Bison Illustrated August 13

Football Preview / While We Were Away / Mad in Manhattan / Fall Preview / Swany Says / Walker’s Word

AUGUST 2013

E L B A T T E

G R O UNF

. . . s t n e m

mo

e2

from th

son

sea 3 1 0 2 012

WEDNESDAY

AUG

28 5-8 PM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 5:30 pm | Tailgating Social Hour 7:00 pm | Dinner

AUCTION OF ADVENTURES Guest Speaker | Retired NFL Player Erik Ainge

RAMADA PLAZA SUITES Crystal Ballroom

$75 PER PERSON $35 tax deductible Please RSVP by August 20, 2013

Sponsored by

www.sharehouse.org

contents

16

APRIL 2013 | VOLUME 7 ISSUE 9 Bison Illustrated is a free publication distributed monthly (9 times a year).

Our mission is to help promote North Dakota State University Athletics, provide a quality and fun reading experience and aims to improve the way of life in our community. The publication is mailed to homes across the US and has stand distribution throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

PUBLISHER

Spotlight Media Inc.

PRESIDENT

Mike Dragosavich

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR

101 Unforgettable Moments

A list of the most memorable moments from the 2012-2013 season. We look back at one of the most successful years in school history.

9

BISON ILLUSTRATED EDITOR

Andy Neidt Joe Kerlin

DESIGN/LAYOUT

Andy Neidt, George Stack

RESEARCHERS/ CONTRIBUTORS

Josh Swanson, Steve Walker, Joe Kerlin, Sam Herder, Amanda Ahrenholz

Copy Editors

GENERAL MANAGER

38

Andrew Jason

MARKETING/SALES

Amanda Ahrenholz, Elizabeth Erickson, Candice Grimm, Joe Kerlin, Tracy Nicholson, Josie Eyers Brent Tehven Brent Tehven, Tracy Nicholson, Lindsey Gunderson, Ben Stechmann

While We Were Away

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Circulation Manager

Seth Holden

We took a little summer siesta.

Here’s what you missed while we were away...

Gear up for a three-peat by knowing who the competition is with our football preview.

Website/Social Media

Max Kurucar, Jake Schaffer, Erica Kale

PHOTOGRAPHY

Alison Smith, NDSU Athletics and Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau

SPECIAL THANKS

Jeff Schwartz, Ryan Perreault, Wes Offerman, NDSU Athletic Media Relations and Colle en Heimstead

50 47

FOR ADVERTISING CALL 701-478-SPOT (7768) or Email info@fmspotlight.com

MAD IN MANHATTAN

FALL PREVIEW

Everything you need to know before invading Manhattan, Kansas.

A look at what’s to come this fall in Bison athletics.

more

44 Gone Campin’ 56 Pop Quiz 58 Bison Crossing 6

60 62 64

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Walker’s Word Herd’s Hunches Swany Says

Bison Illustrated is published monthly by Spotlight Media Incorporated. Print quantity exceeds 15,000 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 Inc. 502 1st Ave N. First Floor Fargo ND, 58102 or info@fmspotlight.com

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome back! I hope all of you Bison fanatics have been enjoying your summer because I know we have. (Although, we could use more tailgating.)

Joe Kerlin

Editor, Bison Illustrated C O N TA C T M E joe@bisonillustrated.com

@j_kerlin

@bisonmag

facebook.com/bisonillustrated

Before we jump into another year of exciting, spine-tingling, hair-on-theback-of-your-neck-raising or any other crazy idiom to describe the action in Bison athletics, we want to use the August issue as an opportunity to look back and celebrate all the highlights from last season.

Five Players...

I’m Looking Forward to Watching This Fall:

Sam Ojuri: Football

As you read on the cover, we have got 101 of the most unforgettable moments from last season. And I say “only” because we could have found 201. Luckily, if the boss didn’t find that number excessive, I’d still be chained to my desk, unshaven (I can’t grow a beard), flipping through old box scores.

After so many great accomplishments, it was tough to decipher which moments would make the final cut. As difficult as it may have been, it was a treat to look back at the Summit League titles in golf, cross-country and track and field; wrestling winning the West Coast Conference, the Missouri Valley Football title and all of the other moments that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I would ask if you could imagine what it would be like to root for a loser, but then you could go ask your buddies at any other school find the answer to that question. National titles and All-Americans have become a common occurrence for the Bison and we need to understand how lucky we are.

I was watching the College World Series this past June and the overzealous announcer said Mississippi State has never won a national championship in their athletic program’s history! Now, compare that to the 457 national titles (not accurate) that their opponent UCLA had and it hit me how grateful I am to root for a winner like the Bison. Especially after a lifetime of deprivation from teams like the Twins, T-Wolves and Vikings.

Sierra Bonham: Soccer

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

We’re looking for writing, photography and design interns.

Email andrew@ fmspotlight.com with resume and examples of work.

Lindsey

Andrew

Candice

Max

George

Jake

Seth

Dani DeGagne: Volleyball

Kyle Emanuel: Football

I hope you all enjoy reflecting on a special year as we prepare to look forward to the fall sports kicking off later this month. See you in Manhattan, everybody.

