Bison Illustrated September 2016

BISON ILLUSTRATED SEPTEMBER 2016

September 2016

D R A W R FO D E S U C O F e rest of the and th re ready to a c u a DeL tball team istory. k c Ni on foo making h Bis ntinue co

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURE

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NICK DELUCA The middle linebacker on the NDSU defense is capturing the attention of the entire country. After arriving on the scene during the 2014 playoff, the senior captain solidified his reputation as a high-flying linebacker last season. Now, DeLuca’s next challenge is continuing NDSU’s success.

28 EASTON STICK Sophomore quarterback Easton Stick will be the first to tell you what he did last year means nothing in 2016. The youngest captain on the team will now have to prove the flare and excitement from last year was no anomaly.

40 CHRIS KLIEMAN

WHAT’S INSIDE 34

Greg Menard

88

Safeties

46

Getting the Band Back Together

92

Behind the Scenes at Media Day

50

Battle of Attrition

98

Dean Bresciani

56

Protect Your Grill

104

Gary Barta

60

Running Backs

108

Gene Taylor

66

Offensive Linemen

116

Position Previews

72

Defensive Ends

122

What’s on the Grill

78

Linebackers

124

Team Makers

84

Wide Receivers

140

Pop Quiz

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126 “HORNS UP”

FOLLOW US

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Third-year head coach Chris Klieman is armed with a resume that most coaches could only dream of. As the next chapter of his coaching career starts, he’s determined to keep the Bison football team on the path toward success.

Jeff Kolpack’s new book “Horns Up” documents NDSU football’s transition to Division I and the meteoric rise of an FCS dynasty. He visits with columnist Josh Swanson to give us the behind the scenes look into his first book.

MEET THE

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SEPTEMBER 2016 | VOLUME 11 ISSUE 2 Bison Illustrated is a free publication distributed monthly (12 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 Paul Bougie EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Andrew Jason EDITOR Joe Kerlin DESIGN/LAYOUT Ryan Koehler, Sarah Geiger, Brittney Richter CONTRIBUTORS Josh Swanson, Joe Kerlin, Paul Bougie COPY EDITORS Erica Rapp, Lauren Wilson MARKETING/SALES Tracy Nicholson, Paul Hoefer, Paul Bougie, Tank McNamara, Jenny Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY J. Alan Paul Photography, NDSU Athletics, Joe Kerlin, Laura Cramer BUSINESS OPERATIONS Heather Hemingway MANAGER SPECIAL THANKS Ryan Perreault, Wes Offerman, Ryan Anderson, Jeff Schwartz, Colleen Heimstead, NDSU Athletics DELIVERY Mitch Rapp, Hal Ecker, Nolan Kaml

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

EDITORIALS

EDITOR’S NOTE

DON’T FORGET THIS MOMENT

I hope you recorded the Charleston Southern game. It will be a pregame you won’t soon forget.

FROM JOE KERLIN

joe@bisonillustrated.com

’ll probably shed a tear. When the Bison football season starts Saturday, Aug. 27, it’s going to be a heavy day. The 6:30 p.m. kickoff will allow a full day of emotion and conversation with fellow Bison supporters in the West Lot at tailgating to hit me.

I

Before kickoff, the championship banner will rise again with a new 2015 printed near the bottom. Thirteen years of championship football will ascend to the rafters and the yellow-clad Bison faithful will howl in approval when the spotlight turns toward the banner. Someone will make a note there’s room for more years and ask: why not do it again?

We’ll watch in utter disbelief, as the journey of last year’s team will fill our memories when the banner begins its slow climb.

The new video board will be on display and the inevitable Scott Miller tribute video will

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bisonillustrated

create an enclosed Fargodome to suddenly get dusty. There might be a tear or two, or three before the Bison run out of the inflatable helmet. Bring your handkerchief. I’ll most certainly have mine.

By the time you read this in the magazine, the pregame celebration of a fifth national championship will have taken place. It might be a distant memory for you as NDSU prepares to play Eastern Washington or Iowa. But, if you’re lucky enough to have a seat in the dome or if you’re watching from your couch on ESPN, remember the ascension of that banner before the season-opener. Who knows if we’ll get a chance to see it again?

September 1, 2012 was the first time we witnessed the banner being pulled from the turf.

Robert Morris was on the wrong end of a 52-0 beating, which saw Bison greats Carson Wentz, Joe Haeg, Andrew Bonnet and Ben LeCompte make their college football debuts. Four 2016 seniors were in the stands serving their redshirt season.

MJ Stumpf, Eric Perkins, Jack Plankers and Landon Lechler,

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now mainstays in the Bison rotation, will attempt to keep the banner-raising tradition going at NDSU. It’s hard to think only four of the 11-deep senior class witnessed that day. Of course, I should note Zack Johnson was there, but he was suited up on the sidelines.

That just goes to show how lucky we all have been to see our school, our favorite team win national championships time and time again.

Frisco, Texas, a city that will forever hold a permanent place in Bison fans’ hearts, is never guaranteed. But what is guaranteed is the memory of a fifth consecutive national championship celebrated before ESPN popped the champagne bottle on the 2016 season. And that’s worth getting caught up in your feelings for.

SINCERELY,

Joe Kerlin

BOUGIE’S NOTE

FOOTBALL IS BACK FROM PAUL BOUGIE

Editor’s Note: Turn on AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” while reading to properly set the mood.

LOVE FOOTBALL SEASON. Everything about it.

From the actual game played on the gridiron to the tailgating with friends, my love spans all levels. From high school to college to professional, football is in the blood of North Dakotans, especially this one.

I

But as we get caught in the week-to-week routine of looking forward to the next Bison game day, I want to ask you all to do me a favor. Head football coach Chris Klieman pointed out one of our mutual friends in his first press conference because he misses him. And I miss this friend, along with several others, too, that won’t be with us as we follow the Bison create history.

These friends are special in more ways than one. They’re the ones who have been a part of my memories for as long as I can remember. They’ve been through the good and the bad, the ups and downs in life and the wins and the losses in the sporting arena.

They’re our friends who may be in a better place, but they’re still with us, watching from above. You could say they’re still a part of the fun we have and are with us while we make new memories.

So, before we start to decide what to cook at tailgating, which lucky yellow coat we have to wear and before we cheer our favorite team on to victory or question a silly play call from a coach or a penalty from a ref, let’s all take a moment and raise our glasses to our friends who may not be present physically, but their spirits are still with us as we create new football memories.

This one’s to you, Scotty Miller, Joan Deal, “Goofy” and all the other names and faces from the past that have played a role in shaping who I am today. I miss you. We miss you. We promise to carry on the traditions you helped us create.

Go Bison!

SINCERELY,

Paul Bougie

BISON SHOTS

BISON SHOTS

M

Photo by Ryan Koehler

edia Day was another exciting fiasco this August on the second floor of the Fargodome.

This day is indirectly dedicated to the fans because it gives the local media outlets their opportunity to meet and interview as many Bison football players and coaches as they can.

As you can see, King Frazier (22) and Bruce Anderson (8) attempted to keep a straight face for our camera during the photo shoot. Lance Dunn (10), Chase Morlock (25) and Tre Dempsey (3) weren’t helping the cause, as they couldn’t hold back their laughter. Apparently, Frazier and Anderson were having a difficult time trying to act tough for the camera. Alas, the photo happened, and you can check it out on page 60.

DID WE MISS SOMETHING?

Let us know and send us your pictures: joe@bisonillustrated.com

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BISON SHOTS

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EPITOMIZING AN NDSU LINEBACKER ONE HIT AT A TIME FOOTBALL NICK DELUCA

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

SINGLE-SEASON TOTAL TACKLES STATS

BUTKUS AWARD

Nick DeLuca was one of the 51 linebackers in the country on the preseason Butkus Award Watch List. He’s the only FCS player to make the cut.

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Player (Year) – Tackles 1. Jim Dick (1985) – 167 2. Rick Budde (1974) – 150 3. Grant Olson (2012) – 148 T4. Todd Lecy (1981) – 137 T4. Kim Garvey (1974) – 137 6. Jerry Rosburg (1977) – 136 T7. Ken Clark (1989) – 135 T7. Nick DeLuca (2015) – 135 9. Steve Nelson (1973) – 129 10. Sean Fredricks (1997) – 128

NICK DeLUCA FOOTBALL NICK DELUCA

LINEBACKER TRUE SENIOR OMAHA, NEB. BUTKUS AWARD WATCH LIST BUCK BUCHANAN AWARD

WATCH LIST

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FIRST TEAM ALL-MISSOURI VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

TEAM CAPTAIN

T

he Bison defense returns droves of talent this year. Middle linebacker Nick DeLuca has risen to the top and is well on his way to becoming the gold standard at linebacker.

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FOOTBALL NICK DELUCA

The latest CBS Sports 2017 NFL Draft rankings had NDSU’s Nick DeLuca as the seventh-best inside linebacker prospect. Of course, no juniors have declared for the draft, therefore, they’ve been left off the list, but the ranking tells you everything you need to know about how the nation views NDSU’s man in the middle.

“What can I say about Nick DeLuca?” former Bison linebacker and teammate Carlton Littlejohn said with a huge grin on his face the day before NDSU squared off against Jacksonville State in the FCS Championship. “Everything you need in a linebacker.”

Littlejohn was giddy to watch him the next day at Toyota Stadium, and what did DeLuca do? Intercepted an Eli Jenkins pass in the second quarter by leaving his feet and sprawling through the air. It was a simple read DeLuca said a week after the game. More proof he has grown a knack for making the spectacular seem second nature.

He added nine tackles, one for a loss and a forced fumble in a stout Bison defensive performance in the FCS Championship game.

DeLuca’s smooth pass-covering ability has always been at the forefront of

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his skill-set. His first interception as a Bison came in the Dakota Dome in 2014. The game was the first start of his career. Travis Beck was out with an injury and the sophomore from Omaha, Neb. was called upon after the senior leader went down. DeLuca was inserted as the middle linebacker and Littlejohn moved to the outside, his old position. It was a precursor to what the defense would eventually look like during its championship run.

South Dakota quarterback Kevin Earl went back into a three-step drop, hesitated and threw to a receiver streaking across the middle of the field. It went right into the hands of a leaping DeLuca. It was one of the first glimpses into the athleticism of a 6-foot-3-inch linebacker who looked more like a defensive end than a player willing to drop into coverage.

“He’s not the prototypical linebacker we have at NDSU,” said Littlejohn, who played in 59 games in his career and is fourth in NDSU history with 345 total tackles. “We get smaller guys. He’s like 240. I’m 215. Travis Beck, 210. Grant Olson was a bigger guy at 225. He (DeLuca) moves better than most guys.

Tackles as good as every guy. He’s one of the best linebackers I’ve been around.”

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Bison fans were well on their way to realizing how good DeLuca could become during the 2014 playoffs. Beck tore his Achilles on Senior Day against Youngstown State and in stepped DeLuca, again. Over the four playoff games in 2014, DeLuca had 34 tackles.

The playmaking continued into last season.

DeLuca made 12 stops in the first game of the season against a Montana team that ran 92 plays and scorched the Bison defense. DeLuca led a monumental defensive turn around as the season progressed by having his name appear near the top of every defensive box score. He made 15 tackles against South Dakota and two games later, he made 20 stops on the road against Southern Illinois.

Notoriety started coming DeLuca’s way around this time. The Missouri Valley Football Conference named him Defensive Player of the Week after his 20-tackle display. The conference awarded him with first-team honors at the end of the regular season.

And when all the votes were tallied, DeLuca was second behind Northern Iowa’s Deiondre’ Hall for MVFC Defensive Player of the Year.

The national media started noticing, too. College Sporting News made DeLuca an AllStar and named him to the “Fab 50” All-American Team.

The hype has only grown going into his senior year.

Fifty one college football players are named to the Butkus Award Watch List every preseason. This July, the Butkus Award committee picked DeLuca as the only FCS player on the list.

Littlejohn wasn’t alone for long in his assessment of his former teammate. The DeLuca hype has extended beyond the FCS and college football. Now, his name is ringing across NFL offices.

“I’ve received a number of phone calls already and I would say everybody will be through before the end of September,” head coach Chris Klieman said of DeLucarelated inquiries from NFL front offices. “I’m not sure, but I think him being on that Butkus Watch Award list will give him more notoriety so I would say, everybody, they all know who he is for starters.”

“It’s different,” DeLuca said three days into fall camp about the attention he’s been receiving going into this season. Besides the attention from the NFL, this is where DeLuca’s similarities with last year’s highly touted quarterback Carson Wentz begin.

DeLuca said a little part of him would rather not do the rounds with the media.

He’s not boisterous in his interviews and isn’t the most quotable player on the team. DeLuca has the stoic edge of the collegiate middle linebacker but isn’t detached from the task at hand like someone who’s been tagged ready for the next level. There’s a sense of

humility about him where he’d rather not be in front of the camera but understands the responsibly that comes with being a senior captain.

He admits there’s some joy that comes from talking to the media, even though he’d rather prepare for a position meeting with his coach Matt Entz and fellow senior linebackers MJ Stumpf and Pierre Gee-Tucker.

“I’m not a big guy for the spotlight,” DeLuca said after the national championship game last year. “But between whistles is when I make a name for myself I guess.”

The leading tackler on special teams from 2013 has done exactly that over the last year and a half. It’s tough to break DeLuca down and point at a specific area in need of improvement. But going into his final season at NDSU, he knows he needs to continue to grow as a leader by being vocal. It’s the final attribute that would complement his by example leadership approach he’s employed throughout his Bison career.

DeLuca will have help in that department with two other seniors at linebacker in Stumpf and Gee-Tucker.

On defense alone, the Bison return eight starters so there will be no lack of leadership on the field. But make no mistake about it, number 49 will stick out as he climbs the all-time leader board at NDSU in every major statistical category.

There’s a lot to look forward to in terms of DeLuca’s football future, but he, as well as his fellow senior linebackers, know their work at NDSU remains unfinished business until the final whistle blows and they are once again crowned champions. * * *

THE NEXT GREAT CHALLENGE FOR NDSU’S NEW SIGNAL CALLER FOOTBALL EASTON STICK

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

NDSU QUARTERBACKS THROUGH FIRST 8 STARTS PASSING STATS

Quarterback (Year) – Comp % – Pass Yards – TD-INT Tony Stauss (2003) – 66.1% – 1,293 – 6-4 Carson Wentz (2014) – 64% – 1,667 – 11-5 Easton Stick (2015) – 62.1% – 1,144 – 13-3 Steve Walker (2004-05) – 61.5% – 1,302 – 16-2 Nick Mertens (2008) – 59.1% – 1,575 – 12-13 Jose Mohler (2009-10) – 57.7%– 1,118 – 6-7 Brock Jensen (2010-11) – 48.5% – 1,030 – 6-2

RUSHING STATS

SPEED STICK’’

’’

In his first start against Indiana State, Easton Stick took his first carry 29 yards for a touchdown.

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Quarterback – Att. – Rush Yards – TDs – Record Easton Stick – 82 – 482 – 5 – 8-0 Carson Wentz – 50 – 184 – 1 – 8-0 Brock Jensen – 57 – 169 – 4 – 5-3 Jose Mohler – 50 – 130 – 1 – 4-4 Nick Mertens – 37 – 19 – 1 – 4-4 Steve Walker – 36 – -18 – 0 – 7-1 Tony Stauss – 22 – -127 – 0 – 6-2

EASTON FOOTBALL EASTON STICK

STICK QUARTERBACK SOPHOMORE OMAHA, NEB. 8-0 AS A STARTER

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18 TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS

482 RUSHING YARDS FIRST-YEAR STARTER

T

he NDSU football team will introduce a new starting quarterback this fall. You already know his name, number and what he can do with the football in his hands, but how high should expectations be for the sophomore?

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FOOTBALL EASTON STICK

It takes a special breed of competitor to withstand the rigors of playing Division I football. And inside the household of three NDSU football players, the competitive juices rarely cauterized. In the case of Easton Stick, RJ Urzendowski and Darrius Shepherd, the offensive alliance is paused when it comes to playing “NBA 2K,” the popular NBA video game. The sophomore starting quarterback has played with Urzendowski since high school and all bets are off when he claims to be the king of the house in 2K. “I’ll be honest with you, I’m the best player in the house,” boasts first-year starting quarterback. “You don’t need to ask them either. You can just take my word for it.”

The two sophomores and junior (Urzendowski) live with each other near NDSU’s campus and are about to

embark on their first season together as the core of the Bison passing game. Luckily for fans, coaches and teammates, the three shared the field together last season while Easton spot-started eight games.

Much has been made of Stick’s undefeated record as a starter, the tremendous job he did guiding the Bison back for their chance at a fifth consecutive national championship, his uncanny ability to evade tacklers downfield, his moxie in front of cameras and his mental toughness to bring a team back in the fourth quarter like he did in the Ice Castle last season against Youngstown State.

Bison Nation received a taste of what Stick was capable of in 11 games last season, but now they’re salivating to know how he’ll respond to being THE guy behind center and receiving the fans’ undivided attention.

