSU from 20012004. She says it was the success of the track and field program that convinced Smock to pursue the university. She was attracted to the coaching style, which she found to be confident and optimistic, and the athletes, which she considered strong and well-rounded. And when she became a Bison, it was the events – the triple and long jumps and the 100-meter dash and 4x100 meter relay – that became the focus of her time and energy. Despite her dedication to the sport and the work ethic and skill that led to her numerous successes as a studentathlete, Smock didn’t expect to finish school and become a professional athlete. “It kind of just worked itself out that way,” she said.
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AMANDA
SMOCK
“I feel like I take a lot of pride in their success, and it’s fun to see the program kind of flourish and do so well.” When she graduated in 2004
Smock knew she wasn’t ready to stop competing. At the time, she thought she would continue the sport for only a few years. “That was ten years ago,” Smock says with a laugh. “Once the Olympics started to be a realistic thing, then that was a goal, and now, after the 2012 Olympics, the 2016 Olympics aren’t that far away anymore.” Besides making it to the 2012 Summer Olympics (and
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celebrating her birthday during the opening ceremony), Smock has won numerous USA Outdoor and Indoor Championships for triple jump. In June she took home her third USA Outdoor Championship for triple jump. Smock has made it to the national stage as a professional athlete, but that doesn’t mean she has cut ties with her alma mater. She and her husband, also a former Bison track and fielder, still keep in touch with former teammates and head coach Ryun Godfrey. Godfrey and former event coach Brent Parmer were two of Smock’s biggest influences while she was a Bison. Their nurturing coaching styles instilled confidence in Smock and pushed her towards her greatest potential as an athlete.
In July Smock returned to her former school to help out with an NDSUsponsored track and field camp. She acted as a clinician, coaching high school track and field athletes in both triple and long jump. Smock enjoys teaching the sport, and while she enjoys coaching both the men’s and women’s track and field teams at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., Smock isn’t done competing herself. The next couple of years appear promising for Smock’s athletic career. She says her third USA outdoor championship has motivated her and convinced her that she is on the right path. The 2014 season will finish in October, and she will have a one month break before she begins training for the 2015 season. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will hold the 2016 Summer Olympics, and she says if she stays healthy and injury-free and is still having fun, she will continue pursuing a spot. Smock’s sights are set high, but she’s made the cut before and if she stays on her current path, it’s likely we’ll be cheering for her again in Rio.
KIDS
ONLY
Photo History
Former Bison tight end Matt Veldman hauls in a 15-yard touchdown pass over the head of an inferior Iowa State defender to keep the Bison within striking distance, 24-17 late in the third quarter.
Back Then
Iowa State defeat the Bison 34-17. Bison running back Pat Paschall ran for 146 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Warren Halloway and tight end Matt Veldman combined for seven receptions, 109 yards and a touchdown. Middle linebacker Preston Evans led all Bison defenders with 11 tackles. Bison linebacker Matt Anderson recovered two fumbles. 1. Color of official’s belt, 2. Nike swoosh on Bison player’s pants, 3. Color of wristband on opponent, 4. Spelling of Dakota on Bison jersey, 5. Stripes on official’s sock
Answers
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KIDS
ONLY
B ISON
AMANDA SMOCK BISON NATION CARSON WENTZ FARGODOME GENE TAYLOR
MARK COOK NDSU SHAC THUNDAR TRAVIS BECK
HENRY BOLLEY IOWA STATE KARI THOMPSON KLIEMAN MAREN WALSETH
WORD SEARCH
ERS
ANSW
in the r Septembe issue
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BRIAN SHAWN
@BShawn17
Losing one of our own
By Brian Shawn
Gene Taylor took a chance and it paid off. But the reason why he connected so well with fans was because he was a fan himself. A popular athletic director in the community is moving on, but the legacy he leaves behind will always be remembered.