8

MEET THE TEAM

Welcoming Words

MIKE

Trent Olson: Men’s Golf

Jesse

Brent

Ben

Alison

Amanda

Erika

Elizabeth

Josie

Joe

Andy

Tracy

Erica

By Joe Kerlin | Photo by Alison Smith

I

n a perfect world, we would produce a new Bison Illustrated every week, but it’s just not possible... for now. A lot has happened since the great Amy Anderson graced the cover of last April’s BI. Softball had another sensational season as well as numerous track and field athletes earning national recognition.

Here’s the recap of the Bison spring sports, while we were away...

11

Softball 33-16 (17-1); Lost in the Summit League Tournament Championship

I

t has truly been amazing how great the Bison softball program has been over the past decade. Coming into the 2013 season, the Bison rattled off four straight NCAA Regional appearances including a Super Regional appearance back in 2009.

The success is attributed to the great coaching and the great players that have come through NDSU. One of the greatest players was pitcher Whitney Johnson. Since her freshman year, Johnson has been nearly unhittable. Twice this past spring she proved that to be true, throwing a no-hitter against South Dakota

Star Watch:

Senior Pitcher, Whitney Johnson 23-9, 1.75 ERA, 265 Ks, 8.6 K/7 innings, two no-hitters, ten shut outs, Summit League Pitcher of the Year, NFCA All-Midwest Region Second Team

Breakout Athlete:

son

y John

Whitne

Junior Catcher, Jenina Ortega All-Summit League First Team, .328 batting average, seven homeruns, 28 RBI’s.

Who is the new gal?

arcia

Freshman Second baseman, Cheyenne Garcia and Freshman Catcher, Alyssa Reina - Both started in every game for the Bison. Garcia led the team in runs scored (34) Reina was second on the team in homeruns (8).

Cheyenne G

Alyssa Reina 12

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

State and Radford. Johnson has been the key to success for the Bison during her four year career. Of the 134 wins the Bison have accumulated over the past four years, Johnson has won 85 of them. The ace pitcher came into this season with a new role — becoming the leader of a very young softball team. In the final Summit League championship game, five players in the Bison starting lineup were true freshmen including electric lead-off hitter Alyssa Reina. The youth was ultimately their demise in the Summit League Championship game against IPFW, but the future is bright as the softball program will look to capture the League title next year.

Baseball 26-27 (11-13); Lost in the Summit League Tournament Championship.

C

oming off a 40-win season, the expectations for the Bison baseball team were reasonably lofty. Missing vital seniors from a season ago, the Bison lineup stumbled out of the gates from the get go.

Cold bats and bipolar Fargo weather made the beginning of the season a frustrating one for the Bison and left many fans shaking their heads, believing last season would never be replicated.

However, led by power arms in the starting rotation and experience in the bullpen, the

Star Watch:

Senior Pitcher, John Straka - 8-2, 1.67 ERA, 90 Ks, 7.5 K/9 innings, six complete games, three shut-outs.

Drafted 970th overall in the 32nd Round by the Texas Rangers.

team bounced back. The Bison won five of their last six games of the regular season to earn the number three-seed in the Summit League tournament. Back-to-back complete game shut-outs propelled the Bison into the Summit League Championship game for the second year in a row and the once lost season was shaping up to be a memorable one. Two heart-breaking losses later and the Bison’s season ended one win away from a championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Regional.

traka

John S

Breakout Athlete:

Junior Outfielder, Kyle Kleinendorst - .333 batting average, 11 doubles, 30 RBI’s, First Team All-Summit League.

Who is the new guy?

Freshman Infielder Jon Hechtner Started 45 games his freshman year, .269 batting average, 31 runs scored, First Team All-Summit League.

dorst

Kyle Kleinen

Jon He

chtner 13

Golf I

n the shadow of the great Amy Anderson, sat a men’s golf team that is on the incline. This team was led by senior, and brother of the greatest golfer in Bison history, no, Summit League history, Nathan Anderson.

Highlighted by his round of 64 in the final round at the Rice Intercollegiate, Anderson played an instrumental role in the development of a team that lost its coach halfway through the season.

Building on the success from last season, there is a lot to look forward to on the men’s team, but we shouldn’t forget about the women’s team too. Amy Anderson was the obvious star of the show, but behind her were some great golfers chomping at the bit to get their run of recognition.

Men’s Star Watch:

Senior, Nathan Anderson - Named to the All-Summit League Golf Team, led the Summit League with the lowest scoring average of 72.23 and broke the school record for average round.

Women’s - Won the Summit League Championship.

Men’s - Finished fifth at the Summit League tournament.

Men’s Breakout Performer: Sophomore, Bill Carlson - Named to the All-Summit League Golf Team, five top-5 finishes, 73.73-average round, shot a season-low 69 at the Navy Fall Classic.

Who is the new guy?

Sophomore, Trent Olson75.57-average round, shot a low of 70 at the SHSU Harold Funston Invitational and eight top-ten finishes.