“It’s a little bit different but I’m getting used to it,” Stick said with a blushed smile at NDSU’s media day after the third day of fall camp. He’d been interviewed by every reporter in the Fargodome that afternoon and admitted he’s caught himself repeating his answers to the same questions during the hour-long reporter free-for-all. Everyone was seeking to answer one question: what should we expect from Stick this season?

“I know Easton is a perfectionist,” said head coach Chris Klieman weeks before the Bison returned to practice in August. “He’s continuing to evolve and grow as a quarterback and I thought the biggest growth this spring was the mastery of the playbook, his understanding of more and more of what he’s seeing of what the defense is giving him.”

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FOOTBALL EASTON STICK

After the championship game in Frisco where Stick threw two passes– one of which was intercepted–Stick watched the film from all eight games he started in last season.

Quarterbacks coach Randy Hedberg went through the film again with him during spring camp, too.

“He’s a guy that wants to be perfect,” Hedberg said of his new quarterback project. “The biggest thing with Easton is that we can anticipate making those throws to the field, from the hash mark to the wide side of the field.

Him getting the ball out of his hands quicker, being able to anticipate the throws and that’s the thing Carson (Wentz) was so good at. He could anticipate based on coverages, so that’s what we’re working on.”

Filling the shoes of the second pick in the NFL Draft is a tall order for a quarterback who turns 21 two days before the Bison play Iowa, their

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only FBS opponent of the season.

But all the signs are starting to show the coaches that Stick is starting to become more and more like Wentz as practice goes along.

“I think Easton is a lot like Carson in that he’s a football junky,” Hedberg said. “Carson would always be texting Tim (Polasek) and I about ‘Hey, I think this will work.’ But it was on Thursday, usually, a little too late. But I think Easton will have some say in that too and do some of that.”

Hedberg also pointed out something as simple as gathering the huddle as an intangible Stick needs to master. In a day in age of no-huddle-look-to-thesideline-for-the-play offenses, NDSU has stuck to its roots by calling plays through the quarterback on the field.

That’s why gaining the trust of the other 10 guys in the huddle is at the forefront for Stick.

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“He has all the intangibles. The arm, the speed and the mental side of things,” Shepherd, who’s caught a pass in all 15 games he’s played for the Bison, said. “He’s really grown as a leader. I think that’s the big thing he wanted to work on, getting guys to fall behind him.”

Urzendowski concurred, saying he’s seen a more confident Stick this offseason, knowing it’s his high school teammate’s time to lead.

Stick has all the confidence in the world in his 2K ability. Even though his two biggest receiver targets and roommates might disagree that he’s the king of the house, they and the rest of the Bison know they’re in good hands when No. 12 leads them out of the Bison helmet in the Fargodome this season. * * *

MEET YOUR NEW SACK MONSTER AND HUGE FUTBOL FAN FOOTBALL GREG MENARD

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

SINGLE-SEASON SACK LEADERS STATS

FUTBOL FANATIC

Greg Menard loves the World’s Game, otherwise known as soccer. Menard’s favorite club is Chelsea of the English Premier League..

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Player (Year) – Sacks 1. Jerry Dahl (1974) – 27 2. Kyle Emanuel (2004) – 19.5 3. Phil Hansen (1989) – 16 4. Phil Hansen (1990) – 12 T5. Leif Murphy (2001) – 11 T5. Flint Fleming (1987) – 11 T5. Mike Stratton (1981) – 11 T8. Greg Menard (2015) – 10 T8. Coulter Boyer (2010) – 10 T8. Ken Muckenhirn (1987) – 10 T8. Don Meyer (1976) – 10

GREG FOOTBALL GREG MENARD

MENARD DEFENSIVE END

TRUE JUNIOR LAKEVILLE, MINN. BUCK BUCHANAN AWARD AWARD WATCH LIST FIRST TEAM ALL-MISSOURI

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VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

13 CAREER SACKS CHELSEA FC SUPERFAN

G

reg Menard emerged last season as NDSU’s biggest sack threat. The Chelsea Football Club-loving junior has his own goals to reach. But he won’t be flying under the radar anymore after he was put on the preseason defensive player of the year watch list.

READ MORE 35

FOOTBALL GREG MENARD

three plays in the fourth quarter as he walked off the field with a new careerhigh. It was the coming out party fans and coaches alike had been waiting for out of No. 96.

“I think I was pressing too hard in the first three games to try and get a sack,” the Lakeville, Minn. native said.

“I came back against SDSU and just let the game come to me and just took it naturally as the game came.”

Menard finished last season with a team-high 10 sacks and 15 quarterback hurries. He was also picked as a firstteam All-Missouri Valley Football Conference player and was selected as a third-team All-America by STATS. After a sputtering start, the sophomore finished the 2015 season strong, revitalizing hope for what was to come this year.

Greg Menard and the Bison defense set out last season to build a legacy of their own. They were tired of hearing about the loss of defensive stars like Travis Beck, Carlton Littlejohn, Colton Heagle and Christian Dudzik and wanted the 2015 defense to continue the stingy and tenacious tradition at NDSU. The journey to prove the naysayers wrong didn’t start well for the seven new starters, including Menard.

Then a sophomore, Menard went through the first three games of the season without a sack and only registered one hit on the quarterback.

It was a slow start for the young defensive end who was selected with the task of replacing one of NDSU’s

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greatest and San Diego Chargers draft pick Kyle Emanuel.

After a shocking last-second loss to Montana to begin the season and two offensive blitzkriegs by a Carson Wentz-led offense, the Bison went down to Brookings, S.D., in their fourth game for a highly-anticipated Missouri Valley Football Conference opener with South Dakota State. NDSU made sure they brought their defense with them.

The “Code Green” siren blared throughout Coughlin-Alumni Stadium as the Bison defense held SDSU to negative four rushing yards and seven points. Menard registered two sacks in

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“People forget, Greg is a 4.0 engineering student,” defensive ends coach Jamar Cain said after the third practice of fall camp. “That kid is unbelievably smart. Once the game slows down, he picks things up quick.

He doesn’t take notes. He just has it.

And Kyle was a 3.5, just another smart kid. Once the game slowed down for him, it was all uphill from there.”

Standing at six-foot-two and weighing 239 pounds with his brown dreadlocks starting to fall down in front of his face, Menard isn’t the biggest defensive end in the Missouri Valley or on the team for that matter. But looking at the junior’s build, you would never guess his first love was soccer.

Menard’s father, Robert, is from Haiti and got his son into the World’s Game at a young age. Being of Haitian descent, Menard has always been partial to France due to the country’s rule over Haiti for nearly two centuries. Menard even took French classes in high school so he could

FOOTBALL GREG MENARD

has gotten a little better, but he’s still not on my level yet.”

speak the language his father grew up around.

On the pitch, Menard played everywhere, which isn’t a surprise when you see his athleticism while crashing in on opposing quarterbacks.

First, Menard tried playing defense, but due to too many yellow cards for aggressive play, they moved him to striker, a position that’s known for leading the offensive charge.

“I was actually alright at it,” Menard said reliving his glory days on the pitch. “It was a speed thing and I would never get pushed off the ball. (I had) very little skill involved.”

Menard gave up soccer before 10th grade to focus on football. It also didn’t help that the Minnesota high school season was in the fall, the same time as football.

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“It’s a shame,” Menard said. “I’d much rather play soccer than do something like track and field.”

He admits he was much better at football growing up, which is what drew him away from soccer. He also referenced the rush he gets when you’re on the field and you make a good hit, something he was obviously not allowed to do without getting on the referee’s bad side in soccer.

Menard’s interest in the game is alive and well. His favorite team is Chelsea of the English Premier League and he loves watching international soccer in his free time. He’s also constantly playing FIFA, the soccer video game, with teammates.

“There are enough guys (on the team) playing FIFA but I scare them away and they never want to play again after they play me,” Menard said, sticking out his chest. “Tre (Dempsey)

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“Everybody needs their outlet,” said Cain about Menard’s infatuation with soccer. The third-year defensive ends coach trust what Menard is doing with his free time as long as it leads to more and more production on the field.

“Greg is getting there,” Cain said along with expecting Menard to reach a total of 16 sacks this season. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he won defensive player of the year. He has those attributes, and the good thing about him is he learned.

He sat back and listened to Kyle, and learned and he didn’t act like he knew everything. He took everything to heart and that’s why you see his numbers where they’re at right now.”

Before the season, Menard was mentioned on the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year watch list along with teammate Nick DeLuca.

The bar has been set high by coaches and the media for Menard, who still has a legacy he’s trying to cement in Bison football lore. * * *

HEAD COACH CHRIS KLIEMAN

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HEAD COACH CHRIS KLIEMAN

CHRIS

KLIEMAN sets his sights on

2016

Interview By Joe Kerlin

B Third-year head coach Chris Klieman knows he will face similar challenges with his football team this year in terms of managing expectations and keeping his players focused on the task at hand.

efore the first cleats are tied and the first set of shoulder pads are fastened, Chris Klieman and his coaching staff were busy buzzing around the coaching office, attempting to catch up after a brief summer vacation.

The reality of a college football coach is that’s there’s rarely time to enjoy summer. After they sign the year’s freshman class, they go right back on the recruiting trail and soon spring season is upon them. After that, it’s back to the office to continue scouting the following year’s recruiting class and getting organized for the summer camps. Once the camps end, the coaches can breathe, but only for a week or so before they’re back inside the football coaching offices at the Fargodome getting prepared for the upcoming season. We caught Klieman with some rare downtime this July and asked him to get us ready for what we’ll see on the gridiron this season.

(This interview took place on July 14 and has been edited and condensed for clarity.)

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HEAD COACH CHRIS KLIEMAN

THE CONVERSATION BISON ILLUSTRATED: Over the past two years, you’ve brought someone in outside the program to speak to the team like Rear Admiral Stuart Munsch and Ben Newman. Who’s bringing the edge this year?

CHRIS KLIEMAN: We’ll find it. I don’t know. That’s a good question, Ben is going to stay involved with our program, but as coaches, we’re always looking for a different edge, a different motivator, any of those things. They’ve heard from all of us coaches for three years and that’s a good thing because we’ve had the stability in the staff, but sometimes it’s great to hear a new voice, and that’s where Rear Admiral Munch came in two years ago and Ben came in last year and we’ll see how it plays out this year.

Would you say this is a small senior class?

Really small.

How have you overcome such attrition in the 2012 recruiting class?

It’s hard to overcome when you have that many kids leave the program for a variety of reasons well before any of these staff members were even here. But I guess you put more of an awareness on the underclassmen of how important their leadership role is. We have a small group of seniors, but the right group of seniors. That’s always important, to have the right guys so I’m excited about that and the leadership that those guys bring, but we’ve also challenged some of the

juniors and some of the sophomores that you don’t have to have an “SR.” behind your name to be a leader. I’ve seen a lot of those guys step up and that’s a part of what the Bison culture and tradition is.

You were on staff when all those guys came in during the 2012 season. Has NDSU tweaked the recruiting process since?

Recruiting is just so much faster now than what it was five years ago, four years ago, three years ago. People are just making commitments so much sooner, but as far as tweaking things, we’re always looking to try that, improve our system of evaluating kids, improve our system of how much we can get out to those guys, especially during the long playoff runs and the challenges we can’t get out there or communicate with social media. Social media has helped so much during the month of December with us not being able to get out. But still, it’s hard when you’re not in those people’s homes.

Are you in favor of an early signing period?

I think so. I think it will happen. I’m mixed on it being a great thing, but I’m pretty confident that it will happen. Is that in another year? Is it three years away? For whatever reason, it has changed from five, 10 years ago, where kids didn’t make their decision until either during the season or even after the season. If all these kids are going to make these decisions in the summer then we ought to have a summer signing period.

It seems like they just want to finish the recruiting process early so they can move on and enjoy what’s left of their senior season.

They do. But it becomes more taxing on coaches then, because if the kid is going to commit in the summer, then we’re going to visit in the summer. We can’t pay for that visit by NCAA rules.

So a lot of these young men are coming in on their own with their families throughout the summer, which is great but the only down time you get as coaches is sometimes not until July. You’re limiting some family time because of how this recruiting process is set up.

Easton Stick, looking at him last year, where would you like to see him improve, and are the improvements he’s been making allowing you guys to open the playbook more?

He made great improvement in the spring, but you have to realize he was just a redshirt freshman that played in eight games and played phenomenal football. I also know Easton is a perfectionist. He would have said, “I could’ve played better in every game in different situations.” He’s just continuing to evolve and grow as a quarterback and I thought the biggest growth this spring was the mastery of the playbook, his understanding of more and more of what he’s seeing of what the defense is giving him. We know that he’s still continuing to learn, continuing to grow but yeah, without a doubt, our playbook will expand this August and into the fall because of his better understanding of each practice he gets.

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HEAD COACH CHRIS KLIEMAN

How are you going to juggle the influx of talent at the running back position?

It’s actually a great thing. If there’s one area you want to have a lot of depth at it’s running back and during my time, this is the most depth we’ve had at running back, with a number of guys that have had a lot of experience.

That’s why they pay Coach Polasek the big bucks for is trying to find ways to get multiple guys on the field. We’ll ask some guys to do different things.

We’ll find out in fall camp what we’ll ask Bruce (Anderson) to do, what we’ll ask Chase (Morlock) to do, what we’ll ask King (Frazier) to do. Those are the main four really, Demaris, we’ll see how he continues to grow. He’s not played yet, those other four have. We have to find a way to get all four of those guys a decent amount of touches in different ways. I’m so excited for King Frazier in his senior season. I think a lot of people saw how dynamic of a running back King could be, the last half of the season. I think he is the leading guy coming in as far as getting a good chunk of the carries. Chase is so versatile. I think Bruce is versatile.

I think Lance is versatile and able to do some other things. I’ve been really impressed with how much better King got from mid-October, through the season and then through spring ball.

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He’s really coming into his own and he’s really one of our best leaders right now.

Do you think we, as media and fans, might make too much of the hole left by Joe Haeg at left tackle?

No, I don’t think so at all. It’s a really critical position for us that in my time here, I’ve only seen Billy Turner and Joe Haeg play left tackle so absolutely not, I know this, of the teams that we see don’t have a very good left tackle, I’ve seen over five years, Cole Jirik, Kyle Emanuel, Greg Menard abuse that position. So absolutely not, it’s a critical position that we’re going to go through fall camp to see who wins that job. We have some good candidates there and they’re all young guys. We’ll see how they progressed this summer. Did they get strong, a little bit quicker, but no, we’re not making too much of it. It’s an area that you would say, “who is going to start at tight end for us,” I would say it’s Connor Wentz, or “who is going to play wide receiver,” I would say RJ Urzendowski. Who is going to play left tackle on opening day? We’ll find out.

What is that left tackle going to have to show you during camp?

Consistency as far as being able to run block, being able to pass protect,

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as well as understanding the concepts and schemes. Carson could change any play at the line of scrimmage and Joe Haeg was going to be able to figure it out because he’d been there for so long.

You could call a play in the huddle, but when you change the play at the line of scrimmage, did that left tackle get that change. Those are the things that people, from a fan perspective don’t see. They think, “Why did that left tackle go the wrong way?” Well, because we changed the play at the line of scrimmage and he either didn’t hear or comprehend it. Those are the things we have to find out because those kids haven’t done it under fire.

Three, two years ago the defense returned a lot. Last year, there were some growing pains, but it turned into a simple yet effective defense. What’s the brand this year?

We’ll find out. That’s a good question.

The reason I say that is that I can’t give you an answer there. It’s the same thing you’d say about the left tackle position, I would say about the corner position. I don’t know. We have to see how those guys emerge and now those guys develop because there’s inexperience at left tackle and there’s inexperience at corner. We think we have talent at both of those positions but until we figure out how much they’ve learned and how much they’ve grown throughout the summer as we get into fall camp, our defense will kind of play around the strength of that position. * * *

ASSISTANT COACHES THE BAND

GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER

By Joe Kerlin

C

hris Klieman will return the core of his coaching staff for the third season this year. The nine assistant coaches Klieman hired when he took over the head coaching job are back for another shot at the FCS title.

In the day in age of coaches jumping from job to job to find the perfect situation, Klieman and NDSU have defied the odds by bringing the band back together again.

“Retention and stability among your team, among your staff, among your administrative staff, all those things lead to success. ...

If you’re a defensive lineman and you know that Coach Goeser or Coach Cain are going to coach you year after year after year, you build a bond and relationship.

All of our staff is like that. This is a rarity in college athletics. You can go across to all the schools in our league and I don’t know how many have had the same staff for three years. We have great staffs in our league, but how many have all coaches back? It’s a commitment from our administration; it’s the great community that we live in.

Our families love it here and that’s so important. If you’re a coach and your wife and kids aren’t happy, you’re probably not going to be happy. So it’s a credit to our community, it’s a credit to our school systems here, it’s a credit to Matt Larsen and his staff for doing all he and we can to make sure the guys stay and that’s how you build success I believe is by having retention among all those areas we talked about.”

– Chris Klieman

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ASSISTANT COACHES THE BAND

Nick Goeser forcefully pumps his fist with enthusiasm after a goal-line stand against SDSU.

The Missouri Valley Football Conference will have three schools introducing new head coaches for their football program this season.

