Bison Illustrated September 2016 by Spotlight Media

BISON ILLUSTRATED SEPTEMBER 2016

September 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURE

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

Safeties

Getting the Band Back Together

Behind the Scenes at Media Day

Battle of Attrition

Dean Bresciani

Protect Your Grill

104

Gary Barta

Running Backs

108

Gene Taylor

Offensive Linemen

116

Position Previews

Defensive Ends

122

What’s on the Grill

Linebackers

124

Team Makers

Wide Receivers

140

Pop Quiz

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126 “HORNS UP”

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

TEAM MIKE

BOUGIE

ANDREW

JOE

RYAN

NICOLE

TRACY

ERICA

JESSE

SAM

JENNY

SARAH

PAUL

HEATHER

NATE

LAURA

LAUREN

TANK

BRITTNEY

RYLEE

LEARN MORE Check out spotlightmediafargo.com 16

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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.

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.

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

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

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. 24

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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

_____

FIRST TEAM ALL-MISSOURI VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

TEAM CAPTAIN

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.

READ MORE 62

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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.

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

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

#66

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

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

#78

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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

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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

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.” * * *

FOOTBALL SAFETIES

THE NEW GENERATION AT SAFETY

By Joe Kerlin Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

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

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

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

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

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.”

BEHIND THE SCENES MEDIA DAY

BEHIND

THE SCENES AT MEDIA DAY Photos By Ryan Koehler

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

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

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

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

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.

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FOOTBALL PREVIEW OFFENSE

POSITION PREVIEW

OFFENSE By Joe Kerlin

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

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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

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

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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

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

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. 124

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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

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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JEFF KOLPACK HORNS UP

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.