Gene Taylor took the biggest risk of his professional career coming to NDSU 13 years ago. He had a great gig at Navy as an associate athletic director and his family was comfortable there. Instead, Gene took a leap of faith. He came to Fargo and in his first year was asked to look at a move to Division I. The skepticism from many longtime supporters was high. When the decision was made to move forward, there was a lot of uncertainty if a regional school in Fargo, N.D. could actually make it all work. If the move up to Division I turned out to be the wrong one, Gene’s first shot as an AD might have been his last. Yes, Gene was tactical, smart and made a lot of great hires in the athletic department. He would admit there was a little bit of luck along the way. Many coaches and administrators have gone on to have unprecedented success and, fortunately, the fan base and other donors came to the table to support NDSU, which was an absolute necessity. But that is really only a small part of what made Gene a strong AD. His interpersonal skills, along with his work ethic, have played a critical role as well. I have been around long enough to see a number of different athletic directors, how they carry themselves, act and
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operate. Gene is unique in a very good way. He is visible, emotional and caring. One time on Twitter, I remember his daughter Casey mentioning that “My Dad is so annoying to watch a game with. He’s so loud when he cheers.” That is what makes Gene a special athletic director. He gets into it. He’s not the guy that sits in the luxury box all the time with the big donors. He’s in the stands, on the field, standing courtside and gets just as nervous as the fans do during a close game. There are times Gene’s emotion has gotten the better of him. Even he would admit that. Spiking his hat on the sideline when a call went against NDSU happened from time to time, and we have all seen him cry once or twice (or a dozen times) when one of the teams or athletes achieve a significant accomplishment. But I will take an athletic director that cares over an athletic director that shows no feelings at all. You rally around the guy that cares because it’s contagious. When Gene alerted staff members he was leaving a few days before the announcement came out, several told me, “Just a sad meeting, the best boss I have ever had.” Coaches love him and staff love working for him. It’s because of how he treats people and appreciates people for their work and dedication. He has never acted like a guy that is ‘above’ anyone else. I have no idea who the next athletic director will be or the skills he or she will bring to the table, but I do know Gene Taylor will be missed as a person and as a boss a lot more than he will be missed as an athletic director.
“
Coaches love him and staff love working for him. It’s because of how he treats people and appreciates people for their work and dedication. He has never acted like a guy that is ‘above’ anyone else.
“
N
orth Dakota State University athletics has had a chance to experience some incredible moments over the last decade, but with success typically comes change. Keeping coaches and staff members that have taken Bison athletics to new heights is difficult when new opportunities for success and growth come along.
TEAM
MAKERS
Exit Interview With Gene Taylor By Terry Ludlum
H
appy summer season to all the faithful Team Makers and Bison Nation throughout!
As we all began transitioning into our NDSU Athletics “off-season” mode (sometimes called summer), the baseball, softball and track programs gave us another chapter in the story of the overall program success throughout the 2013-2104 year. The inherent problem is that much like under-performing athletic programs resulting in coaching changes, successful programs garnering national attention also result in coaching changes. Successful coaches seize intriguing offers to showcase their talents at a higher level. However, given that the recent overall athletic success at NDSU has been anything but normal, it stands to reason that the changes would also be anything but normal. This June, the almost expected coaching changes escalated to a certainly unexpected level as we all received the news that Athletic Director Gene Taylor had accepted an Assistant Athletic Director position at the University of Iowa. For those of us that have had the good fortune of working with Gene over the last 13 years, it’s certainly not difficult to see what Iowa was seeking. In the words of so many, “Gene has always been a professional in everything that he does. He has been approachable and involved at every level and in a short time, you come to learn that Gene is truly passionate about what he does.” 88
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I thought that before he leaves, I should take the opportunity to learn a little more about Gene’s memorable activities at NDSU and so I sat down with him and asked a few “lessthan-serious” questions: Will you be leaving all of your NDSU gear at the Iowa border? “I actually had somewhat of a semi-rummage sale for my two best friends. I laid most of it out and let them sort through what they would like. I will be holding on to some, given that my daughter will be a sophomore here at NDSU.” Rumor has it that Coach Kramer (NDSU Strength Coach) had recommended that you participate in the same summer workout program that the athletes are currently doing (to set a good example). Did this in any way influence your decision to leave? “Absolutely! I wanted to live past the age of 57 and if I would have tried the same training programs as some of the athletes, I would have been dead within two weeks.” When you arrived here in 2001, the Team Makers budget was approximately $700,000 (current budget is $3,285,000). Is it true that you originally told Team Makers Executive Director Pat Simmers that a great way to raise funds and increase the budget may be rummage sales and car washes? “And bake sales, never forget a good bake sale. Actually, I remember Pat’s reaction
when I told him that we needed $1 million if we were going to be successful at the Division I level. He almost choked!” After the disappointing 3-8 football season of 2009, what type of administrative changes did you make in the playbook to turn it all around and ultimately win three consecutive FCS Championships? “I told Coach Bohl that we’re going back to the basics … Score more on the offensive side, give up less on the defensive side and then I let him work out the details.” During Bison Football home games you had the opportunity to be with your son Jared on the sidelines as he worked as a ball boy. Is it true that you had to discipline him at some point for taking every other play off? “No, quite the opposite. He had to discipline me on a few occasions because my behavior toward the officials was not appropriate.” At this year’s Bison Showcase, we noticed that one of the auction items was “A Round of Golf with Gene Taylor.” How much money were you hoping to get when you placed that item on the silent auction? “I was actually hoping that I wouldn’t have to buy it myself under an anonymous name.” On behalf of the Team Makers Executive Board, I would like to say how truly enjoyable it has been working with you here at NDSU and we wish you nothing but success in your new position. “As I leave here, I will always remember the tremendous support and friendships that have been developed. The support from the Team Makers Executive Board, the rest of the Team Makers, and Bison fans throughout has been nothing short of phenomenal.”