Nick Hill will take over at Southern Illinois, Bob Nielson has moved from Western Illinois to South Dakota and Charlie Fisher will replace Nielsen as the head of the Leathernecks program.

Hill joined Dale Lennon’s staff at Southern Illinois in 2014 as the program’s quarterback coach. He played quarterback for the Salukis during the Jerry Kill era in 2006 and 2007. Six coaches on Hill’s staff have either played for or coached under Kill during his time at Southern Illinois.

Nielson went to South Dakota last December and brought the majority of his staff with him. Nielsen’s codefensive coordinator Tyler Yelk has been with him since he was the quarterback at Minnesota-Duluth in 2005. Co-offensive coordinator Ted Schlafkel was also a quarterback under Nielson in 2008. He rejoined Nielson in 2013 at Western Illinois.

Fisher has spent the last two years as the offensive coordinator at Richmond before officially becoming the head coach at Western Illinois in January.

“Continuity is huge,” said Fisher, who coached at Vanderbilt for nine years and witnessed very little coaching turnover on the Commodore’s staff.

“You bring guys in that you trust that share the same vision, passion and enthusiasm for the game that you do.”

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Conor Riley gives his orders to the offensive line during the fifth national championship game.

NDSU has been the epitome of building continuity over the past two seasons.

Head coach Chris Klieman had a few previous connections with several of the coaches he hired for his staff in 2014. He coached with wide receivers coach Atif Austin and defensive coordinator Matt Entz while at Northern Iowa. Then, when he came to NDSU as the defensive backs coach and eventually defensive coordinator, Klieman coached with Conor Riley, Tim Polasek and Nick Goeser. Before the 2014 season, Klieman had never coached with defensive ends coach Jamar Cain, defensive backs coach Joe Klanderman and quarterbacks coach Randy Hedberg, although Cain and Hedberg had past experience coaching in the MVFC prior to coming to NDSU. The coaching staff has glued together, while continuing the run of national championships and have posted a 28-3 record. The success has helped the retention on the football staff remain unblemished. It also helps the recruits NDSU bring into the program.

“If you’re a defensive lineman and you know that Coach Goeser or Coach Cain are going to coach you year after year after year, you build a bond and relationship,” Klieman said. “All of our staff is like that. This is a rarity in college athletics. You can go across to all the schools in our league and I don’t know how many have had the same staff for three years.”

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Atif Austin raises his four fingers symbolizing the start of the fourth quarter–a quarter NDSU traditionally dominates.

In the MVFC, only South Dakota State and Indiana State can say they’ve returned the same head coach and defensive and offensive coordinators for more than three years.

What’s the secret to staff retention?

It’s a combination of things, said SDSU head coach John Stiegelmeier, who’s had the same coordinators on his staff for seven years. It’s facilities. NDSU checks the box with the Fargodome, the biggest football stadium in the conference. It’s the community.

According to Forbes, Fargo is one of the best cities to start a career. It’s administrative support. NDSU ranks fourth in the conference in total revenue and is estimated to have one of the highest football budgets in the FCS. “Retention and stability among your team, among your staff, among your administrative staff, all those things lead to success,” Klieman said. “We have great staffs in our league, but how many have all coaches back? It’s a commitment from our administration; it’s the great community that we live in. Our families love it here and that’s so important.”

The fluidity of the coaching carousel doesn’t guarantee a fourth year without any changes to the staff.

But in the meantime, Klieman and NDSU can use the continuity to their advantage as they seek to remain the pinnacle of success in the FCS. * * *

Joe Klanderman poses with the Wolfpack after defeating SDSU last season.

Jamar Cain reenacts a maneuver he’d like to see his defensive line use during the next drive.

Tim Polasek celebrates NDSU’s fourth national championship with John Crockett.

Randy Hedberg helped mentor Carson Wentz during his two years as a starter.

Former Bison running back Tyler Roehl looks at his Crew Chief position group during the FCS Championship game.

Defensive coordinator Matt Entz is all smiles after defeating SDSU last season.

SENIORS BATTLE OF ATTRITION

BATTLE OF ATTRITION

By Joe Kerlin Photo by Ryan Koehler

T

he 2012 Bison football roster introduced 23 true freshmen to the program. Five years later, only five remain. The battle against attrition is never-ending for colleges across the country and it hasn’t hampered NDSU before. Head coach Chris Klieman saw a complete staff turnover when he was named the head man and he and his coaches have done their best to make the remaining players from the 2012 class intact by any means necessary.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Bison head on the front of the helmet is worn by all the seniors.

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SENIORS BATTLE OF ATTRITION

SENIORS

Seniors – Fr. Class #2 Quinten McCoy – Transfer (Santa Rosa JC) #13 Eric Perkins – 2012 #22 King Frazier – Transfer (Nebraska) #25 Chase Morlock – 2013 #41 MJ Stumpf – 2012 #47 Pierre Gee-Tucker – 2013 #49 Nick DeLuca – 2013 #66 Zack Johnson – 2012 #70 Jack Plankers – 2012 #78 Landon Lechler – 2012 #97 Brad Ambrosius – 2013

“They say that those who stay will be champions. We stayed and believed and we’re standing together and bringing the team along with us.”

– Linebacker, Pierre Gee-Tucker

Senior Classes 2011 – 18 2012 – 7 2013 – 24 2014 – 17 2015 – 14 2016 – 11

W

ith five players on the Bison roster left from the 2012 class, it’s a tribute to the players and coaching staff’s resiliency that they were able to get this year’s senior class to 11. Although student-athletes leave a program for a variety of reasons, whether it’s due to an injury, frustration with playing time or coaches, or more personal matters, a handful of champions have stayed.

Eric Perkins, MJ Stumpf, Zack Johnson, Jack Plankers and Landon Lechler are all that remain from 2012 recruiting class and it’s no surprise all five are filling an important role on the football team this season. Whether it’s Perkins returning punts or Stumpf being named one of the six captains, this tightly knit family of seniors will be called on to lead this season.

“We have a small group of seniors, but the right group of seniors,” Klieman said before fall camp began. “That’s always important, to have the right

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guys so I’m excited about that and the leadership that those guys bring.”

Former head coach Craig Bohl elected not to redshirt four players from the 2013 class. Chase Morlock, Pierre Gee-Tucker, Nick DeLuca and Brad Ambrosius skipped their redshirt year to join the seniors in this year’s class.

“I think we all bonded as a group,” DeLuca, one of the captains on this year’s team, said. “We all went

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through the same struggles and similar situations that we were all in so that helped us grow together.”

For many of the seniors, waiting for their turn to show their talents on the field was a struggle. Gee-Tucker had his redshirt lifted before the 2013 season so he could backup outside linebackers Travis Beck and Carlton Littlejohn for two seasons. In both years, Gee-Tucker’s season was cut short due to an injury. He returned in

SENIORS BATTLE OF ATTRITION

“I became more selfless. I do things for my team now, instead of myself. That was the biggest thing that changed me.”

– Running Back, King Frazier Photo By Christian Dudzik

2015, solidified his spot as a starter on defense and blossomed into a force on the “Code Green” defense.

“We’ve been through a bumpy road with so many people that fell off and things like that,” Gee-Tucker said. “But it shows, they say that those who stay will be champions. We stayed and believed and we’re standing together and bringing the team along with us.”

This senior class also features two transfers, a road NDSU doesn’t travel often. Running back King Frazier arrived at NDSU from Nebraska in 2014. The Bison also signed cornerback Quinten McCoy in 2015. Not only did bringing in a transfer like Frazier help NDSU’s running back and senior

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depth, it helped change the course of the running backs career.

“I became more selfless,” Frazier said about coming to NDSU. “I do things for my team now, instead of myself. That was the biggest thing that changed me.”

After backing up John Crockett two years ago, Frazier ran for over 1,000 yards last season and made frequent visits to the end zone. More of the same is expected from the former Cornhusker this year.

Frazier will be running behind three seniors on the offensive line. Plankers and Lechler redshirted together while Johnson played as a true freshman.

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An injury in 2014 set Johnson back with his original class and now the offensive line has more than enough experience across the board.

“The ones that have survived the attrition as we’ve gone on through the years are a very tight knit group,” Plankers said during fall camp.

It’s not the smallest group of seniors to roll through NDSU, but only having 11 players with the Bison head above their facemask makes it far from the biggest. Most of the seniors have shrugged it off because they know their sole focus is continuing the winning ways the seniors before left them with at NDSU. * * *

PROTECT YOUR GRILL

PROTECT YOUR GRILL

The teeth mold we used for this mouthguard is of Carson Wentz, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and a Bison legend.

By Joe Kerlin Photos by Laura Cramer

T

he South University Dental Associates office has been the home for NDSU athletes for decades. Dr. Todd DeBates, a former three-time Division II football champion (1983, 8586) and his staff take on the responsibility of making sure every Bison student-athlete has a mouthguard they can comfortably wear and be protected with. A handful of football players visit the office each August to get fitted for their mouth guards.

Usually, it’s the quarterbacks and linebackers—players that are making the calls on the field—that visit DeBate’s office for their oral protection. A decade ago, every player used to roll through his office to be fitted, but now only a select amount of football and basketball players and most of the wrestlers come in for personalized mouth pieces. We dropped by South University Dental Associates office to see what the process is like and we even made a mouth guard personalized for one quarterback who’s making a name for himself in the NFL. 56

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STEP 1 TEETH IMPRESSIONS

There are three different mouth plates varying in sizes for the player’s mouth. Dental assistant Tammy Altendorf mixes the powder alginate with water and spreads the rubbery substance in the mouth plate. The player bites down on the mouth plate and sinks their teeth into the rubber mold for 20 seconds to form around his top teeth. After the personalized teeth impression is made, the player lets Altendorf know what color they want (usually green or white) and they leave. Tammy has 45 minutes from that point to move to the next step.

STEP 2 TEETH MOLD

After the custom teeth impression has been made, Tammy will concoct a stoneslurry for the teeth mold.

Again, Altendorf will spread the stone mold liquid into the teeth impression. She will vibrate the wet stone in the impression so each crevice is reached to create a custom replica of the player’s top teeth. The stone mold will sit for 30 minutes before it becomes a solid.

STEP 3 FORMING THE MOUTHGUARD

After the teeth mold is created, it’s time to fit the mouthguard. South University Dental Associates uses a vacuum form machine for this process. A square rubber plate is inserted into the machine and is heated from above. The teeth mold is placed on top of a surface with a vacuum below with the teeth facing upward.

Once the rubber begins to thaw on top and there’s a noticeable dip, Altendorf will move the hot rubber down an inch over the teeth model, then slams the rubber down as the vacuum on the bottom sucks away at the excess rubber to ensure the hot rubber is snug against the mold.

STEP 4 CUTTING AND BUFFING

With the teeth impression made in the middle of the square rubber piece, Altendorf cuts away the rest of the rubber. She then buffs around the edges so the mouthguard fits comfortably in the player’s mouth.

FINISHED

There you have it, the players’ personalized mouthguard ready for game day.

FOOTBALL RUNNING BACKS

THE

RETURN OF THE

MACHINES

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

T

he running back position developed into a four-headed beast for the Bison offense last year. Seniors King Frazier and Chase Morlock are perfectly complemented by sophomores Bruce Anderson and Lance Dunn and together, they create a versatile position group to be used at the disposal of quarterback Easton Stick and offensive coordinator Tim Polasek. With all four possessing at least a year of experience under their belt, The Machines will be running even harder in 2016.

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FOOTBALL RUNNING BACKS

(Left to Right) Lance Dunn, Chase Morlock, King Frazier and Bruce Anderson ran for a combined 2,483 yards in 2015. They’re all back.

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FOOTBALL RUNNING BACKS

Bruce Anderson sprang onto the scene as a true freshman last year by gathering over 1,000 all-purpose yards. His dynamic kick returning skills made him a dangerous threat on special teams.

King Frazier ended the 2015 campaign with 1,158 rushing yards, which made him the 13th consecutive running back to rush over the millennium mark in one season.

#8 #22 KING FRAZIER 2015 Stats 13 Starts 1,158 Rushing Yards 5.3 Yards/Carry 11 TDs

Q&A You transferred in from Nebraska a couple years ago now. How has being an NDSU football player changed, not only your football career, but life?

“Just from the perspective of being more of a team player. I became more selfless. I do things for

my team now, instead of myself. That was the biggest thing that changed me.”

What’s the relationship like with all the running backs and are you all in constant competition with each other?

“Absolutely. We compete against each other every day and I wouldn’t want it any other way. That’s how we all get better and improve. We all have a really good relationship.

We all get along extremely well and I feel like that’s what makes us a really strong group.”

BRUCE ANDERSON

2015 Stats 15 Games Played 1,143 All-Purpose Yards 503 Rushing Yards 5.6 Yards/Carry

Q&A In January you told us you were excited about Jim Kramer’s summer workouts. How did they make you better?

“They made me a lot better. I put on some weight, I was able to develop and go from there.

Coach Kramer’s workouts are always tough. You just have to be mentally prepared and ready to do the work.”

I’m sure the coaches must tell you running backs to take mental reps when you’re not in during a play. What are you exactly picking up on when you’re watching the offense opposed to being a part of the play?

“I just watch whatever running back is in, whatever he is doing right, what he’s doing wrong. I just critique him on that and we all learn together.”

What’s one part of your game you think you’ve made the most improvement on since the championship game?

“Probably running down hill. I’m trying to be more powerful in between the tackles.”

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FOOTBALL RUNNING BACKS

Lance Dunn carved his own role in the Bison offense last year with his rare combination of explosive quickness around the edge and ability to shed would-be tacklers.

Chase Morlock quickly became one of NDSU’s greatest receiving threats last year. He hauled in five touchdowns through the air and ran five more in for touchdowns.

#10 LANCE DUNN 2015 Stats 13 Games Played 468 Rushing Yards 4.9 Yards/Carry 3 TDs

Q&A Does NDSU have the deepest backfield in the FCS? “I feel like it does. I feel like all of us have good potential and we all could be starters. We all have a good amount of experience. Coach P (Tim Polasek), he makes sure that we all get our carries and get our touches. I feel like it’s all going to work out well just like last year.

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We have five guys in the backfield and we had 21 guys touch the ball. I think it’s going to work out good this year too.”

I’m sure the coaches must tell you running backs to take mental reps when you’re not in during a play. What are you exactly picking up on when you’re watching the offense as opposed to being a part of the play?

“Basically, everybody has their own specialties so watching the other guys–I kind of just watch and try to pick up on how they do stuff and see if I can take that from them.

Chase (Morlock) and King (Frazier) are really good at pass protection so when I watch them, I try to do it just like they do.”

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#25 CHASE MORLOCK 2015 Stats 4 Starts 354 Rushing Yards 285 Receiving Yards 10 Total Touchdowns

Q&A How would you define your role in the offense?

“Wherever they need me, a utility guy is the way I look at it. If I need to play a little fullback, I’ll play that, I can do whatever they need me to at running back, some slot stuff, a little bit of tight end stuff.

Wherever Coach P needs me I can go out and play

and give them my best every down, wherever I’m at.”

Do you expect to see the field more in a variety of positions or the same amount as last year playing running back?

“I’m sure we’ll keep building on what I was doing last year. I’ll keep moving around everywhere and just grow from a fullback, tight end and slot perspective.

Working on more and more stuff. Just becoming as versatile as possible so I can become as big of a threat as possible for the offense.” * * *

FOOTBALL OFFENSIVE LINE

WHO YOU

CALLING

BIG

UGLIES?

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By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

B

ison offensive linemen have been the nuts and bolts of the team during the half-decade run of championships.

That won’t change this season, nor will it ever. “The Rams” come into 2016 with two new faces in the starting lineup. Jack Plankers and Colin Conner are projected to join the group of three core veterans in seniors Zack Johnson and Landon Lechler, and junior center Austin Kuhnert.

FOOTBALL OFFENSIVE LINE

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ZACK JOHNSON 2015 O-Line Stat 36:38 – The Bison offense led all of FCS in time-of-possession.

Zack Johnson (66) returned to the Bison starting lineup in 2015 after missing all of 2014 with a knee injury. He started 11 games at left guard.

ALL-

AMERICAN

A

nyone close to the Bison football program wasn’t surprised left guard Zack Johnson was named to the All-American third-team after last season, except for maybe him.

The junior had missed the entire season in 2014 and an injury held him out of three games in 2015. But the Apple Valley, Minn., native returned to the starting lineup and created a brick wall along the left side of the offensive line with NFL draft pick Joe Haeg.

Q&A Two new starters on the offensive line this year, but Jack Plankers has some starting experience, how is the line meshing right now?

“Very good right now. We still have a lot of stuff to work on, obviously, but I think as we keep going in fall camp, we’ll be just fine.

We’re starting to gel together a lot more and I think being around some of the guys for awhile now, it’s starting to mix quite well with what we’re doing here.”

What does the Bison offensive line have that other groups in the country lack?

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“I think we have more of a will to win. I think that we are more physical than anyone else. I think, personally, that we’re the most physical offensive line in the country and we just have to keep that going and we’ll be just fine.”