Amy A

nderso

n

Nathan

on

Anders

Women’s Star Watch:

Senior, Amy Anderson - Four-time Summit League Female Golfer of the Year, three-time Summit League Individual Champion, 20 time tournament champion.

Women’s Breakout Performer: Abby Knutson

Junior, Abby Knutson - Won the Concordia Cobber Open, four top-10 finishes, average round of 80.19.

Who is the new gal?

Bill Ca

rlson

Freshman, Hailey Boner - One top-10 finish, average round of 80.

Hailey Boner

Trent Olson

15

Track & Field I

t was more of the same for the Bison Track and Field program last spring. Winning championships, breaking records and qualifying for the NCAA Championship Meet has become a habit for these great Bison athletes. Two athletes competed in Eugene, OR while representing the Bison. Seniors, Casey Orgon and Leslie Brost, competed at the highest level collegiately and did not

disappoint. It was Brost’s sixth appearance at the NCAA Championships, while Orgon was the first Men’s Track athlete to represent the Bison since moving to Division I. With a talented junior class from last year leading the way this upcoming winter, the Bison look poised to continue their success on the track and in the field.

Men’s Star Watch:

Senior Thrower, Casey Orgon - 2013 Summit League Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year, three-time Summit League Hammer Throw Champion, Bison Hammer Throw Record Holder at 65.98 meters.

Men’s Breakout Athlete:

Junior Multi-Event, Andy Lillejord Summit League’s 2013 Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, placed seventh in the NCAA Championships in the Heptathlon, broke the school record by 132 points by scoring 5,793 points at NCAA Championship meet.

Andy

Casey Orgon

Who is the new guy?

Sophomore Sprinter, Jerome Begin NCAA Division I West Preliminary Round participant, personal record 52.41 in the 400 meter hurdles, personal record 14.82 in 110 meter hurdles.

in

Jerome Beg

16

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Lillej

ord

ost

e Br

Lesli

Men’s - Summit League Outdoor Champions. Qualified six athletes for the NCAA Outdoor Preliminary Meet.

Women’s - Summit League Indoor and Outdoor Champions. Qualified 10 for the NCAA Outdoor Preliminary Meet.

Debor

ah Joh

Sierra

n

au

Rosen

Women’s Star Watch:

Senior Pole Vaulter, Leslie Brost - Placed 18th at the NCAA Championships, vaulted her personal best at the NDSU Tune-up meet, vaulting 4.27 meters.

Women’s Breakout Athlete:

Junior Sprinter, Deborah John - Her 13.24 broke the school record in the 100m hurdles at the Trinidad and Tobago Championships, was also a part of the 4x100 relay team that broke the school record running a 45.46 at the Summit League Championships.

Who is the new gal?

Freshman Thrower, Sierra Rosenau Qualified for the NCAA West Preliminary Meet, also broke the school record in the javelin with a mark of 45.75 meters and one inch at the Cobber Twilight Meet.

17

18

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

E L B A RGETT

UNFO

2-2013

e 201 from th

.

s.. t n e om

m

season

T

he amount of great plays, individual performances and prestigious team accomplishments have always been what separates the Bison athletic program from the rest. Our athletes have been pushed to rise to their full potential while creating these memorable moments as we stood by the wayside, documenting their journey to greatness. An endless amount of great moments are on the brink this upcoming season, but before we indulge in more breathtaking moments, here are 101 moments from last season that left you in awe. By Joe Kerlin

19

S

aturdays in the fall have become the most anticipated holidays all across Bison Nation.

The consistent success of the football team at the FargoDome has become tradition in itself for every fan. But the football team wasn’t the only team that took advantage of the Dome-field advantage. Here are some of the most memorable moments from last season at the FargoDome.

DOME-FIELD

advantage { THE DOME OPENER }

Football vs. Robert Morris

. 09/01/12

After a long summer, the Bison opened the season in front of a sold out FargoDome against Robert Morris. The Colonials never stood a chance against the superior Bison as NDSU rolled to a 52-0 victory in their home opener.

{ THE CLINCHER }

Football vs. Southern Illinois

. 10/27/12

It was a tightly contested football game throughout and with three minutes remaining, Marcus Williams sealed the W for the Bison with his fourth interception of the season in front of the student section against Southern Illinois. This gave the Bison the 23-17 victory moving their record to 7-1.

{ THE TRIFECTA }

Football vs. SDSU

. 11/10/12

In the first meeting of the year, the Bison edged SDSU 20-17 to win the Dakota Marker trophy for the third straight year.

{ ROMPIN’ OUR RIVALS }

Men’s Basketball vs. UND

. 12/09/12

The football team wasn’t the only team making memories inside the FargoDome.

The men’s basketball team used a well-timed run to beat UND by 20 in the FargoDome, 72-52.

20

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

{ INTO THE RABBIT HOLE }

Football vs. SDSU

. 12/01/12

Leave it to the crafty Brent Vigen to dial up a trick play to get the FargoDome rockin’. Ryan Smith took a handoff in the second quarter of the FCS second round playoff game against SDSU, sprinted his way into the end zone and gave the momentum and the lead to the Bison putting them up 14-3.