Terry Ludlum is Vice-President of Team Makers and also the 2014 Fund Drive Chairman.
SWANY
SAYS...
curveball, give ‘em the heater, Ricky. It’s a classic American underdog tale. The plot focuses on a group of misfits that band together and rally around each other when everybody else is counting them down and out. See the “Rocky” parallels? As a bit of a misfit myself, I think that’s why By Josh Swanson I relate to the movie and can parrot every line from start to finish. At first blush, it appears the Bison have little f you’re a regular reader of my columns, you in common by way of comparison with the fictional know that I’m fond of quoting or referencing, Cleveland team in “Major League.” While Cleveland maybe too much, sports movies. Guilty as had been a perennial loser, NDSU is coming off three charged. I love sports movies, especially football straight national championships where they compiled movies. “The Program,” “Varsity Blues” and a Division I best 43 – 2 record since 2011 and have the “Remember the Titans” stand out as three of the nation’s longest winning streak at 24 straight games, greatest football movies of all-time. But I don’t want tied for the longest streak in FCS history. to talk about football movies, not today. I want to talk about one of the greatest movies, sports or no sports, So what in the name of Pedro Cerrano do the Bison ever made. It’s got to be “Rocky,” right? The Academy have in common with Lou Brown’s lovable losers Award winner for Best Picture in 1976 is iconic. turned division champions? More than you think. There are all kinds of metaphors apropos to football The season hasn’t even started and some, check in “Rocky.” Going toe to toe with an opponent, taking that, most are already counting the Bison out for devastating punishment for a greater cause, and a chance to return to Frisco for a fourth time in as the pride in going the distance. Most importantly, many years. I hopped to Barnes and Noble yesterday believing in yourself when there are few others in and perused the college football magazine rack. All your corner giving you a chance. of the FCS previews featured the Bison, but did so noting their run of championships was likely at an How does “Rocky” apply to North Dakota State’s end. The refrain – we just lost too many guys. Take efforts to bring home a record-breaking fourth this headline from a national football website earlier straight FCS national championship? I don’t know this summer: “Should the Bison remain No. 1?” The because I don’t want to talk about Rocky either. I author’s conclusion is no, the Bison shouldn’t. want to talk about “Major League,” which despite its low-brow antics, ranks right up there with “Rocky” as Right or wrong, the talk from the media folks, one of the greatest movies of all-time. It’s one of those conference foes and even some of our own fickler movies, like “Shawshank Redemption” or “Top Gun,” fans heading into this fall focuses on who isn’t that when you run across it on AMC or TBS, you drop coming back for NDSU rather than on the fact the what you’re doing, plop down on the couch and watch Bison return a wealth of talent and experience from it, commercials and all, despite the fact the Blu-ray is those championship teams. I can’t tell you how many sitting somewhere on the floor by your flatscreen. conversations I’ve had in the last few months on the merits of booking hotel rooms in Frisco for early I watched “Major League” several dozen times January 2015. I have mine booked, by the way. The growing up in Maddock, N.D. Despite our small town talks are all remarkably similar, full of resignation values, and mostly because we really didn’t know because there’s no way we can four-peat without what we were saying, at least in little league anyway, the likes of Brock Jensen, Billy Turner, Grant Olson, every ballplayer my age in Maddock quoted that Marcus Williams, etc. This phenomenon is not lost movie through legion baseball. The most quoted line on guys like Colton Heagle, who returns for a shot was the exchange between third baseman Roger at another title along with a strong senior class Dorn and pitcher Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn where featuring guys like Carlton Littlejohn, Kyle Emanuel, Dorn implores Vaughn to, borrowing the PG version John Crockett and Christian Dudzik. Last spring, edited for TBS, strike that “guy” out. Forget about the
Don’t Count Us Out
I
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@swany8