You’ve been here with some really good running back tandems (Sam Ojuri/John Crockett and John Crockett/ King Frazier). How talented is this pool of running backs?

And what’s it been like for you opening up holes for guys like this?

“This pool of running backs that we have now is amazing.

I think all of them bring something different to the table. They are all quick, they can hit holes fast, they can do everything. For us, to make those holes that they can get yards for, that’s what we’re here for and that’s what I like to do.”

FOOTBALL OFFENSIVE LINE

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LANDON LECHLER 2015 O-Line Stat 329 – The Bison offense racked up the third-most first downs in the FCS.

Landon Lechler celebrates with Bruce Anderson after a touchdown against Missouri State. He started all 15 games last year at right tackle.

BULKED

UP C

oming from the small town of Beach, N.D., Landon Lechler was built more like a basketball player than someone who should be in the trenches during a football game. But that all changed after strength coach Jim Kramer got ahold of Lechler. The starting right tackle has continued to gain weight this season and has now bulked up to a thick 300 pounds without losing a step of quickness.

Q&A Do you pay attention to the other tackle position? How do you think the competition for that spot is coming along?

“I don’t pay much attention. I think the two young guys are going at it pretty good. May the best man win. I’m friends with both of them. Whoever steps up enough to help us is– both of them are on board and they’ll do whatever they have to do to help the team at the end of the day. Whoever wins, let’s roll.”

What makes you so good on the right side of the line? Did you want to move over to the left?

“I think that in the last two years so many reps on the right side that I feel comfortable there now.

Growing up I played left

throughout high school and my first two years here. Last year, the comfortable spot of it... but yeah. I feel comfortable here after two years.”

How has Jack Plankers played in camp so far and what do you think of him as your right guard?

“We do really well, communication-wise. That was a big thing. Jeremy Kelly and I, previous right guard, we communicated really well and we were able to be successful.

So communication is the biggest part of when a new guy comes in a new position.

I think he’s done really well so far.”

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FOOTBALL OFFENSIVE LINE

#70

JACK PLANKERS 2015 O-Line Stat 3,551 – The Bison ranked sixth in the nation in rushing yards.

Senior Jack Plankers has played in 37 games during his Bison career. He’s played in two championship games including the 2014 game when he rotated in at right tackle.

EARNING HIS STRIPES

J

ack Plankers has been the ultimate utility offensive lineman for the Bison. Over the last two years, his game preparation has involved getting ready to play at either the tackle or guard position. Wherever the Bison need a lineman, Plankers has been the guy the coaches call on. This year will be his first season as a regular, and with 37 games already played in his Bison career, experience won’t be an issue for the Leonard, N.D. native.

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Q&A You’ve started before but how does your mindset change knowing you’re the guy they want at right guard?

“It’s nice narrowing it down to one position. It’s also nice to be able to line up and really own my spot rather than bounce around quite a bit.”

You’ve played both guard and tackle, does it make your life easier knowing you just have to worry about one position and what your job is?

“It is and it isn’t. I’ve prepared for two positions for so long now that it’s almost second nature to make sure I know that there’s everything to

know about both guard and tackle.”

Is offensive line chemistry a thing or something the media makes up to talk about you guys? If so, how do you feel the chemistry is among you guys this season?

“I think the offensive line chemistry really is something that can be looked at. It’s not just a made up thing. And I think, as for chemistry right now, this group of guys has been together and we’ve gone through some difficult periods and some good times, too. We’ve had some very long seasons together as well, which is helpful for the group’s chemistry and each other.”

FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE ENDS

INITIATING

MAYHEM

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

T

he Bison defensive line is returning the most experience it’s had in the last two seasons. Brad Ambrosius and Greg Menard will return to starting defensive end duty after beginning their one-two punch combination in 2015.

After reaching their peak during the playoffs, the two speed rushers are looking forward to creating madness inside the pocket for opposing quarterbacks.

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FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE ENDS

Greg Menard made his first career start at defensive end in the season opener against Montana last season and made nine tackles.

EMERGING

STAR

G

reg Menard had three sacks his true freshman year and saw that number rise to 10 last year. Defensive ends coach Jamar Cain said he’d like to see that number jump another six for Menard to reach his full potential as a pass rusher. If he improves his runstuffing ability, Cain said, that’s when we’ll truly see the junior begin to take over games.

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#96

GREG MENARD 2015 Stats 15 Starts 48 Total Tackles 14.5 Tackles for Loss 10 Sacks

CAIN’S TAKE “We have to be able to get the double teams away from him (Greg), and get people to respect Brad (Ambrosius).

But you have to see the tackles for loss.

The explosive plays, the little things, the knock backs, taking over in the run game. Kyle took over games. … Greg is getting there.”

Defensive Ends Coach Jamar Cain

KLIEMAN’S TAKE “The sky is the limit. He’s got a great motor. I see a younger Kyle Emanuel emerging really because he’s so powerful like Kyle, he’s quick like Kyle, he learned so much from Kyle and watching him play, and he understands the game. The more he gets an understanding of his abilities in watching film against an offensive tackle and watching film of an offense and the tendencies, his play will get even better. …I see him as an All-American type player.”

Head Coach Chris Klieman

FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE ENDS

Brad Ambrosius showed up when it mattered most last season. He made two sacks against Richmond in the FCS playoffs semifinal game.

#97

Q&A

SENIOR LEADER

I

t’s hard to believe Brad Ambrosius is already a senior and this year, he said he’s looking forward to stepping into that leadership role. The De Pere, Wis. native had career highs in sacks and tackles last season. Ambrosius said it’s time for him to reach his full potential with Greg Menard crashing in from the opposite side.

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BRAD AMBROSIUS 2015 Stats 15 Starts 44 Total Tackles 9.5 Tackles for Loss 3.5 Sacks

CAIN’S TAKE “I think Brad is underrated because he doesn’t have the numbers, but he does all the little things. …I think he was just okay until the playoffs, and in the playoffs, he took his game to the next level, which is why we’re expecting a big year out of him.”

Defensive Ends Coach Jamar Cain

Are you underrated?

“I feel like I came on at the end of the season last year and had a pretty good postseason. Am I underrated?

No, but do I feel like I have a lot of improvement to make?

Yes.” I ask because you’ve played with some great defensive lineman. Does that fuel your fire more to prove yourself and to remind people you’re pretty good too?

“Greg (Menard) and I have a competitive spirit. He was All-American last year and I want to try to be better than him, or be like him more.

We have a competitive drive

together and it fuels our fire more.”

Why are the Alley Cats the strongest they’ve been in a couple years this season?

“We have a lot of depth. The Alley Cats this year, we don’t have any freshmen coming in at defensive end. All of our guys are experienced. They know what they’re doing and even at the d-tackle position, we have a lot of guys coming back that are experienced.

The Alley Cats are stronger than ever.”

FOOTBALL LINEBACKERS

SQUAD GOALS

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

T

he linebacker position group has been touted as one of the strongest on the team this season, especially on defense. With all three starters returning from last season, the group led by Nick DeLuca knows the microscope will be on them this fall.

MJ Stumpf and Pierre Gee-Tucker complement DeLuca to the right and left, and they carry the heavy burden of improving a defense that was near perfection toward the end of last year.

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FOOTBALL LINEBACKERS

#41 MJ Stumpf was second on the team with tackles last season and recovered a teamhigh four fumbles, including one in the FCS Championship game.

MJ STUMPF 2015 Stats 15 Starts 81 Total Tackles 6 Tackles for Loss 4 Fumble Recoveries

KLIEMAN’S TAKE “They all lead collectively. Pierre (Gee-Tucker) can lead a day. Nick (DeLuca) can lead a day. MJ (Stumpf) can lead a day. But I’m okay with not one of those guys not truly emerging as the only leader on defense.

They all need to lead.”

Chris Klieman

HIT

STICK

M

J Stumpf has been referenced as one of the hardest hitters on the Bison defense. He showed his tenacity against in-state rival North Dakota last year when he tackled the quarterback and nearly ripped his helmet right off. Stumpf also made one of the biggest leaps last year from the Montana loss to the end of the season. He said the wake up call not only helped him get better as the season progressed, but the entire team as a whole.

Stumpf is now expected to keep growing into a bigger role with one year of starting experience under his belt.

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Q&A What allowed the defense to start clicking toward the end of the season and specifically in the playoffs?

“I think everyone just got comfortable and we continued to get better, especially toward the end of the regular season, we felt really good. We had a couple wake up calls throughout the season, and a few games we had to take a look back and say, ‘Hey, whatever we’re doing isn’t good enough. We have to continue to get the job done.’ I think everyone elevated their play and going into the playoffs, everyone felt really comfortable and were really hungry to keep

playing so I think it paid off in the playoffs.”

How did the game change for you last season from Game 1 to the championship game?

“It continued to slow down.

I needed it to slow down, though, I felt pretty good going into the Montana game, obviously, we got a wake-up call. I felt better throughout the year, after certain games we just had to regroup. The game kept slowing down for me and I felt like I played faster toward the end of the year. I felt like I was in a lot better shape, too.”

FOOTBALL LINEBACKERS

#47

PIERRE GEE-TUCKER 2015 Stats 14 Starts 60 Total Tackles 1.5 Tackles for Loss 1 INT for TD

KLIEMAN’S TAKE “I’ve really been impressed with MJ and Pierre. When you have three senior linebackers that started every game last year coming back, that’s a real comfort zone for us.”

Chris Klieman

Pierre Gee-Tucker showed his playmaking abilities when he returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown against Western Illinois.

Q&A

STAYING

ON THE FIELD

I

njuries riddled the first two seasons at NDSU for Pierre Gee-Tucker. He began his career as a staple on special team and after last year, he proved his worth on defense. Tucker quickly gelled with Nick DeLuca and MJ Stumpf to create a trio of terror behind the defensive line. His nose for the football stood out against Western Illinois with his “Pick 6.” It’s his coverage ability that will make defensive coordinator Matt Entz think twice before taking Tucker off the field.

Hard to believe you’re already a senior. How has the camp and offseason been different knowing it’s your last year around?

“It’s been different because like, you just know in the back of your mind it’s all or nothing.

You gotta go hard or go home.

Thinking back on things, it’s crazy just how everything has gone by so fast. I remember when I just got here and I was introduced to everyone and learning the systems. Now, looking back, I know I’m gonna miss this. I’m gonna miss my brothers and everything.”

What kind of legacy do you want to leave at NDSU?

through. I want to leave my own name as somebody that played fast and aggressive.

Somebody that was a true Bison player.”

How did the game change for you last season from game one to the championship game?

“It changed a lot. Throughout the season I got more comfortable and learned more of the nuances of the defense and just about everything, being able to play fast and loosen up, really be me on the field instead of being tense for the first time and I just got comfortable.”

“I just want to be known as a great player that came

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FOOTBALL LINEBACKERS

#49

NICK DELUCA 2015 Stats 15 Starts 135 Total Tackles 10 Tackles for Loss 2 Interceptions

Nick DeLuca (No. 49) will be the first player mentioned on every opposing team’s scouting report this season. The NDSU defense can throw multiple looks at offenses with DeLuca’s flexibility in the pass rush and athleticism in pass coverage.

FINDING HIS VOICE

T

he only improvement coaches, teammates and Nick DeLuca himself would like to see this season is his leadership ability. He already has the uncanny ability to lead without saying a word and let his play do the talking, but this season, DeLuca has begun to speak up more.

DeLuca’s play has already attracted NFL scouts from every team. All the physical tools are there, but it’s his leadership on and off the field that will push this Bison team to the top.

Q&A Do you feel there has been a specific bar set for the seniors, especially after last year’s playoff run?

“I don’t know if it’s as much of an expectation as it just comes with the territory of being seniors. In the past, there have been great groups and we’re just trying to continue that tradition and develop the young guys like the guys before us.”

How does a player lead without being a “rah rah” kind of guy?

“I think leading by example is a big thing. That’s how I view myself as being a leader. Doing the right thing as far as knowing what you

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KLIEMAN’S TAKE “It shows you how good Nick has been the last couple of years and his play speaks for itself, that somebody other than FCS (people) are noticing that guy, to say he’s on that list. What a great preseason award for him to even be on that (Butkus Award) Watch List.”

Chris Klieman

have to do, knowing your responsibility and we always say ‘Do your 1/11th.’ So count on each guy, and do that, I think that’s a big part of leadership.”

What does it mean to lead by example?

“Being in the right spot.

Knowing that you can trust a guy to be there and just how you carry yourself and how you approach each day.

It’s more of a mentality than anything.”

FOOTBALL WIDE RECEIVERS

YOUNG GUNZ

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

F

or as many questions swirling around the wide receiver position at fall camp this August, one fact is known: The Bison will return its top two receivers from last season. Junior RJ Urzendowski and sophomore Darrius Shepherd will lead a young group this season with plenty of experience under their belt. Combined, the tandem has logged 46 games played and 120 receptions. Oh, and they’re roommates with the starting quarterback, which maxes out the potential for chemistry between QB and wide receiver.

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FOOTBALL WIDE RECEIVERS

#20

DARRIUS SHEPHERD 2015 Stats 5 Starts 40 Receptions 575 Receiving Yards 5 Touchdowns

Darrius Shepherd played onehalf of football in the regular season matchup against Northern Iowa, but his game-winning catch with 35 seconds left will be remembered for a lifetime.

CLUTCH GENE

D

arrius Shepherd earned his reputation for making big plays in critical moments last season. The freshman missed the first half of the Northern Iowa game during the regular season but made sure everybody felt his presence in the second half. He made two spectacular touchdown grabs in the fourth quarter to give NDSU the lead. His first catch was a diving attempt in the back of the end zone to give NDSU the 24-21 lead.

Shepherd’s second was the play of the year when he out-jumped two UNI defenders in the corner of the end zone to make a circus catch giving NDSU another three-point lead with 35 seconds left.

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Q&A How do you and RJ’s styles contrast?

“I would actually say we’re similar. We like to play fast, make big plays. We always want the ball, but I think he has a little different style. He uses his body a lot better and has a little more physicality, and I use a little more speed.”

EASTON’S TAKE “With having RJ (Urzendowski), who I’ve played a ton of football with, and Darrius Shepherd, too. Super smart, football smart, feels the game really well, having those two guys are huge.”

You’ve caught a pass in every game you’ve played in. Will you remind Easton Stick of that streak before games? “(Laughs) It’s whatever the team needs. If it’s throwing the ball to me, we’ll do that, if we run the ball, that’s fine, whatever gets the W at the end of the day.”

Did you expect to break out like you did last season?

Why shouldn’t fans be nervous about the youth at the wide receiver position?

“For me personally, I had high expectations for myself.

I didn’t know it would go as well as it did, but I always seem to be an impact player and it was a lot of fun. It was really nice to have a role on the team.”

“I think because the coaches prepare us really well. We have learned from some great veterans. As far as Easton learning from Carson, and us learning from guys like Zach Vraa, Trevor Gebhart, I guess we’ll see how it goes.”

FOOTBALL WIDE RECEIVERS

#16

RJ URZENDOWSKI 2015 Stats 11 Starts 48 Receptions 669 Receiving Yards 6 Touchdowns

RJ Urzendowski caught five passes against North Dakota and showed off his shifty moves after this reception and scored a touchdown. The sophomore led the Bison in receiving last season.

Q&A

MR.

RELIABLE

R

J Urzendowski’s performance in the 2014 playoffs was a perfect springboard for what was to come from the wide receiver. As a sophomore in 2015, Urzendowski led the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns. He also continued to be the favorite target for Bison quarterbacks in big situations. Over the last two championship games, Urzendowski has been the leading receiver and has totaled 10 catches for 156 yards.

How has the wide receiver room been different without the two seniors from last year in Zach Vraa and Nate Moody?

“We definitely lost a little experience and leadership.

Those guys both had a lot of catches in their career and got to play for a long time and had a lot of experience. We definitely lose some of that so the rest of us are going to have to pick up that slack.”

You’ve played in big games and been in the middle of big moments. How are you guys approaching the nonconference schedules that your coach called “the toughest nonconference schedule he’s seen?”

“We just have to take it day by day. There is no easy game in a nonconference schedule so we

EASTON’S TAKE “I live with RJ and Darrius. It’s good being around those guys and go home and talk about it, and life. The better the relationship you have, the closer the team you have, the easier to go out on the field and be on the same page and have fun doing it. I think that’s the biggest thing, especially now during camp. It gets long and you have to find ways to have fun and make sure you’re still getting better.”

can’t take anything lightly. We just have to keep improving day by day and we have to be ready to go by day one.”

What makes you and Darrius Shepherd different?

“He’s probably a little quicker and a little better with the ball in his hands. I’m a little bigger and more of a deep threat I’d say. I think we complement each other really well.” * * *

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FOOTBALL SAFETIES

THE NEW GENERATION AT SAFETY

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

I

t took until the ninth game last year for safeties Tre Dempsey and Robbie Grimsley to start together in back-to-back games alongside one another in the secondary. Grimsley, a true freshman, had been in a position battle with sophomores Chris Board and junior Andrew Smith for the starting strong safety spot. Both Dempsey and Grimsley are back this year and are ready to introduce Bison Nation to the New Generation in the secondary.