{ UNHITTABLE }

Softball vs. SDSU

. 04/23/13

Whitney Johnson threw her second no-hitter of the season as the Bison swept a double-header against SDSU in the FargoDome. The Bison went 3-0 this year in the FargoDome, moving their all-time record to 16-2 underneath the roof at the Dome.

{ BUSTIN’ BUNNIES }

Football vs. SDSU

. 12/01/12

The Bison took down Missouri Valley rival South Dakota State twice at the FargoDome last season. The second time made it the sweetest, advancing the Bison to the FCS quarterfinals, with a 28-3 victory.

{ DEFENSIVE DRAMATICS }

Football vs. Wofford

. 12/08/12

The Bison defense lived up to their reputation of being the best in the nation when they stopped the prolific running game of Wofford on a fourth down play from the Bison five-yard line with three minutes remaining. The Bison won 14-7 and advanced to the semi-finals against Georgia Southern.

{ SOUTHERN SALUTE }

Football vs. Georgia Southern

. 12/14/12

Brock Jensen scored on a fourth and five for the go-ahead touchdown with three minutes remaining against Georgia Southern. The TD put the Bison ahead 23-20 with minutes remaining in the FCS semi-final game.

{ SOARING TO THE ‘SHIP }

Football vs. Georgia Southern

. 12/14/12

In one of the most dramatic plays of the season, up 23-20, Carlton Littlejohn blocked Georgia Southern’s last-second field goal attempt, advancing the Bison to their second consecutive championship game.

Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

21

BEST IN show

{ DOUBLE DESTRUCTION }

T

here’s no “I” in team, but there’s a “me.” Some individual Summit League performances are difficult to go unnoticed and thanks to the Summit League brain-trust, several outstanding Bison athletes were rewarded with the recognition they deserved by being named to the All-Summit League team.

Two All-Summit League First Team Volleyballers

Bumping, setting and spiking are what volleyball players live for and seniors Brynn Joki and Megan Lambertson may have been the best in the Summit League at all three. The volleyball stars were both named to the All-Summit League first team in 2012. They were no strangers to the recognition they have worked so hard to achieve, making the 2012 selection their third year in a row being named All-League performers.

Women’s Golf Amy Anderson wins her fourth straight Summit League Golfer of the Year award.

Baseball Wes Satzinger, Tim Colwell, Kyle Kleinendorst and Jon Hechtner are named to the All-Summit League First team.

Men’s Basketball Taylor Braun is named to the All-Summit League Tournament First Team following a 73-67 defeat at the hands of South Dakota State in the Summit League championship game.

Soccer Anisha Kinnarath is named to the 2012 All-Summit League First Team.

22

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Men’s Golf Nathan Anderson and Bill Carlson are named to the 2013 All-Summit League Men’s Golf Team.

Softball Darren Mueller and Jamie Trachsel earn Summit League Coach of the Year honors.

Women’s Golf Amy Anderson is named First Team All-Summit League.

Men’s Track & Field Andy Lillejord is named Summit League Indoor

Track Athlete of the Year after dominating in all of his events for the indoor season.

Men’s Track & Field Casey Orgon is named Summit League Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year after qualifying for the NCAA Championships.

Women’s Golf Amy Anderson becomes the first three time Summit League Individual Champion.

Softball Whitney Johnson is named 2013 Summit League Pitcher of the Year.

W

ith great performances and championship runs, it is easy to forget the subtle moments of greatness. They may not be moments that stick out while looking back at the season, but they were important none-the-less.

We dug back in the annals of each team’s season and found a handful of moments that you, the fan, may have forgotten about.

UNFORGETTABLE

moments... that you probably forgot about

Men’s Basketball Bison rattle off eight wins in a row from Dec. 15 to Jan. 17.

Women’s Basketball The Bison have six players who scored in double figures on their way to a 111-75 victory over Mayville State.

{ DIAMOND DRAMA }

Back to Back Summit League Runner Up

. 05/17/13

After a slow start to the season, the baseball team had some ground to make up, late in the season. It took a pair of walk-off hits against IPFW to secure the Bison’s spot in the Summit League tournament. The first came when John Skrbec hit a walk-off two-run homerun in the bottom of the tenth and in the second game, Jon Hechtner hit a twoout single to score the game winning run in the bottom of the seventh. It was the third straight season the Bison qualified for the four-team Summit League tournament.

Softball Whitney Johnson throws her first nohitter of the season against Radford and bounces back and throws a one-hitter against Georgia.

Women’s Basketball Freshman Marena Whittle makes her only field goal of the game as her layup with three seconds left lifts the Bison over Oakland, 60-59.

Football A botched extra point attempt goes right for the Bison and they score a two-point conversion against Sam Houston State.

Soccer Jordyn Wallenborn ties the game late, then scores the game-winning goal in the Bison’s Summit League opener against South Dakota State.

Football Down ten early to Illinois State, Marcus Williams takes the ensuing kickoff back 98 yards for a touchdown to get the Bison on the scoreboard.