when this talk started, head coach Chris Klieman mentioned Heagle, saying the senior was a little miffed that all anyone wanted to do was talk about who wasn’t there as opposed to the guys in the room. The bigger the chip on the shoulder, the better. By this point, after the last four years, if you think our guys moped around the weight room or summer workouts sulking because we lost some graduating seniors and a few coaches, you know as much about football as I do about fine wine (which is nothing outside of the color difference between red and white wine). The names may have changed, but our tradition hasn’t. We’ve won 11 national championships with six coaches and hundreds of players in four different decades. That’s a program built to last. That’s a program that endures and keeps striving for higher levels of success built on the accomplishments of those who came before them. Look no further than those championship banners in the FargoDome end zone. Guys like Carson Wentz have been waiting, absorbing, learning and preparing for this – the day when they finally get to take over and leave their mark. I mentioned earlier I could quote, verbatim, pretty much every line from “Major League.” Here’s one of my favorites. The team is assembled in the locker room before their opening game when Brown, their manager, gives the team an unorthodox pep talk. He points out to the team that every newspaper in the country is counting on their failure, including the local press, before challenging his guys. Brown tells them, “Me, I’m for wasting sportswriters’ time. So I figured we ought to hang around for a while and see if we can give ‘em all nice big ‘turdburger’ to eat!” Apropos indeed. The message is simple. Don’t count the Bison out. A win over Iowa State on August 30th would give NDSU the longest winning streak in the history of the FCS. It would also send a message to those thinking our days of dominance came to a close last January. NDSU isn’t laying down for anybody. It would be a mistake to count us out because of who’s not here. Ask the guys that are still here. The goals are the same and there’s a singular destination where they’d like to end the season come January 2015, winning the whole freaking thing. The road to Frisco still runs through Fargo. Everybody up for the kickoff, the march is on. *Swanson is a native of Maddock, ND, a proud NDSU alum and a life-long Bison fan.
POP
QUIZ What do you like to do during your down time?
What do you eat before a big game?
What’s the first thing you do after a game?
Play guitar
Sausage, eggs, French toast and fruit
Get some good food
Jesse Hinz The Beatrice, Nebraska native enters the 2014 season with lofty expectations from his head coach. Jesse Hinz has started seven games during his Bison career and will be leaned on heavily to lead the ‘Rams’ this season.
Football
Sierra Bonham
Soccer
As a freshman, Sierra Bonham set an NDSU single-season record for most saves per game (6.29). As a sophomore, she solidified herself as one of the toughest keepers in the conference when she was named Second-team AllSummit League.
Camping and being outside
Sushi and blue sports drink
I always eat after a game
Travis Beck
Football
Being selected as the NCAA FCS Championship game’s Most Valuable Player as a freshman makes for a tough encore. But the senior linebacker from Munich hasn’t disappointed. Twohundred and forty six tackles later have Bison fans agreeing Beck is what being a Bison linebacker is all about.
Go visit with family
Go to the lake
Spaghetti
The cabin, waterskiing and bonfires with family
Eggs and a fruit smoothie
Take off my shoes and eat!
Rollerblading
Some sort of hot sandwich, a baked potato and a banana or two so I hopefully don’t cramp up during the game.
Ice bath!
Cassie Wurm Last year, as a freshman, Wurm shot an impressive average of 82.42 in 19 rounds. She will be expected to step up to the occasion as the golf team hopes to continue their impressive run.
Golf
Jenni Fassbender
Volleyball
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This sophomore played in 27 of 31 matches as a freshman, including 17 starts. She has high expectations going into this season as she ranked fourth last season with 201 kills and was named to the Summit League’s Academic Honor Roll.
B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D •AU G U S T 2 014
What classes are you most looking forward to this semester?
Favorite TV show to binge watch?
Spanish and French
How I Met Your Mother, Orange Is the New Black
My social work classes
Between watching the World Cup, I started The O.C. and continued with Rookie Blue.
Turfgrass management
Game of Thrones
International business
Criminal Minds and Gossip Girl
The French-Speaking World
Friends