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FOOTBALL SAFETIES

#3

TRE DEMPSEY 2015 Stats 15 Starts 52 Total Tackles 3 Interceptions 12 Passes Defended

Tre Dempsey’s father Leo is a pastor in Florida. Dempsey’s faith has stuck with him through college making this is a familiar scene before the opening kickoff.

TRE DAY

T

re Dempsey arrived on the scene at NDSU his true freshman season. He capped off his first campaign as a Bison with the game-winning interception against South Dakota State in the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs. He’s taken off from there, quickly becoming the general in the secondary. After making the move from corner to his old high school position at safety, Dempsey has patrolled centerfield like his predecessors before him.

The junior added 13 pounds to his frame this season and is ready to make the transition from competent safety to ball-hawking captain.

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Q&A How’s fall camp been different this season compared to last year when you were making the shift back to safety after playing corner you freshman year?

“Much slower. The game is slow. I’m playing way faster.

I’m more of a leader now this year.”

What were some of your shortcomings that either you or the coaches picked out from last year that you needed to improve on?

“I definitely need to improve on consistency.

COACH’S TAKE “We’d love to have four of him, but he’s a guy that is the glue that holds it all together. Great communicator, great playmaker, he’s going to be in the right spots.

He’s versatile and can do a number of different things.” Joe Klanderman on Bison 1660

Some plays, I just–not take off–but not play as well as I should. Like my pad level would be too high or something. It’s just the small details this year that I need to work on to take my game to the next level.”

What’s the competition level been at for that last corner spot?

“I think competition is good for any group at any position.

It makes everybody raise their game up. They put a lot of pressure on the players to see who performs well under pressure.”

FOOTBALL SAFETIES

#5

ROBBIE GRIMSLEY 2015 Stats 10 Starts 68 Total Tackles 4 Tackles for Loss 2 Interceptions

Even as a freshman, Robbie Grimsley always laid the wood on opponents. Here he is squaring up South Dakota State quarterback Zach Lujan in Brookings, S.D. last year.

BIGGER BOB

N

o, it’s not the switch from number 35 to five. Robbie Grimsley is much thicker this season thanks to Jim Kramer and the hard work he put in with the sophomore at the KraMart this offseason. Head coach Chris Klieman elected not to use a redshirt on Grimsley last year and the true freshman found his way into the starting lineup by the second game of the season. He eventually became a fixture in the starting 11 by week eight. By playing every week last season, Grimsley wasn’t able to get on the same four-day lifting program as the other freshmen in his class. He made up for lost time this winter and says he’s back this August in much better shape.

COACH’S TAKE “People forget he’s just a second-year guy in the program because he doesn’t look like it at all. He’s so comfortable, so smooth in what he’s doing. He’s going to continue to grow and his body is going to continue to develop.”

Joe Klanderman on Bison 1660

Q&A Who made more gains in the weight room this offseason, you or Tre? “That’s got to be me, of course.”

How much time did you take off after the championship game last year, and compared to last year, how much better shape are you in this August?

“We didn’t really take a lot of time off. We enjoyed it like any team would but we got back to it a couple weeks later. It’s a lot easier this year just knowing what I’m going to be prepared for and knowing what I’m getting into. Last year I didn’t really have a clue.”

There’s a ton of experience and leaders on this defense, but who are the vocal guys making the most noise?

“Tre, he’s a very vocal leader.

Nick (DeLuca) is a pretty vocal leader, on the defense, Brad (Ambrosius), too.”

How many guys competing for a corner spot right now would you feel comfortable playing with when the season kicks off?

“Whoever wins the job, we’ll be comfortable playing with them. There’s about four-five guys competition right now and we’re just going to have to see who ends up getting the job.”

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BEHIND THE SCENES MEDIA DAY

BEHIND

THE SCENES AT MEDIA DAY Photos By Ryan Koehler

W

hat you’ve seen from Bison football media day so far has been in front of the real cameras.

But what you haven’t seen is what the players are like when the bright lights aren’t pointed toward them.

We grabbed a camera to take some candid shots from Media Day and here are all the moments we were able to capture.

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BEHIND THE SCENES MEDIA DAY

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PRESIDENT DEAN BRESCIANI

PRESIDENTIAL

GAME

PLAN Interview By Andrew Jason Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

D

ean Bresciani is entering his seventh academic year as the president of North Dakota State University. As the 14th President to serve at NDSU, Bresciani has enjoyed the fruits of high-profile success in athletics. With the football team rolling into another season, we snuck a couple questions in regarding athletics when he was talking to our sister magazine Fargo Monthly.

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THE CONVERSATION It’s been almost two years now.

Has Matt Larsen exceeded your expectations and how so? In what ways has he enacted new policies that have helped the Athletics program grow?

Matt stepped into some pretty big shoes. His business expertise, vision for the future potentials of Bison Athletics and how to get there have been nothing short of impressive.

He has also brought on some new staff, reorganized the department and elevated some staff to new and exciting roles. Speaking of his staff, I’m sure that a big part of his success has been inheriting a team that across the board are some of the most hard working, experienced and dedicated athletics personnel I’ve ever experience. Matt would be the first to admit he doesn’t know it all, but he knows how to learn and how to tap into the expertise of his staff, and is constantly looking to become a better athletic director.

Do you still believe athletics is the front porch of the university? In what ways have you proved that with your action?

While NDSU’s scholarly success and the vibrancy and attractiveness of

our community increasingly draw us accolades, I’d argue that not just the success but the quality of our athletic program is still the feature that, on a national basis, most often provides the front porch of attention.

It goes without saying that we have one of the winningest overall NCAA Division I athletic programs in the nation, but when I refer to the quality of our program what I mean is the exceptional academic performance our student-athletes achieve and the community service they contribute.

For several years now, every semester, our student-athletes have had a collective overall grade-point average in excess of the student body at large, and more than 60 of them have achieved 4.0 GPAs. When I share that with other college presidents around the country, they invariably react with something along the lines of “…I couldn’t have heard that right, did you say…?” In parallel with that, the public service hours and contributions our student-athletes contribute are extraordinary relative to any schools in our league(s).

I care about our student-athletes and enjoy getting to know them. I support their success by attending practices, going to their events–often standing on the sidelines. And it’s not just the home games. I’m there for as many

READ MORE

PRESIDENT DEAN BRESCIANI

away events I can make too. Just like I do with students across the university, I prioritize improvements to support services and facilities that will help them become better students and better athletes. In short, I’m with them all the way, sometimes from the point of recruitment to the day they cross the stage at graduation.

Why has NDSU been able to avoid the cuts that have affected other ND schools? Was that taken into consideration before implementing cost-of-attendance?

NDSU had the foresight to anticipate the current economic conditions in our state and proactively make a range of business decisions (up to a year ago) that advantageously positioned us to absorb the cuts. Don’t hear me wrong—those cuts have had substantial negative impacts on our success, accomplishments and contributions to the citizens of our state. But we’ve been able to soften those negative impacts and, as a result, continue our forward momentum.

Thankfully, cost-of-attendance has not

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been a part of that because it has come from the exceptional private support of our fans. In fact, a large part of what we do, and our athletic program success, would simply not be possible without that private support–which has consistently grown stronger and stronger over recent years.

You put on quite the show at pep rallies before big games. How soon before a pep rally are you thinking of what to say?

Some people are surprised to learn that I rarely, if ever, put much thought into it until I’m at the location and feeling the mood and energy of

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the crowd. Our fans fire me up and through the mood in the room cue me about what will resonate with them.

Anyone who’s ever been to an NDSU event confirms that our fans passion is incredible and inspirational; that’s sure the case for me.

What’s your favorite tailgating recipe?

Call me old school, but burgers and brats on the grill, on a cool if not cold day–are what tailgating is all about for me. Just thinking about the crowd, grills, smoke and taste of a grilled brat before a game makes me hungry.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GARY BARTA

GARY BARTA DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

By Joe Kerlin Photos By NDSU Athletics

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niversity of Iowa Director of Athletics Gary Barta was a quarterback for the Bison during the mid-1980s. He, along with Jeff Bentrim, Chad Stark and James Molstre, ran the Bison to three Division II National Championships in a span of four years. Since then, Barta has made numerous stops at universities across the country working in athletic administration. He was hired as the athletics director at Iowa prior to the 2006-07 season and recently signed a five-year extension to remain the headman for the Hawkeye athletic department. With NDSU traveling to Iowa City to play Iowa on September 17, we couldn’t miss out on a chance to catch up with a former Bison national champion.

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THE CONVERSATION Bison Illustrated: Let’s go back in the time machine.

Gary Barta: (Laughs) Well, if it has to do with my time at NDSU, it’s a long time ago, so the time machine really has to be cranked up.

1983, 85, 86—people are still referencing those championship years around here. What comes to mind while reflecting on all the success you and your teammates had at NDSU? It was an amazing time. We were on a run where we expected to win every game. And every once in awhile, and it didn’t happen often, when we lost, we all looked at each other and tried to figure out what in the heck just happened because that was the mentality. It was a great winning tradition, great instinct. And most importantly, it’s one of the best times in my life just in terms of friendships and relationships that I’ve carried with me throughout my entire life.

Through those losses, specifically in the 1985 season when you guys started 2-2, what did you learn from that and how does that help a successful person like yourself going forward in life?

I think sport is all about learning how to prepare for life because you learn what it’s like to win. In life that’s probably the easiest lesson to learn.

Although there is humility and things

that go with winning, but just as important, you learn about failure and when things don’t go your way. How do you pick yourself up? It’s in those times where you learn the most about teammates. You learn most about having people around you that have your back and having people around you that are going to pick each other up. I absolutely attribute—and I’ve been in my career now for just about 30 years—I attribute so much about who I am and how I go about it to my experience as a Bison.

Are you staying in touch with any of those former teammates? Do you have time to see them?

I wish I had more time, but I do stay in touch. Two years ago I took the opportunity to go to the national championship game and that was fun.

I got a chance to see a lot of former teammates. I’m so proud. You know, I watch closely how the Bison are doing every week. So two years ago when I went to the national championship game, that was terrific.

I talked recently with Mike Favor, one of my teammates. Chad Stark, he’s kind of the social director, he keeps us all informed. Most recently, Ken Muckenhirn, just yesterday or the day before, had heart surgery so we all rallied around him. Fortunately, it went well and thoughts and prayers to him.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GARY BARTA

The Big 10 Commissioner is ending games against FCS opponents. What’s your stance on playing FCS schools?

Here’s the way I look at it: We put together a great, competitive schedule every year, and it’s really no difference one way or another to me. I want to have a great competitive schedule.

We’ve done that in the past and that’s what we have for the future.

Where do you see the college football landscape going? Where does NDSU fit in all that?

I was back on campus last year to speak to a class. I was invited back and that was awesome. Just to see campus and some old friends and see today’s students. I was honored to be able to do that. I stay in regular touch even though my job doesn’t allow me to get back to see football games on a regular basis. In fact, I haven’t been to a football game since the national championship game two years ago.

Prior to that, I can’t even remember when I’ve been able to come to a game because I’m always busy on our game days.

Is there a different buzz at Iowa around this FCS game with NDSU compared to the ones you’ve had in the past?

The one thing about the FCS teams that we tend to play, we know the competitiveness of the groups we bring in. Last year, we had Illinois State. Because of the year before in the championship game against NDSU, I watched that incredible game between NDSU and Illinois State and even though Illinois State lost that game, I knew what type of team was coming into Iowa City last year. UNI, as Bison fans know, is always competitive and we know that

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when they come to Kinnick Stadium.

Clearly, with NDSU coming to Kinnick Stadium this coming fall, our fans know and our football team knows, this is an incredible football team coming from Fargo into Iowa City. It’s a game where there’s no backing off on the understanding that we’re going to have our hands full.

What about the alumni, do they bring up NDSU to you when you see them around at events or in casual conversation?

You can imagine, the natural question is: Who are you going to be rooting for? And I smile and my honest answer as an alum, I’m so proud to be a Bison. Every other week other than that particular day, I want to know how we (NDSU) did. I pull for the Bison. I’ve told people in Iowa City that Bison fans are going to be coming to Iowa City in droves and they’re going to have a great experience. But don’t misunderstand that, because as a competitor and the AD at Iowa, we’re going to give every ounce of energy to beat NDSU on September 17. So that’s the answer, I hope nobody misinterprets that, but that’s how I feel.

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Where do I see the landscape of college football going? That’s a broad question.

And a broad answer, I think college football is as popular as it has ever been. I think it will continue that way.

There is certainly questions about the separating of the Autonomy 5 or the Power 5, whatever you want to call it. There’s the question about the FCS versus FBS, but at whatever level it is, because I know, again, I watched Bison fans come to the national championship in Texas, I know that it’s as popular as it’s ever been before.

I watch in our stadium, Kinnick Stadium, I watch, I’ve been to the FBS national championship, it’s as popular as it’s ever been and I expect that to continue. I can’t really, in a broad perspective, where does NDSU fit? Just keep winning national championships and the popularity will continue. You asked a really broad question so I’m not exactly sure what you’re looking for in an answer.

Okay, yes or no, should NDSU look to move to FBS? I’m going to hedge on that. The only reason is because I don’t have all the information on that. I don’t sit on campus at NDSU, so it’s really hard for me to answer that. I will say, generally, if anybody can do it, NDSU could, but the jump, you need to have a conference, the finances become even exponentially bigger. It’s a big jump. I can’t speculate whether they should or shouldn’t, but they’re in a pretty good spot right now.

You know about the beloved past NDSU has with Gene Taylor. How’s our guy doing in Iowa City?

As Bison fans know, I tease him because he’s a rockstar. Wherever he goes, Bison fans flock to him. When

we go to national meetings, but most importantly, he’s just a solid person.

He’s a solid leader, he knows college athletics and he has immediately fit in in Iowa City and as a Hawkeye and I knew he would. It’s even better than I could’ve imagined. Imagine me sitting here as the AD and now I have another AD just one office down, it’s just a great resource and a blessing for us to have him here. Our coaches immediately fell in love with him, our staff, he’s just everything everyone in Fargo knew him as. He’s just a solid leader.

Have you made any plans to visit with any NDSU fans during the week of the game and shake some hands?

I’m looking forward to shaking hands and saying hi to as many friends as possible, but in reality, and again, I can’t even describe, from Thursday night through Saturday night, my time is absolutely oversubscribed. I’ve got one event after another. I’ll have informal opportunities to say hi to a lot of people. I’m not going to have an opportunity to have any social time just because how busy it is on game day and game weekend.

Thanks for the time today, Gary.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you all down here.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GENE TAYLOR

RECONNECTING WITH AN OLD FRIEND Gene Taylor

DEPUTY ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

By Joe Kerlin Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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ene Taylor came to NDSU before the 2001-02 school year and turned the athletic department on its head. Before you could say “Go Bison,” NDSU had become the framework for a program making a successful jump from Division II to Division I. Taylor was the architect for that framework. His leadership persevered through all the ups and downs that come with a transition of that magnitude. He ignored the doubters and turned NDSU Athletics into what we know and love today. A little over two years ago, Taylor began his new journey at the University of Iowa. With NDSU and the Hawkeyes battling on the gridiron this September, we figured we’d give NDSU’s old AD a call to see how Iowa City is treating the Bison legend.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GENE TAYLOR

THE CONVERSATION Bison Illustrated: How are you staying in the loop with what’s going on here at North Dakota State?

Gene Taylor: It’s a combination of everything really. I still talk to quite a few people, whether it’s through texting or phone conversations. I still get Forum updates and obviously still read, whether it’s your magazine or the internet or GoBison.com, it’s a little bit of everything. I don’t keep up with it every day, but enough that I can enjoy what’s going on, that’s for sure.

As this game approaches on September 17, are people at Iowa asking you more and more about NDSU? They do. I’ll tell you a funny story. Last year, when we were done with our regular season, we just finished the championship game against Michigan State, I was in the football office and we were beginning to prepare for the Rose Bowl for operation folks. It was a little bit of a down time for football

and I go walking by (head football) coach (Kirk) Ferentz office, and he actually had the Northern Iowa-North Dakota State game on the TV. He pulled me into his office and we were just talking and he says, “Well, Gene tell me who some of these guys are.”

And I said, “Well, coach, as much as I can I will.” So at about the time he said that, the kid, the running back (Bruce Anderson) takes off on the

100-yard touchdown return. He said, “Gene, please tell me he’s a senior.”

I said, “Well, Coach, actually he’s a freshman.” He goes, “Oh, you have to be kidding me.”

Something else happens and Ben (LeCompte) nails a punt on the 10-yard-line—we watched it for a while—Ben nails it, and he goes, “Please tell me he’s a senior.” I said,

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GENE TAYLOR

“Yeah, Coach, he is.” He goes, “Well, that’s good.”

So a few plays later, Easton Stick does something pretty incredible and he goes, “Thank God he’s a senior.” I said, “Well actually coach, he’s not. The senior is hurt.” He said, “That’s not the kid that’s going to get drafted?”

I go, “No, he’s a freshman, he’s like 8-0.” He goes, “You have got to be kidding me.” (Laughs) He goes, “Why did we schedule NDSU again?” I said I caught (Gary) Barta in a weak moment (laughs).