24

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Men’s Basketball The Bison tie a school record allowing only 34 points against Kansas City.

Men’s Golf Bison win the Navy Classic with a collective score of three under par.

The Bison claim the top three spots with Nathan Anderson, Bill Carlson and Trent Olson.

Women’s Golf The Bison sweep the top3 at the Cobber Open: Abby Knutson with her first tournament victory, Amy Anderson second and Sarah Storandt third.

BRINGING HOME the

hardware

T

he trophy case at NDSU is becoming more and more crowded as each season passes. While administration worries about expanding the trophy case, here are some of the awards Bison athletes were able to accumulate last season.

Women’s Basketball Dani DeGagne wins two straight Summit League CoPlayer of the Week.

Wrestling Trent Sprenkle is named WWC Wrestler of the Year after going 34-6.

Wrestling Bison win the regular season title outright after a 36-9 beating of SDSU, finishing with a perfect 5-0 in the Western Wrestling Conference.

Women’s Cross Country Heidi Peterson led the way as the Bison claim five of the top nine spots at the UND Ron Pynn Invitational.

Football Craig Bohl is voted AFCA FCS Coach of the Year.

{ MAKING BUCKY PROUD }

Men’s Track & Field Casey Orgon becomes the first Bison named Division I Honorable Mention All-American for his performance at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, OR. Western Wrestling Conference Coach of the Year

It was another historical season for the Bison wrestlers. Trent Sprenkle was named to the All-American team, numerous wrestlers had career seasons and head coach Roger Kish was named WWC Coach of the Year, his first such honor.

Kish led the Bison to a conference championship and guided four wrestlers to the NCAA Championships. In his second season as head coach, Kish has already made a name for himself in the coaching ranks and will bring in one of the nation’s top recruiting class to NDSU this season.

26

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Men’s Track & Field Andy Lillejord breaks the Bison record in the heptathlon during the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships claiming seventh place and becoming an All-American.

MEMORABLE

moments... from the stands

W

hy do you love sports?

Simple. Because the awesome experiences you have at the games!

From road tripping to see your favorite players, to saluting them on their way out on senior night, we gathered some of the best fan experiences from last season.

Football The 1,070 mile road trip down to Frisco while heating up from 1° in Fargo to 50° in arrid Texas.

Football Tailgating in Fort Collins, CO taking over the city for a day and then beating them down 22-7.

Women’s Basketball An emotional night as the Bison honored six seniors on senior night: Katie Birkel, Dani DeGagne, Hannah Linz, Britney Gaines, Catavia Jones and Janae Burich.

Men’s Basketball Senior Nate Zastrow scores season-high 10 points as the Bison take down Utah Valley on Senior Night.

{ PEP RALLY FOR THE AGES }

Dr. Pepper Ballpark

. 1/4/13

A 16-hour car ride and a venue change could not dampen the Bison fan’s moral as they packed inside the Frisco Roughriders ballpark the night before the FCS championship game in Frisco, TX. The magical night was highlighted with speeches from Bison legend Jeff Bentrim, Coach Bohl, president Bresciani and Frisco Mayor, Maher Maso. 8,200 Bison fans draped in gold cheered throughout the night and even enjoyed some fireworks the night before the Bison played Sam Houston State for the FCS’ most coveted prize. And the best part was, the BearKat hotel was located right behind the center field wall.

28

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Women’s Basketball Hannah Linz scores six points and tallied four assists in 27 minutes against South Dakota State in her final game as a Bison.

“Once a Bison...

Always a Bison”

Steve Walker Fargo

701.235.

steve.walke countryfinan

STEVE WALKER

INSURANCE + FINANCIAL SERVICES

FINANCIAL SECURITY

FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIV E

701-235-7812 steve.walker@countryfinancial.com

0712-032

Proud Team Maker

GOOD LUCK

BISON!

TODD KAdRMas - PROUd TEAM MAKER

MOVING “THE HERD” ...ONE HOME AT A TIME!

701-371-4234 tksellsfmhomes@yahoo.com 2521 S. University Dr., Fargo, ND 58103

RE-WRITING THE

record books

R

ecords are meant to be broken. This old sports cliché dates back since sports writers started tracking statistics. Last season, a countless number of Bison records were shattered. The bar for excellence at NDSU has been set high, but who knows when it will be raised next.

Football Grant Olson breaks the school record in tackles recording 29 against Wofford.

Volleyball Andrea Henning breaks the school record with 39 digs against South Dakota State.

Volleyball Megan Lambertson breaks the school record with a hitting average of 38.3 percent.

Men’s Track & Field In his last race as a Bison, Travis Fitzke breaks the 34-year-old school record with a 3:42.32 in the 1500m.

Men’s Golf Bison sets a new team record by finsihing the season with a four-player scoring average of 295.19 beating the old mark by four strokes.

Men’s Golf The Bison set a team record with a 18-hole round score of 279 and 36-hole tournament record with a score of 565 at the Navy Fall Classic.