Our fans are excited. It’s going to be interesting because usually these games are at the beginning of the year.

Both teams will have a couple games under their belt. We’re coming off either a big win against Iowa State, which I hope is the case, so we have an emotional game against our archrival.

It’s going to be a big point of the season really for both teams. I know NDSU’s schedule is brutal this year. I think one thing our fans will realize at some

point is when the game starts just how much green and gold are going to be in Kinnick Stadium.

Do you think there will be a buzz around this game compared to some of the other FCS opponents you’ve had just because of the stigma around NDSU, their track record of beating FBS teams and being the five-time defending national champs?

I would say, I think there is. I would think it is because mainly people know I’m from North Dakota State and Gary is from North Dakota State, he obviously played football at NDSU. In the spring, in April, we have our Hawkeye State tour and we go to a bunch of different communities and the subject typically comes up because people are remembering where I came from. I hear about it, and it probably won’t (increase) until game week just because we go to Iowa State the week before. People certainly understand who North Dakota State is, there’s no question the fan base here are very, very smart about college football. I

would say the week of the game, the buzz will be much greater than it was for Illinois State and even Northern Iowa for that matter just because of the success NDSU has had.

How is this going to work for you?

Wear an Iowa polo with an NDSU undershirt during the game?

A lot of people have asked me that.

I think I’ll be clad very squarely in black and gold that’s for sure. It’s going to be interesting. Having all the coaching staff and most of the seniors and a lot of the juniors. Most of the younger guys I don’t know as well, or at all, particularly the freshmen. It’ll be an interesting day with fans that are coming down. I’ve gotten a lot of calls from fans about parking and tailgating. Fortunately, I turn them over to our facility staff and they come back and say, “These North Dakota State fans, they’re crazy.” (Laughs) In a good way crazy. Our athletic staff will tell you that they already get a sense this North Dakota State fan base is as passionate or equally as passionate

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GENE TAYLOR

Gene Taylor and Saul Phillips hang out on our April 2014 cover.

as some of our Big Ten rivals with Wisconsin, Nebraska, in terms of what they’re asking for. Literally, trying to rent a parking lot for the buses and RVs that come down.

Do you have time for an informal meet and greet with fans the weekend of the game?

I know NDSU has a lot of stuff planned. I think they have a Friday night event and a Saturday pregame event, and I won’t unfortunately be able to make any of them. My son has a football game the night before against his archrival West High on Friday night so I’ll be there. I’m going to see a lot of people probably postgame more than anything.

Saturday, I have my own game day duties. If there’s a location that’s somewhat close to fans, I’ll try to get over there and greet as many as I can.

It’s going to be fun for me, challenging at times. I’m going to be rooting for the Hawkeyes, but I’m anxious to see a lot of folks I haven’t seen in awhile.

Your family was so well liked in the Fargo community. How is everybody doing?

They’re great. Cathy is adjusting. She doesn’t have nearly as many in the friend base that we had in Fargo.

She’s got a few of her friends from my son’s football parents. Casey

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is still at NDSU. She graduates in December and Jared is going into his senior year at City High. Last year, he had a great year as the quarterback.

They went 8-3 and made it to the quarterfinals. He’s currently-the kid he replaced last year is back from an injury and they’re both really good quarterbacks-so he’s battling that, but he’ll be playing somewhere. He’s looking at opportunities to play at the next level and those things are coming his way. Mostly FCS and Division II opportunities so we’ll see how the year goes and see what he decides to do.

Since I have you on the line, I have to ask you where do you think NDSU’s best fit in the college football landscape right now?

It’s a great question. I think what’s best for NDSU is the best opportunity comes along and, right now, they’re thriving and having tremendous success at the FCS level. I mean, they’re the beacon that everybody looks at and not just in football, I think across the board. What’s the domino effect the Big 12 is going to have with conferences? And if there’s something that came along that made sense for NDSU, if they looked at it.

It’s hard where they are right now as we know being in the toughest football conference in the country and they could be a success at whatever

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(conference). I think it’s what’s best for them at the time it happens. Right now, there’s nothing out there with an FBS opportunity because you have to have a conference invitation.

But if the dominos deflect to a point where somebody knocks on the door and they get a chance to look at it, I wouldn’t be shocked if someone comes knocking on the door.

According to a predominant news outlet, you were a top candidate to land the athletic director position at the University of Minnesota. It turned out to be not true, but what was it like to have your name in the pool for a Power 5 AD position?

Yeah, it’s funny, I kind of laugh at that.

It was kind of flying around and I had to help some people out and let them know, I really wasn’t. It was more media driven. But it’s a compliment. I think any time that somebody thinks you’re capable of being a candidate at a Minnesota (school) or wherever the case may be. I knew pretty early on, in talking to the folks (at Minnesota), I knew what they were looking for and they found what they’re looking for and good for them. It was a great hire.

You’re always complimented, but you try not to get in the middle of it. You just let it unfold sometimes on its own and as it got kind of later

in the process, I had to help some folks out and let them know I wasn’t in Minneapolis. You’re always complimented though by someone thinking you have the ability to step in at a job like that. Right now, like I said, I’m extremely happy here. Gary and I had a plan to be here two, maybe three years. I just started my third year and if something comes along that somebody thinks I can do the job and be a true finalist, I’ll be happy to look at it. With Jared being a senior this year, I really want to make sure I get a chance to watch him play football and we’ll see what happens form there.

Hard to believe it’s your third year already.

Time flies, doesn’t it? We were talking as a family and I walked in and got a great opportunity-I was in Fargo last weekend for a wedding, and I snuck into the SHAC and got a nice little tour with Matt (Larsen), Todd (Phelps) and Jack Maughan. I happened to walk in the weight room and there were a bunch of guys who were just finishing a work out and a lot of guys that I recognize that came over and said hello. Then there were a lot of guys that were like, “Oh boy, who is that dude?” It goes quick.

One of the last things you did as the athletic director was break-ground on the Sanford Health Athletic Complex.

Where does that facility rank among your long list of accomplishments at NDSU? We had so many great things that we were able to accomplish collectively as a department there. A lot of people point to the championships, clearly, those are big things and those are the results of a lot of hard work by a lot of people. I think the building itself was so long coming and people looked at it and talked about it and it took so long to get the financial position and they’re still raising money for it, but that to me, is the final piece of the puzzle for the (Division I) transition, really. We knew that the facility, although great in its day, needed to be fixed, so to put a shovel in the ground and realize it’s going to be finished in a couple of years, and everybody’s quality of life, coaches, student-athletes, are going to improve in such a big way. That, to me,

was a big source of pride to be able to get that done because so many people committed to it. Donors, staff, it was really fun to see that shovel in the ground and even more enjoyable to see it about to open here in a few months.

It’s going to be cool.

Every time we step in to see how construction is coming, I think about that meeting we had in your office after it was announced the renovation was about to begin back in 2013.

Were they dropping weights on top of our offices at the time (laughs)?

What’s it been like to see Carson Wentz, a kid from North Dakota and played at NDSU, getting all this national attention from being the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft?

I saw something the other day. It was a Twitter thing about the number of athletes in the NFL from North Dakota State and you look at them and think, “No wonder we were pretty good.” But to see the Carson thing from start to finish, watch it unfold and every time I turn on ESPN, particularly now, it’s just story after story after story about this kid from Bismarck, N.D., that we almost didn’t recruit. It’s sometimes surreal. And then you watch him play, and although we have a lot of guys go out and play (in the NFL), it’s just right now, I’m watching ESPN and it says, “Up Next: How long before Wentz starts for the Eagles?” It’s a little unusual because you go, “Wow, I know that kid.” The best thing about it is, he’s such a great kid and handles himself so well and he’s going to represent NDSU at such a high level, and he’ll be extremely grateful and supportive of NDSU as all of our guys in the NFL do. It’s really fun to see.

The CFL, too, you know Brock (Jensen) scores his first touchdown and he comes off with the horns raised. That’s pretty cool to see that.

Gene, it was great to talk to you again and hopefully we see you before or after the game.

Great talking to you guys as well. Can’t wait to see everybody in Iowa City.

* * *

FOOTBALL PREVIEW OFFENSE

POSITION PREVIEW

OFFENSE

By Joe Kerlin

T

he Bison running back has been the nucleus for much of the hype made surrounding the Bison offense this season.

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6 36:38 47.2

%

RETURNING STARTERS

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TIME OF POSSESSION

3RD-DOWN CONVERSATION PERCENTAGE

FOOTBALL PREVIEW OFFENSE

Four returning backs capable of handling the starter role makes much of the attention well deserved. Throw in the headlines surrounding firstyear starter Easton Stick and the new collection of wide receivers, there is one essential group of the offense that has been left out of many Bison football conversations.

The Bison offensive line has been steady. So much so it could be the reason they go underreported and, in some cases, underappreciated.

The Bison return three starters along the offensive line with center Austin Kuhnert (Kuhnert will serve

a two-game suspension to begin the season), left guard Zack Johnson and right tackle Landon Lechler. Jack Plankers, who has notched fill-in starts over the last two years, will play right guard.

Combined, these four have started 87 games for the Bison.

The line will introduce Colin Conner and Tanner Volson into the mix this season.

Starting running back and 2015 1,000-yard rusher King Frazier said he isn’t worried about the new arrivals on the offensive line. He said he’s been impressed with both sophomores this far during fall camp.

Volson is your prototypical small town North Dakota kid.

He hails from Balfour, N.D. and was a four-year starter for Drake-Anamoose High School.

Conner will carry the responsibility of protecting Stick’s backside this season.

He will fill a giant pair of shoes with the departure of Joe Haeg, who was taken by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.

* * *

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW DEFENSE

POSITION PREVIEW

DEFENSE

By Joe Kerlin

T

he Bison defense is filled with deep position groups that are expected to lead “Code Green” this season.

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8 15.3 25.7

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SCORING DEFENSE (5TH)

%

3RD-DOWN CONVERSATION PERCENTAGE (2ND)

FOOTBALL PREVIEW DEFENSE

The three seniors at linebacker all return for a second season along with three returning defensive linemen from last year. Robbie Grimsley and Tre Dempsey will be back to play safety, but not much is known about the two corners filling out the 2016 secondary.

number one corner and is carrying the responsibility of covering the opponent’s best receiver.

Sophomore Jalen Allison started three games last year, including the seasonopener against Montana.

The Papillion, Neb., native saw his corner stock rise after returning his first career interception back for a touchdown in the first playoff game against Montana. He’s already been labeled the new

“I’m ready to see him in that CJ Smith role immediately. As in, ‘I’m shutting this guy down as the number one corner,’” Dempsey said about Allison.

“He has the confidence to do it.”

Junior free safety Dempsey said after last year’s championship game, he is excited to see Allison flourish in his new role.

he’s giving the nod to Jaylaan Wimbush to begin the season.

Wimbush played a ton last year at safety for an injured Dempsey on Halloween against Southern Illinois. The sophomore made six tackles against the Salukis and will be the first corner with an opportunity to complement Allison. * * *

The other corner position is still up for debate, although head coach Chris Klieman said

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WHAT’S ON THE GRILL

Photo by Eric Berg

WHAT’S ON THE

GRILL? 122

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By Joe Kerlin Photos by Andrew Jason

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DSU Meat Sciences had an extremely top-secret recipe to give us this month in the September edition of “What’s on the Grill?”

They also gave us the lowdown on how to prepare and cook the perfect pork loin and tips on how to enhance your pork experience.

THE KEY The key to the firecracker pork rub is that it’s sweet but spicy.

The reason it’s gone over so well in North Dakota is because it’s not as spicy as a hot sauce to the point where it burns our Scandinavian mouths. The rub provides a subtle kick that brings out the taste of the pork.

WHAT’S ON THE GRILL

PREPPING (AND GRILLING) YOUR PORK A good pork loin is always versatile and usually only runs about $1.89 a pound. On one end of the loin, you can slice of the pork to make country style ribs and the other side is tougher to make a smaller roast.

We want to focus on the middle portion, the solid muscle they call the center cut pork loin, which is used in making this month’s dish.

After cutting off each end, don’t forget to leave the fat on the pork to give yourself an insurance policy while grilling.

There are two things you can do from this point: you can either cut the center cut loin for pork chops or leave it as is for a pork loin that will feed around 10 people. For this example, Eric Berg, the associate head of animal sciences, with the

“I think it’s delicious,” Anna, Berg’s oldest daughter, said endorsing her father’s find.

THE LEGEND The legend behind how Eric Berg acquired the recipe for the firecracker rub is almost as good as it tastes. Berg was working at the University of Missouri and it was crowned the official rub of the Missouri Pork Council and it was classified as top secret. Berg was at Missouri for nearly a decade and was never able to crack the rub’s code. It was his last day at the school and as he was cleaning out his office he stumbled upon a handwritten note. It was the firecracker rub recipe.

He didn’t tell anyone, quickly moved his stuff out and he was off to North Dakota State.

It’s now known inside the Meat Sciences Lab as the best pork rub on-campus.

help of his daughters Anna and Ida, will rub the loin down thoroughly with the firecracker pork loin rub (more on this later.) You want to get into every crevasse with rub so it’s literally caked onto the loin. After the entire loin is covered with the rub, Berg suggests letting it sit in the refrigerator for a couple hours to let the rub set and allow the pork to absorb as much of the rub as possible.

Set your grill to around 350-400 degrees and put your loin on the grill (fat side up) so that it’s indirectly receiving the heat. Cover the grill and wait for that pork loin to reach 145 degrees. Now, that may seem a little low, but according to testing by the FDA, a little pink in your pork never hurt anybody. Berg suggests shoveling out the extra $100 or so to get a remote thermometer for the pork for the hour-or-so cooking process to avoid overcooking the meat.

The indirect heat will help prevent burning the sugar that’s in the rub. If there’s a crust that forms on the loin from the rub, don’t panic, that’s how you want your loin to look. Allow the loin to sit for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices that have moved to the center of the pork to disperse throughout the loin.

FIRECRACKER PORK LOIN RUB INGREDIENTS Brown sugar – 2 lbs.

White sugar – 1 lbs.

Course ground black pepper – 12 tbsp.

Non-iodized salt – 8 tbsp.

Ginger powder – 8 tbsp.

Garlic powder – 6 tbsp.

Onion powder – 6 tbsp.

Dry mustard – 4 tbsp.

Ground red pepper – 2 tbsp.

Crushed red pepper – 2 tbsp.

Cumin – 2 tbsp.

Paprika – 2 tbsp.

Ground thyme – 3 tsp.

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TEAM MAKERS GET TO KNOW

PRESIDENT TERRY LUDLUM Occupation: Solid Waste Utility Director for the City of Fargo Years A Team Maker: Approximately 23 years Why did you become a Team Maker?: The camaraderie with folks that had a similar passion for NDSU Athletics.

TEAM

MAKERS’ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MEMBERS

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VICE PRESIDENT KRIS BAKKEGARD Occupation: Civil Engineer at KLJ Years A Team Maker: 9 Why did you become a Team Maker?: We’d been season ticket holders for over 10 years and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of Bison athletics, and my wife and I decided it was time to step up our contribution to the continued success. We chose Team Makers due to the history of providing that direct support to both the studentathletes and the overall athletic programs at NDSU.

By Joe Kerlin

ast month, we laid out the structure of Team Makers. As you saw, there is a select group of 11 people serving on the Team Makers Executive Committee.

These are the people in charge of making decisions and reviewing the operation of the Team Makers booster organization. Let’s meet all 11.

PAST PRESIDENT PAUL BOUGIE Occupation: Associate Editor Bison Illustrated/Account Executive Spotlight Media LLC/Rockstar Years A Team Maker: 15 years or so Why did you become a Team Maker?: We joined to help the university after learning how much more Team Makers does for the student-athletes. It’s a passion for me and my wife to help see a student-athlete succeed in all they do while at NDSU and after their careers.

AT-LARGE CHRIS HAUGRUD Occupation: VP/General Manager Sanitation Products Inc. Years A Team Maker: 24 Why did you become a Team Maker?: I was asked to join by Bruce Grubb and I really enjoyed our small group for tailgating at the time. Now we have a large group and it has become part of our families way of life on Saturday days in the fall.

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AT-LARGE CRAIG SANDSTROM Occupation: Insurance agent with Vaaler Insurance Years A Team Maker: 35 or so years Why did you become a Team Maker?: Regarding why I joined, John strongly suggested that. I recall that he said that we are both good republicans and we should both be Team Makers.

GAME COMMITTEE CHAIR DR. DAVID GLATT Occupation: Sanford Health Family Practice Physician Years A Team Maker: Since the early 1980s Why did you become a Team Maker?: My family and I enjoy supporting both NDSU and its athletic programs.

I graduated from NDSU in 1972 with a master’s in biology and spent some time teaching there, so I have a long history of involvement with the university.

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR BRUCE GRUBB Occupation: Fargo City Administrator Years A Team Maker: 25 years Why did you become a Team Maker?: I’m an NDSU alum and huge Bison sports fan.

TREASURER KEN LOKEN Occupation: Retired Banker Years A Team Maker: About 25 years Why did you become a Team Maker?: I believe that as an alumnus, I should support NDSU in any way that I can.