{ AMY THE GREAT }

Kangaroo Invitational

. 4/9/13

Amy Anderson breaks Juli Inkster’s record of 17 tournament victories by winning the Kangaroo Invitational in Oklahoma City. Anderson’s 18th career tournament victory came in dramatic fashion beating Jessica Schiele by two strokes, finishing two strokes under par. However, Anderson didn’t quit there, the Oxbow native finished her career with 20 tournament victories including another Summit League crown in 2013.

30

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Women’s Track & Field Deborah John breaks the school record 100m hurdles at Trinidad & Tobago National Track and Field Championships with a time of 13.24.

Women’s Track & Field Antoinette Goodman sets the Bison record in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.68 during the Summit League Outdoors Championship.

Men’s Track & Field Casey Orgon breaks the school record in the hammer throw, tossing the ball and chain 65 meters at the NCAA West Preliminary Round.

Wrestling Bison finish second in the NCAA West Regional, their highest finish as a division I program.

Women’s Golf The Bison win a school record, fourth-title of the year, shooting an even par at the Creighton Classic.

Women’s Basketball Katie Birkel jumps into the top ten on the all-time scoring list at NDSU, scoring 23 points against Omaha.

kljeng.com NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE. REGIONAL EXPERTISE. TRUSTED ADVISOR. KLJ is a proud supporter of North Dakota State University athletics.

We applaud the dedication and hard work of the coaches, players, staff and administration. Go Bison!

Go BISO N! D o n’s D u a l S e rvi c e

*Full Service or Exterior* *Full detailing available* 2727 13th Ave S., Fargo 701-280-0100

www.donscarwashes.com Proud supporter of bison athletics

D o n’s Co nve n i e n c e Ce n t e r & Ca r Wa s h

*Express Exterior* 2500 52nd Ave. s., Fargo 701-478-Dons (3667)

BISONSUPPORTERS

PROUD

Best Service. Best Coverage. Best Value.

AUTO FLOOD HOMEOWNERS RENTERS DISABILITY HEALTH LIFE LONG-TERM CARE COMMERCIAL CROP-HAIL MULTI-PERIL

701.492.2228 ihryinsurance.com

THE

TURNING point

{ BETTER LATE THAN NEVER }

T

hroughout a full season of competition, it is difficult to keep track of the subtle moments that change the course of a whole season. One play or one game can change a season for the better or worse. Here is a list of those momentum shifting moments from last season.

A New Story for NDSU’s Soccer Team

. 10/28/12

In a sequence of events that no one would have expected, Jenna Miller’s first shot of the season found the back of the net, propelling the Bison to a 1-0 victory over Omaha to clinch a spot in the Summit League tournament. A crushing overtime loss in the first game of the tournament ended the Bison’s season, but was also the end of a promising first chapter of the Coach Mark Cook era. As a first year head coach, Cook has started his career with the Bison on a promising note looking to build off of last season’s success with a young team this fall.

Football Brock Jensen breaks a 10-10 tie with a touchdown against Sam Houston State in the FCS championship game.

Baseball The Bison outhit the Jack’s to snap a seven-game hitting streak, 11-10, and win seven of their next eight games.

Men’s Basketball Marshall Bjorklund and Lawrence Alexander combine for 38 points as the 32

Football Marcus Williams’ pick-six extended the lead during the homecoming game against YSU. Bison takedown eventual Summit League champs SDSU, 65-62.

Women’s Basketball Led by an outstanding 24 of 26 performance from the free throw line, Bison open the season with an 81-72 victory over Harvard.

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Men’s Basketball TrayVonn Wright makes a career high five threepointers leading the way with 19 points as the Bison break through the stingy defense of Western Illinois for a 55-43 victory in the Summit League tournament semifinals.

Baseball Bison throw-out two runners at the plate to defeat Oakland, 4-1.

Men’s Basketball Bison start Summit League play by going 6-0 after blowing out IUPUI 78-40.

Soccer After allowing a late tyinggoal, the Bison scored in double-overtime to notch a 2-1 win over Bemidji State.

ASTONISHING

accolades

W

hile sifting through the numerous exciting moments from last season, some can’t be thrown in a category, but can’t be ignored. Having a category like this is just more proof the Bison athletic program is doing everything right.

Men’s Track & Field Bison set the school record by sending six athletes to the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Austin, Texas: Casey Orgon, hammer throw; Matt Tetzlaff, 110m hurdles; Jerome Begin, 400m hurdles; Travis Fitzke, 1500m; Tyler Parker, javelin; Brandt Berghuis, shot put.

Men’s Track & Field Andre’ Martin Jr., a football standout, misses the Summit League Championship Meet to attend St. Louis Rams mini-camp.

Women’s Track & Field Pole Vaulter Leslie Brost places 18th during the NCAA Championships in Eugene, OR. This was Brost’s sixth appearance in the NCAA Championships.

Baseball Tim Colwell and John Straka are named to the Capital One AllAcademic first team.

Men’s Cross Country With a cumulative GPA of 3.45, the Bison were honored by the US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association to the All-Academic team. The team’s GPA was good enough to rank them tied for 18th in the country.