I enjoy following NDSU Athletics and am proud to be able to help them be successful.

JEFF KOLPACK HORNS UP

THE GREATEST DYNASTY EVER: KOLPACK’S “HORNS UP” CHRONICLES NORTH DAKOTA STATE’S RISE TO COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY

By Joshua A. Swanson Photos by Laura Kramer

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ike father, like son. Looking back at the history, it’s an apt comparison.

Jeff Kolpack has covered the meteoric rise of North Dakota State football for the Fargo Forum since the days before the university’s athletic program started its move to Division I in 2002. Kolpack started as the NDSU beat writer for the Forum in 1995. His father, Ed Kolpack, covered the rise in stature of Bison football for the same newspaper from the school’s first national championships in the 1960s to the glory days of the 1980s and early 1990s. If Jeff has cataloged the most successful run in college football history with NDSU’s five straight FCS national titles, Ed was there when the program had its rebirth in the early 60s, which set the stage for today’s success that includes everything from primetime appearances on ESPN, visits from the network’s most iconic show, “College GameDay,” and a national brand rivaling major FBS programs.

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FAMILY LEGACY While you could say the capstone of Ed’s career covering Bison athletics was the book he wrote on the subject: “Bison Football: Three Decades of Excellence,” chronicling the Herd’s dominating run from 1962 to 1992, there is a new postscript to the encyclopedia of Bison football. Maybe, then, that capstone wasn’t necessarily a single book. The postscript to “Three Decades of Excellence” is a sequel of sorts, out in time for the 2016 football season in the form of Jeff’s book, “Horns Up: Inside the Greatest College Football Dynasty.”

Kolpack’s inaugural book tells the story of NDSU’s transition from Division II to Division I, the years leading to the five straight FCS championships, the FCS championships, and explains how the architects of the Division I renaissance guided the program through a process many thought would end in disaster and built it into the juggernaut we know today.

With a book focused on the program’s architects–particularly the Big Three of Joe Chapman, Gene Taylor, and Craig Bohl–fittingly perhaps, Kolpack did not start out to be a sports journalist or author, like his father.

Instead, the younger Kolpack found himself studying architecture at NDSU in the mid-1980s. How, then, did he go from aspiring architect to the chronicler of college football’s greatest dynasty? “I was literally in class one day and I sat down. I go, ‘I don’t want to do this,’” said Kolpack, sitting in a conference room in Downtown Fargo a week before the Bison opener against Charleston Southern. An opener, by the way, that will be televised on ESPN for the second straight year as the network’s college football kickoff. “I got up right when class started and went straight to the registrar and dropped my classes and said, ‘Okay, I got to figure out something else to do now.’” His college

roommate made a suggestion that, ultimately, led to his becoming a sports journalist for the Forum and, now, book author.

“My roommate at the time was writing for The Spectrum,” NDSU’s student newspaper, “he goes, why don’t you come over to The Spectrum, I need some help, can you write this story.

I can’t remember who it was on, it might have been on Tyrone Braxton,” the Bison defensive back that went on to win two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos. “So I did it, and I go, well, that wasn’t hard, so I kept doing some stories and then I took a class from Lou Richardson.” Richardson taught journalism at NDSU, retiring in 1993. Kolpack vividly remembers Richardson pulling him aside one day after class as a turning point. “This was really the turning point where I was leaving class one day and Lou goes, ‘Can I talk to you for a minute?’” recalled Kolpack. Kolpack thought he was in trouble. “Oh God, I’m in trouble, I don’t know what I did, but I must be in trouble.” He sure was.

Richardson had some tough words, albeit words of encouragement. “It’s

just me and her in the room and she says, ‘What in the hell are you doing.’ I go, ‘What do you mean?’ She says, ‘I see your stuff here, you’re pretty good, but you need some help.’” It was a tough love moment where the experienced journalist and professor told Kolpack he needed to get his, substituting a friendlier word, “stuff together.” “I’ll never, I can never thank her enough for being mean to me. Lou kind of laid it on the line for me. She was very convincing.”

FARGO: ROCK CITY Kolpack is a busy man nowadays.

Between the start of NDSU’s quest to win a sixth straight national championship and covering it for the Forum, “Horns Up” is the hottest book in town. Kolpack is doing the book appearance/media circuit promoting it, including appearances at SCHEELS, Labby’s, and Zandbroz Variety in Fargo, and the NDSU Bookstore tent during the opening tailgating. During the middle of our interview, Craig Haley, the dean of FCS writers and Senior Editor for STATS FCS Football,

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calls Kolpack to visit about his book for a feature story. Kolpack tells Haley that he’ll call him back and we resume our discussion. We’re in the midst of a wide-ranging, 80-minute conversation that was as unlikely 14 years ago as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton facing off for the presidency. In 2002, anyone thinking that North Dakota State would win five straight FCS titles eight years removed from the Division II reclassification process (and beat teams like Minnesota, Kansas, Colorado State, Kansas State, Central Michigan, and Iowa State along the way) would have been labeled delusional.

“The football success has really raised the confidence of this community,” Kolpack began, describing the impact the title runs have had on Fargo, the state of North Dakota in general, and the surrounding region.

Kolpack was born and raised in Fargo, attending high school at Fargo South.

“Again, I go back to Joe Chapman.

Joe Chapman, when they went D1 and were scheduling all these teams because we had no idea, we went to St. Cloud, Mankato, and that was the extent of our travels as media guys.

All of a sudden we start going to all these towns and coming back, and go, oh, kinda see what the president is thinking here that Fargo is probably a little better than we think it is. I think the two biggest things Fargo has ever done, one was build the Fargodome, and two was build their football team to Division I status, no doubt. The first one was in ’93 and look at all the concerts and things. Bruce Johnson started the first one, Joe Chapman started the second one.” Johnson was the Fargo Parks Superintendent who,

in 1987, spearheaded the proposal that culminated with Fargo’s crown jewel at the corner of 19th Avenue North and University Drive. The next time you crack a cold one at tailgating, consider raising it to Johnson and Chapman.

While Kolpack has covered Bison athletics for the Forum since the days of the old North Central Conference traveling to places like St. Cloud and Mankato, I was a ballboy for Bison football in the mid-1990s.

Those were the days of a half-empty Fargodome where getting a ticket was never a problem and there were only a handful of people tailgating in the west lots. In his first seasons as Bison football coach, to encourage attendance at the Dome, Bohl liked to tell the story of how his friend, former Nebraska-Omaha head coach Pat Behrns, would tell Bohl how much he liked playing in Fargo because the Dome was like a big, quiet church.

Behrns wasn’t too far off.

My family has had season tickets since the Dome opened for football in 1993.

I’ve missed three Bison games at the Dome in those 23 years. The first was in high school when I was playing in a nine-man football playoff game for the Maddock Bobcats. The second was my first week of law school in 2006 at Creighton University School of Law. The Bison played Concordia-St. Paul, a Division II opponent, on a Thursday night. My contracts, property and constitutional law professors wouldn’t take kindly to me skipping that first Friday of classes for a football game.

Especially the contracts professor, he did his undergrad at the University of North Dakota. I watched the game via a bad online stream at fellow NDSU alums Dan and Shannon Mostad’s apartment near downtown Omaha. It was one of two games I missed during my three years at Creighton, the other being for my maternal grandpa’s funeral in 2008.

Growing up, I read Ed’s book, “Three

Decades of Excellence,” six or seven times. My paternal grandpa bought the book for my dad as a Christmas gift in 1993. I knew that book cold. So cold, the book was partly responsible for my brother and I landing our coveted NDSU football ballboy jobs. You could say it launched my moonlighting as a senior columnist for this magazine.

In June 1996, my twin brother, Justin, who is an assistant athletic director for NDSU, and myself were visiting our grandparents in Fargo. Coincidentally, our grandparents’ good friends, Paul Tefft and Sherri Schmidt, stopped by for dinner one night while we were staying. Having read “Three Decades of Excellence” several times, my brother and I, even though in junior high, went on-and-on to our grandparents’ dinner guests about Bison games that happened before we were even born, not knowing that Tefft and Schmidt were, and will always remain, two of the best NDSU supporters ever. You remember those great parties in Frisco? You can thank Schmidt and Tefft for that. Tefft was so taken aback and impressed, he told us to be ready the next morning by 8 a.m., he was picking the Swanson brothers up at grandpa and grandma’s because he had someone he wanted them to meet.

That someone was Bison head coach Rocky Hager. Tefft took us to the Dome where Hager gave us a personal tour.

Just like the night before, the Swanson brothers had all kinds of questions for the coach we had read so much about.

I remember Hager telling us the City of Fargo limited the number of days the Bison could practice in the Dome each year. I told the coach that seemed pretty dumb as Bison football was the marquee tenant. Hager agreed, telling me I should run for the city commission and set them straight.

Exactly 20 years later, I’m having a conversation with Jeff Kolpack, the son of the man who wrote the book that was gospel for a couple young Bison fans growing up in Maddock, N.D. Talk about coming full circle.

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JEFF KOLPACK HORNS UP

Kolpack is joined by Eric Peterson and Dom Izzo during the filiming of a pregame show on the Bison Media Blog.

“NOW WRITE THAT BOOK!” Like “Three Decades of Excellence,” the story behind “Horns Up” took some family prompting from Kolpack’s brothers, Dave and Bruce, to become a reality. In a January 2016 article in the Forum, Kolpack’s media teammate, Mike McFeely, told the Genesis story behind Ed Kolpack’s Bison book.

McFeely’s article, “North Dakota’s first family of sportswriting,” described how a Kolpack had, in one form or the other, covered NDSU athletics for more than 50 years. Not only have the Kolpacks covered the hardware winning exploits of the Bison, who brought home trophies year after year, the Kolpacks won some hardware of their own bringing that story to the masses. Like Jeff, brother Dave followed Ed into the journalism business. Bruce, the “best writer in the family” according to the forward to “Horns Up” by Dave, a writer for the Associated Press, took up electrical engineer and computer science. The Kolpacks–Ed, Jeff and Dave–have all been awarded North Dakota’s highest sportswriting honor, the North Dakota Sportswriter of the Year by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Ed won it in 1967, Dave winning multiple times between 1987 and 1994, and Jeff rounding out the trifecta in 2015.

It’s a sportswriting dynasty covering a college football dynasty. The same year Jeff was recognized as the North Dakota Sportswriter of the Year at a

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national banquet in North Carolina, he published the follow-up to “Three Decades of Excellence.” Serendipity.

McFeely wrote: “Shortly after Ed’s retirement in ’91, his sons pooled their money and bought the old man a computer with the instructions: ‘Now write that book.’ He did, pounding out the bible of NDSU football history.”

The story of how “Horns Up” came to fruition parallels that of “Three Decades of Excellence.” Dave and Bruce had the same message for Jeff that the three Kolpack brothers had for their father years before – Now write that book!

Bruce and Dave applied the family pressure to Jeff, persuading him to write the sequel, or so they thought, after the 2013 championship game where NDSU notched the three-peat with a 35-7 demolition of Towson.

Kolpack countered his brothers’ offer, telling them if the Bison won a fourth straight championship the following year in 2014, he would write the book.

“Conventional wisdom was—four in a row is pretty tough. I thought it was sort of safe because I really didn’t want to do it,” said Kolpack on the bargain the brothers reached after the ‘13 title game. The following January, the Bison were back in Frisco, and back on that familiar stage in Toyota Stadium hoisting their fourth straight national championship after an instant classic against conference foe Illinois State.

That meant it was time for Jeff to pay up. “After the ’14 game, they were down there [in Frisco] and said, ‘All

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right, you made the deal.’”

When Kolpack arrived back in Fargo, he came up with his game plan for the book. Keep in mind, while writing “Horns Up,” Kolpack kept his day job at the Forum covering Bison athletics – including the men’s basketball team’s second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament that spring where the Bison played Gonzaga in Seattle, Wash. “I told myself (that) I’m going to do something every day. I don’t care what it is, I’m just going to do something every day, whether its two sentences, two hours, or whatever, then we’ll see what happens. I didn’t start from ‘this is the first chapter,’ I had no sequence. I had nothing. I felt let’s just go with it and see what happens.” By that April, Kolpack’s book was taking shape. “I kind of started looking at it, well, wow, you know it’s 50,000 words here already.”

While “Three Decades of Excellence” takes a chronological approach, each chapter a single season, Jeff opted for a topical approach, covering the major events and stories surrounding the Division I move, building the program– including subjects like recruiting, offseason training, and raising the money necessary to be competitive at the Division I level–and the fruits of that labor, winning five straight FCS titles. “The FBS games … the Kansas State stuff started to get too long, so I made that its own chapter, and the Gophers stuff, that started to get a little long, so I made the Gopher games

its own chapter and that’s how it evolved.” In “Horns Up,” you get a backstage view of how everything unfolded for NDSU. The recurring theme, this dynasty was built on unmatched toughness. Reading Kolpack’s book, you get an idea of how tough.

The bright lights of the big FBS wins, ESPN’s “College GameDay” and “SportsCenter” appearances, and the national championships are familiar to Bison fans. What is less familiar are the details of exactly how tough the championship teams and their players were. So tough that several guys played through injuries like separated shoulders, torn labrums, and even ACL tears to get onto the field. They did this without a single complaint or excuse. This excerpt from “Horns Up” is one of several in the book that puts NDSU’s extreme mental and physical toughness into perspective. It’s not for the faint of heart.

“One guy who didn’t was (Cole) Jirik, who not only was an athleticallygifted defensive end for his size but one of the mentally toughest you’ll ever want to know. Moreover, he sacrificed a shot at an NFL career to play his senior season in 2013, the team that went unbeaten.

He tore the labrum on his left shoulder during the ESPN ‘College GameDay’ game against Delaware State, coming around the edge of the line of scrimmage and getting hit while reaching for the ball. The next few days, after talking it over with his parents, trainers and a team doctor, he opted against surgery and decided to play the rest of the season with one healthy arm. They told him he couldn’t hurt it any worse, so he kept himself in the starting lineup. But two weeks later against Northern Iowa, he tore the labrum in his right shoulder.

‘After that, I’m like, I don’t know how I can play – no shoulders, no arms,’ Jirik said. Most football players would

have called it quits and it would have been an easy decision. Not Cole. He talked his situation over, again, with the medical personnel. Once again, they told him he couldn’t hurt it any worse – a tear is a tear. He also had this dilemma: if he got surgery that week, he would probably be ready for NDSU’s Pro Day in March when NFL scouts come to NDSU to test Bison prospects. It was the ultimate inner battle of individual vs. team. He and his father, Pete Jirik, talked a lot about it and Cole kept coming back to this thought: he’s already invested four years with most of the 26 seniors on the team and now was not the time to leave them.

‘I had played for my ‘brothers’ for so many years, I didn’t think it was fair to them not to finish it out with them,’ Cole said. ‘I didn’t want to let anybody down.’ But the pain was bordering on unbearable, to the point that sleeping hurt. He would often wake up in the middle of the night in pain. When driving his car, it felt like somebody was stabbing him every time he took a right turn. And this is a guy who stepped on the field every Saturday and battled against 300-pound offensive linemen? ‘As the season went on, you got used to the pain a little bit,’ Jirik said.”

How do you get used to two torn labrums with pain so insufferable that sleeping hurt? You never heard a word of this from Jirik or the coaching staff during the ‘13 campaign. No excuses. No complaints. Think about that the next time you skip a workout or complain about a sore back after golfing a round. Winning championships like the Bison have isn’t for the timid. It takes that sort of sacrifice, that kind of commitment.

Bottom line, championship rings don’t come easy–especially winning five of them in a row. “It’s indescribable tough,” Kolpack said.

“Being farm tough, that’s beyond farm tough. That’s the definition of the word and then some.”

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JEFF KOLPACK HORNS UP

Joe Chapman (right) was the NDSU president from 1999-2010.

AGAINST THE GRAIN The Big Three. Chapman. Taylor. Bohl.

Their names will forever be etched on North Dakota State University.

Without these three men, NDSU does not become what it is today.

Period. Say what you will about the circumstances of Chapman and Bohl’s departures. All three should be first-ballot NDSU hall of famers.

“Unanimous ballot, no doubt about it,” according to Kolpack. It is easy to look back with rose-colored glasses and forget the struggle and pushback moving to Division I entailed. Like Chapman calling Taylor at home one night and telling him the Big Sky rejected NDSU’s bid for conference membership. Taylor is now the deputy director of athletics for the University of Iowa. Kolpack caught up with him when both were in Seattle for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in March 2015. Iowa and NDSU were sent to that regional pod by the men’s basketball selection committee.

“When we were talking in Seattle, his voice was real, almost still sad, still

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Gene Taylor was the NDSU director of athletics from 2001-14. real deliberate, and you can almost still sense the disappointment,” in that rejection by the Big Sky, said Kolpack of Taylor. “That was, what, in ’05 and 10 years later you can still sense the disappointment in his voice. Like it happened yesterday, that’s how emotionally tied [Taylor] was to that school.” The Bison announced the move to Division I on August 30, 2002, beginning DI play in 2003. When NDSU finished the 2002 season with a 2-8 record, finishing at the bottom of the NCC, there were few thoughts of Division I championships in the near future, if at all. The vultures circled, ready for the kill. That all changed with one game in Missoula, Mont., on September 6, 2003, and the arrival of Bohl, hired by Taylor with the support of Chapman.

“Craig was a masterful builder, just masterful how he could see the vision, but I think it all starts with Joe Chapman. I mean that guy, somebody, and I say it in the book, somebody needed to do it, somebody needed to take the risk and say this is what you are going to do, so I think it all

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starts with Chapman,” said Kolpack.

Chapman and Taylor decided the future of Division II was no future for the Bison. For his part, in the early 2000s, Kolpack thought of getting out of the sports journalism business. “I was thinking about getting out of the business because it just wasn’t fun anymore to cover. I always wanted to cover Division I football and it came to me.” The course of Bison football, NDSU athletics, and, arguably, NDSU as an institution, changed that September afternoon in Missoula.

Bohl, in his second game as head coach, took his team to Missoula for a showdown with FCS powerhouse and perennial title contender Montana.

Before NDSU, Montana was the gold standard of the FCS. Trailing 24- 2 at halftime, the Bison rallied for a 25-24 win, changing in an instant any reluctant boosters and alums that questioned the Division I move.

“I think that’s the jumping off point and really got some people to think maybe I-AA isn’t so far-fetched after all.” It also helped open checkbooks as boosters began to see the potential in

JEFF KOLPACK HORNS UP

be forgotten.” The photo in the Forum with Taylor embracing Bohl said it all. The Bison meant business. “How Gene picked Craig over Gus [Bradley], I would, everybody would have taken Gus,” said Kolpack, referring to thenBison assistant Casey “Gus” Bradley, a former NDSU player and playerfavorite that is now the head coach for the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars.

The choice for the NDSU coaching position after Bob Babich left to coach linebackers for the St. Louis Rams before the 2003 season came down to those two–Bohl or Bradley. Taylor went with Bohl.

Craig Bohl was the head coach of the Bison football team from 2003-13. their alma mater being a D-I program.

When you’re talking names to remember in building towards the FCS championships, one guy you shouldn’t forget is Mike Weiser. If you want to point to a single play that altered the course of Bison football history, it wasn’t a touchdown plunge against Kansas State or a game-winning, national-title clinching run against Illinois State, however spectacular those plays were. Those plays, Brock Jensen’s touchdown dive in Manhattan, Kan. that sealed the win over the Wildcats and brought “College GameDay” to Downtown Fargo, and Carson Wentz’s epic late-game touchdown against the Redbirds have their special place. So too does the play in Missoula made by Weiser.

The 6-foot-4-inch, 238-pound senior from LaCrescent, Wisc., made “the catch” that started the whole thing.

“Mike Weiser. The players that knew him, I’m sure it’s not lost on them. I think that one play is what turned it. If I could point to one play that was most important through this whole process,

it was Weiser going horizontal in Missoula, catching that pass from [Rod] Malone, who wasn’t even supposed to throw it in the first place.” Trailing 2419 with two minutes and change left in the fourth quarter, the Bison opted to line up for the field goal near the Griz’s 20-yard line. On the snap, Malone pealed around the line, taking a pitch going to his right. NDSU called for the fake field goal. Although Malone could have easily run for the first down to extend the drive, or hit a short pass to Jamel Thomas, he pulled up near the line of scrimmage and lofted a pass towards the back right corner of the end zone. The ball looked like it was overthrown, would hit the grass, and the Bison would come up agonizingly short.

“Then when he threw it, when the play happened, when he threw it, Craig thought run it, you know, run it, it’s wide open, you got the first down.

And when he saw him throw it, he just turned around and said that’s it, it’s over. The next thing you know, he hears this kinda reaction, he got it. I think that one play is, can never

“Gene went against the grain, which turned out to be the right decision.

He saw something in Craig, I guess maybe it was his FBS experience or whatever, but he just went against the grain. Good leaders have to do that once in a while. Chapman went against the grain. Gene went against the grain. You got to have guts to make those decisions.” Ten years later, Taylor would make another coaching decision when Bohl departed for the University of Wyoming, going with NDSU’s defensive coordinator, Chris Klieman, as the next head coach for the Bison. If you’re ever playing a blackjack or craps table in Las Vegas, consider inviting Taylor. By many accounts, the Bison were at their apex when Bohl departed. All Klieman has done since taking the reins is win two straight national titles, kept the program operating at the highest of levels and positioned to contend for another title this season, proven himself one of the ablest coaches in college football in his own right, and produced the second overall pick in last spring’s NFL Draft in Wentz, along with other NFL players like Kyle Emanuel, John Crockett, and Joe Haeg.

“Klieman has obviously done his own stuff, but nothing really surprised me about that. It’s hard to stay on top, but they somehow find a way to avoid the complacency.”

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HORNS UP

Find Kolpack’s book anywhere books are sold.

RIGHT TEAM, RIGHT TIME, RIGHT WRITER The plan called for “Horns Up” to be done in time for the 2015 opener at Montana. “There were a couple people I wanted to talk to and couldn’t,” said Kolpack. With the season fast approaching, Kolpack pressed paused and focused on the upcoming campaign. “I shelved it for the year and look what happens.” What happened was NDSU becoming the first team in college football history– in any division–to win five straight championships. With the uncertainty in college football, between injuries, coaches leaving, upsets, and the highly competitive world of recruiting, it’s a feat likely to never be repeated by any other program. As if the story couldn’t get any better, Wentz then becomes a draft phenomenon, ascending the ranks of college quarterbacks that, by the 2016 NFL Draft, he’s the buzz of the sports world along with Cal’s Jared Goff.

But with the Bison starting with two losses in their first six games, the trip back to Frisco for a shot at the five-peat was far from certain. “I’m thinking,

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timing is everything and I missed that wave of four in a row especially when Carson got hurt, this is not going to turn, I don’t know, that book project, I kind of put it off.” The Bison proved the gift that just keeps on giving. Easton Stick enters the picture and keeps the title train on the tracks, going 8-0 as a starter and leading NDSU to huge playoff wins against Montana, Northern Iowa, and Richmond. The Bison defense progressed through the year to finish as the best unit in the country. It gave Kolpack’s book yet another dimension, from four-peat to five-peat. “And then Stick starts winning.” And winning. “I had pretty much everything done up until this past season [2015], and then Wentz, the NFL Draft stuff hits, and then the season really turns into something crazy.” The timing couldn’t have been better. “The fact I couldn’t finish it after four in a row, that was just pure luck on my part, how fortunate that all of a sudden this project ends up being about the greatest dynasty ever.”

The greatest dynasty ever. Nobody had won five national championships in a row. Not the great Oklahoma

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teams, not Southern California, Notre Dame, Florida State, or even Alabama.

Only one team, ever, in history, can lay claim to winning five college football championships in a row – North Dakota State. “When they won the fifth and nobody had ever done it, I guess it was meant to be,” reflected Kolpack, pausing, then offering, “Or maybe old Ed Kolpack up above.” That link. Father and son. Three decades of excellence to five decades of excellence. It takes a dynasty to cover a dynasty.

“At times, I think back and I remember him writing it (“Three Decades of Excellence”) and it’s just a cool connection inwardly between, I’m not saying, you know, I hear his voice, but just to keep his memory alive is so big for me because it’s been so long. It’s important for my family.” Like father, like son. And, just like the Bison, only one author can lay claim to writing the book telling the story of how college football’s greatest dynasty ever was born.

***

SWANY SAYS

swany says THE

EXPECTATIONS

GAME FOLLOW @swany8

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nother football season means another set of championship expectations for North Dakota State’s football team.

How many other sports teams, any sport, any level, anywhere on the planet, are expected to go out and not just win their conference, not just make the playoffs, but to win a championship? It’s not just competing for a championship.

We’re talking about finishing every season raising the FCS Division I national championship trophy on the stage at Toyota Stadium and adding a year to the banner hanging from the rafters in the Fargodome.

Back-to-back-to-back-to-back-toback-to-back… like Pi, as in 3.14159…, it never stops, it goes on, and on, and on. Most fan bases would be satisfied with just one championship, one ring commemorating the year their team was the best of the best. Most fan bases don’t have the issue of their team being so damn good each year. Every year, Bison fans expect a national championship like most folks expect the stoplight at the intersection to turn from red to green.

A

Ask a Minnesota Vikings or Northern Iowa fan. This isn’t a shot at either of those teams—the Vikings or Panthers. Both have had tremendous teams over the span of decades; each has rich traditions in their own right without winning

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BY JOSHUA A. SWANSON *Swanson is a native of Maddock, N.D., a proud NDSU alum and a lifelong Bison fan.

a championship. When you think “FCS powerhouses,” who has a richer tradition, Eastern Washington, Montana State or Northern Iowa?

I’d say Northern Iowa, despite the fact they have never won a national championship. Ask Bison Nation what team presents the biggest challenge year in and year out to NDSU. It’s the Panthers in a landslide.

As a Vikings fan, I know how excruciatingly close the purple and yellow have been. Oh, to just make a Super Bowl. Forget the Lombardi Trophy—what I wouldn’t give to cheer for the Vikings in a Super Bowl. (Note to employers and schools that if that happens, roughly 80 percent of your employees and students will be sick that Monday.)

Fargo would be one giant Frisco, Texas on Super Bowl Sunday. And you thought the Marriot Legacy in Plano, Texas had problems staying stocked with beer that first FCS championship.

1998. 19-freaking-98. Denny Green’s clock management, Gary Anderson and that damn dirty bird celebration.

It still makes me cringe and that was 19 years ago. It’s so bad, the former hit CBS comedy “How I Met Your Mother” did an episode making fun of Vikings fans and “1998!” Twelve years later, when the New Orleans’ hit squad took out the Brett Favre led Vikings in the 2009 conference championship, I didn’t watch the Super Bowl. I didn’t listen to ESPN Radio or watch “SportsCenter” for at least three weeks.

SWANY SAYS

Can you imagine your excitement if the Vikings made the Super Bowl this year?

They don’t even have to win it. I’m talking if they just made it to Super Bowl LI (that’s 51 for the Roman numerally challenged) set for February 5, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

This city, state and region would be a combination of euphoric, distracted and delirious. Viking Fever would take hold. We’re going to the Super Bowl! Skol Vikings!

We’re going to the Super Bowl! In early fall 2017, babies across the region would start sporting names like Teddy, Harrison and Anthony.

Contrast that with your disappointment if the Bison don’t win a sixth straight FCS championship. It is to the point where, in all likelihood, a deep playoff run wouldn’t be enough for the majority of the fan base.

The only way the season can be considered a success for many is if NDSU does something never done, again, in college football history and wins a sixth straight championship.

Only one team has even won five straight. How many Bison fans were bummed, legitimately, sayit-out-loud disappointed last year when “SportsCenter”–yeah, the biggest sports program on the planet–showed up in town instead of “College GameDay?” Very, very few college football teams outside of Tuscaloosa, Alabama get the kind of love NDSU does from the World Wide Leader in Sports.

The expectations game–when NDSU made the decision in August 2002 to move to Division I, every single Bison fan, alum, Fargoan, and North Dakotan, from Joe Chapman to John Hoeven, from Phil Hansen to Josh Duhamel, to the crotchetiest of the crotchety NDSU haters in the state legislature or State Board of Higher Education, if told the Bison

would have a Division I football championship–as in just one, not five, but one–by 2016, that would have been considered a smashing success. How bad must Chapman or Gene Taylor want to sit back from Colorado and Iowa and say “we told you so” to those haters and doubters that piled on NDSU when we made the leap to DI? The fact they never would doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t just smile at the thought, you know, that ear-to-ear, it hurts smiling this big kind of smile. And now? Yes, indeed. And now.

Like Northern Iowa, Montana is an FCS powerhouse. The Griz were the FCS gold standard when NDSU moved to Division I. The Griz only have two–we’re in the ridiculous realm eight years removed from the first season when NDSU was eligible for the FCS playoffs that “only” needs to be used as a qualifier when discussing other teams’ national championships–as if that is somehow a pittance of national titles. Oh, you have two national championships. You poor, poor thing, come inside and we’ll get a pot of soup on the stove. I know how stupid that sounds. But, like a January 2016 Bleacher Report article surmised after the Bison won their fifth straight, what else is left to compare it to?

The Wednesday before the home opener against Charleston Southern, a friend of mine, Ty Hegland, was hosting the afternoon show on 790 AM KFGO. He had me on as a guest and asked what the expectations

were for this team. I was left speechless for a moment. That seldom, if ever, happens. I almost always–okay, Ma Swany, I always– have something to say. How do you realistically talk expectations for the Bison football team? I don’t know.

I seriously don’t know, as a fan, how you talk expectations because as a fan, I expect the Bison to win a sixth straight championship.

Sure, the Bison start the year as the No. 1 ranked team and favorite to win another title, but those lofty expectations every single year defy what should be reality.

Is there a reality that exists where NDSU doesn’t win the national championship? Outside observers and other teams’ fans must think we’re real armpits (to substitute for another body part). Yet, that is reality for Bison fans. That sort of thinking would have been considered an alternative universe not possible back in 2002, or even back in 2008. Yet, here we are.

Expectations, then? Forget expectations. Enjoy the journey.

Revel in the tailgating. Take time to celebrate how special this program and university are. But just for the heck of it, go ahead and book your hotel room and flight to Frisco for early January. It’s much more likely the Bison will make that annual pilgrimage to Frisco/Plano than booking a once-in-a-lifetime flight to Houston in early February to watch another team from the northland playing in Texas.

Everybody up for the kickoff, the march is on!

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POP QUIZ

POPQUIZ

WITH NDSU ATHLETES

What do you like to do in your down time off the track and out of the classroom?

What’s your go-to meal the night before you compete?

What’s a hidden talent (non-sports related) that you have?

Watch 1970s game shows.

Pasta or a sandwich.

I can do bird calls with my hands.

I like to do something fun or relaxing like go to a movie or hang out with my friends and catch up on “The Bachelorette.”

It varies depending on what’s in the kitchen, but usually chicken or pasta.

If given the opportunity, I could probably eat an entire tub of ice cream in one sitting.

I fish and hunt quite a bit.

A plateful of spaghetti and Alfredo sauce

I am a pretty good cribbage player.

I like to hang out with the boys and go paintballing, to the shooting range, and the lake.

Shrimp fried rice & steak

My hidden talent is I know how to dance.

I enjoy being outside and preferably on the lake in my free time if weather permits. I love paddle boarding, wakeboarding, biking and a rekindled childhood hobby of rollerblading.

My dad and I have a homemade pasta dish that we like to make with tons of vegetables and chicken or Italian sausage with a white wine sauce. It’s my favorite.

Matt Jennings

CROSS COUNTRY

Matt Jennings is a senior on the men’s cross country and track and field. The Devils Lake, N.D. native ran the 800-meter leg on the distance medley relay team that took fourth at the Summit League Indoor Championships.

He took fourth in the conference in the outdoor 1,500-meter this summer.

Sydney Bork

Fargo Davies graduate Sydney Bork is entering her senior year at NDSU. She ran the 800 and 1,500-meter and the steeplechase this past outdoor track and field season. She’s also a consistent Top-7 finisher for the Bison in cross country.

CROSS COUNTRY

Jack Plankers

FOOTBALL

Jack Plankers is a senior offensive guard on the Bison football team. The Leonard, N.D. native has played a variety of positions on the offensive line throughout the last four years. Before this season, he was named the firstteam left guard.

Quinten McCoy

Senior Quinten McCoy transferred to the Bison football team before last season. The cornerback played at Santa Rosa (Calif.) Junior College in 2013 and 2014. As a junior, McCoy played in four games on special teams.

FOOTBALL

Alex Schmid

Senior Alex Schmid had her best tournament last year when she finished tied for eighth at The Summit League Women’s Golf Championship. She shot two-over at the Ron Moore Women’s Intercollegiate last October despite finishing 16th.

GOLF 140

B ISO N ILLUST R ATED • S EPTEMBER 2 016

I can spend endless hours in the hot sun and by the water and love it where most people would overheat and need a break. I heard it was always warm and sunny in Fargo, so that’s why I chose to go to school there (sarcasm).

What song/artist/ genre of music do you like listening to before a meet?

Who’s your favorite person on the team to room with while on the road and why?

Kanye or Drake before my race starts.

Dalton Herding, he’s always in a great mood.

My playlist has a wide range, usually, there’s a lot of “today’s hits” types of songs

I really don’t have a favorite! All my teammates are great roomies.

Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard

Zack Johnson, Tanner Volson, or Landon Lechler are always pretty fun to hang out with.

I like to listen to Future, Kodak Black, Boosie (rap music)

Jalen Allison ‘cause we play the same position and we real cool off the field.

It’s a Wolfpack Thang!

I am usually a country music fan, but before tournaments, I listen to mostly pop songs that get me excited and focused to play. A good example is “Hall of Fame” by The Script.

I like to room with Maggie Crippen, the other senior on the team because we are also roommates in Fargo and we get along really well. She likes it cooler in a room and I don’t so we just have her take the bed closest to the air conditioner.