{ TOSSING HIS WAY INTO HISTORY }

Orgon Qualifies

. 05/25/13

Men’s track and field has been a well-respected program for years and with legendary coach Don Larson at the helm, the athletes are some of the most well-rounded on campus. Senior Casey Orgon is the definition of these track athletes that has worked hard and improved tremendously during is career. His sweat and tears finally paid off when he was the first men’s track athlete to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, finishing 21st in the hammer throw.

34

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Men’s Golf Nathan Anderson ties a school record for lowest score in a round shooting a 64 in the final round and finishing in second place at the Rice Intercollegiate.

Wrestling Four wrestlers represent the Bison at the NCAA Wrestling Championships: Trent Sprenkle, Steven Monk, Mac Stoll, Evan Knutson.

Baseball John Straka gets drafted in the 32nd round of the MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers.

Soccer Bison defeat Eastern Washington, 3-2 giving Mark Cook his first career victory.

All Sports NDSU places 101 athletes on the Commissioner’s List of Academic Excellence.

All Sports The Bison claim the Summit League’s Dr. Helen Smiley Women’s All-Sports Award for the fourth straight year.

water | transportation | municipal | facilities

We believe in simplicity.

We believe in setting the bar even higher.

We believe in doing what we say.

Thank you for believing in us.

Celebrating three years of different.

TRY OUR NEWLY EXPANDED BEER SELECTION

701.237.WINE

Mon - Sat 1404 33rd Street S. Fargo East of Cashwise off 13th Ave 4:00 -10:30pm Check out our fine wine, beer and cuisine @ www.thewineryfargo.com

My one reason?

To provide hope for people in need.

You only need one reason to donate plasma.

Find out how becoming a plasma donor can make a difference for patients and help you earn extra money.

As a new donor, you can earn up to $100 this week.

Donate today at:

Talecris Plasma Resources 800 Holiday Drive Moorhead (218) 287-2700 In addition to meeting the donation criteria, you must provide a valid photo I.D., proof of your current address and your Social Security or immigration card to donate. Must be 18 years of age or older to donate.

ApexEngGroup.com

SUMMIT LEAGUE domination

W

hen we look back at last season, one theme that reoccurred over and over again was the Bison success within conference play. From basketball to track and field, conference dominance has become a habitual occurrence for the Bison athletic program. Let’s look back at the most notable conference moments from last season.

Baseball John Straka threw a shutout for his sixth complete game of the season in the first round against Oakland in the Summit League tournament.

Baseball David Ernst threw a completegame two-hitter in the second round of the Summit League tournament against Western Illinois.

Baseball It took a four-game sweep of IPFW, but the Bison secured their third-seed in the Summit League tournament.

Men’s Basketball The Bison score on 21 of their 26 shots in the first half on their way to a 92-66 blowout of South Dakota.

Soccer Underclassmen, Anisha Kinnarath and Meghan Johnston, help Bison topple Kansas City, 2-1 on Senior Night.

{ HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION }

Summit League Runner Up

.

03/10/13

The Bison won their first Summit League tournament game since 2009, beating Kansas City 69-58 in the opening round of the playoffs. Returning from an injured foot and with his family in the crowd, Taylor Braun nailed a career-high 16 of his 18 free throws on his way to 27 points and also added seven rebounds along the way. The eventual runner-ups will be returning all five of their starters and eight of their top scorers.

36

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Soccer Tristyn Walczak scores in the 90th-minute to break a scoreless tie as the Bison go on to defeat IUPUI, 1-0.

Men’s Basketball Taylor Braun lights it up with seven three-pointers, tying a school record while introducing Omaha to the Summit League with a 95-51 beat down.

W

hen you think championships for the North Dakota State University, fans instantly think football, Frisco and back-toback titles. However, the football team isn’t the only program who put “NDSU” and “champions” in the same sentence.

Here is the list of championship memories from this past season.

CHAMPIONSHIP

performances { HOME AWAY FROM HOME }

Football vs. SHSU

. 01/05/13

For the second consecutive season, the Bison defeated the Bearkats of Sam Houston State in Frisco, TX in the FCS National Championship game. The Bison stormed into FC Dallas Stadium and took reigns of the game early in the second half, beating the Bearkats 39-13.

{ JENSON SHINES }

Summit League Decathlon Championships

. 05/10/13

Ryan Jenson places first in the decathlon at the Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships. After the favorite Andy Lillejord withdrew early, the former walk-on Jenson made the most of his opportunity by winning the always elusive decathlon title.

{ ALONE ATOP THE SUMMIT }

Summit League Championship

. 05/11/13

If you think the football team’s two Missouri Valley Football Conference championships in a row is impressive, try 12. When the Bison won their sixthstraight Summit League Outdoor Track and Field title, it brought their total to 12-straight track and field championships including the indoor season.

{ DYNASTY IN THE MAKING }

Summit League Championship

. 05/11/13

Blowing away the competition, the Bison won their fourth consecutive Summit League Indoor Track & Field title. Matt Tetzlaff won the 100 meter hurdles for the third time and the Bison added 29 points placing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the 800 meter.

{ CONQUERING THE COURSE }

Summit League Championship

. 10/27/12

The Bison place five in the top-15 and roll to their second straight Summit League title. The Bison were led by freshman Brecca Wahlund who finished second, running a time of 21:58.5.

38

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

{ KINGS OF THE VALLEY }

Football vs. ISU

. 11/17/12

The Bison won their first outright Missouri Valley Conference title with a decisive 38-20 victory over Illinois State in the regular season finale. The Bison have accumulated a record of 14-2 over the past two seasons in Summit League play including a record of 8-0 on the road.

{ WELCOME TO THE SHOW }

Bison Invitational

. 08/31/12

Redshirt freshman, Brecca Wahlund wins the Bison Invitational individual title with a fivekilometer time of 18:14.47. This was Wahlund’s first meet of her career as a Bison and is definitely a runner to keep a close eye on for the next few seasons.

{ STEEL CITY CHAMPS }

Progressive Legend’s Classic

. 11/21/12

The Bison beat James Madison 66-44 in the Progressive Legends Classic Pittsburgh Subregional championship. In their first two games of the sub-regional, the Bison defeated Youngstown State 83-80 and Duquesne 57-43. The Bison were stingy all season on defense, only allowing 56 point a game.

{A DREAM COMES TRUE }

NCAA Wrestling Championships

. 03/22/13

Trent Sprenkle defeated two-time 125-pound champion, Matt McDonough, in the Round of 12, sealing his spot on the All-American list. It was one of the most dramatic victories in Bison history as Sprenkle finally got over the hump that had made his career incomplete. Perseverance prevailed and Sprenkle became the first All-American wrestler in Bison history since 1988.

{ VAULTING INTO GREATNESS }

NCAA West Preliminary Round

. 05/23/13

Six-time Summit League pole vaulting champ Leslie Brost pole vaulted her way into the NCAA Championships during the NCAA West Prelims by vaulting 13’ 05.75 feet. Seven hours of weather delays later and Brost earned her sixth trip to the NCAA Championships.

{ FIRST OF MANY }

Summit League Tournament

. 04/24/13

The Bison won their first Summit League championship. Amy Anderson (1st) and Hailey Boner (T-6) led the way for the Bison as they advanced to the NCAA Regional in Oklahoma.

39

Bison Football

Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium

Gate City Bank Field at the FargoDome

Kansas State

Ferris State

8/30 - 7:30 PM TV Broadcast: *Fox Sports 1

NDSU Series Record: 0-1 Last Meeting: 1931- 6-19, Kan. St. Last Year’s Record: 11-2 (Big 12: 8-1)

Big Rapids, Michigan

Enrollment: 23,180

Enrollment: 14,000

2013

Program Highlights:

PREVIEW

Notable Alumni:

What makes coming into the season on top so unique is that everyone is gunning for you. Every opponent has

your game circled on their schedule and has emphasized the opportunity they have to take down Goliath. The Bison football team had mastered the art of defending off these worthy opponents last season, repeating as national champs. As a fan, now it is your turn. Learn about the Bison opponents inside and out in our Bison Illustrated Football Season Preview — Get To Know 'Em. By Joe Kerlin 40

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

NDSU Series Record: 1-0 Last Meeting: 1999- 55-35, Bison Last Year’s Record: 7-4 (GLIAC: 6-4)

Manhattan, Kansas

(Pop. 53,678)

Bison Football

9/7 - 4 PM TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network *ESPN 3

2012 Big 12 Champions.

QB, Collin Klein was third in the 2012 Heisman voting.

Jordy Nelson WR Green Bay Packers Josh Freeman QB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Head Coach:

Bill Snyder 22nd Season (170-84-1)

Star Watch:

(Pop. 10,695)

Program Highlights:

Although Ferris State competes at the DII level, their hockey team has found success at the DI level.

Notable Alumni:

Butch Jones Current head football coach at the University of Tennessee.

Head Coach:

Tony Annese 2nd Season (7-4)

Star Watch:

• WR, Tyler LockettLed team in all-purpose yards with 1,474 and six touchdowns.

• QB, Jason Vander Laan29 total touchdowns.

• DB, Ty Zimmerman2012 All-Big 12 First Team, tied team lead with five interceptions

• DB, Jamar Wimberly46 total tackles in 2012, most of any returning player.

Gate City Bank Field at the FargoDome

Coughlin-Alumni Stadium

Gate City Bank Field at the FargoDome

Delaware State

South Dakota State

Northern Iowa

9/21 - 2:30 PM TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network

9/28 - 2 PM

10/5 - 2:30 PM

TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network

TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network

Dakota Marker

NDSU Series Record: First Game Last Year’s Record: 6-5 (MEAC: 5-3)

NDSU Series Record: 55-40-5 Last Meeting: 2012- 28-3, Bison Last Year’s Record: 9-4 (MVFC: 6-2)

NDSU Series Record: 20-25 Last Meeting: 2012- 33-21, Bison Last Year’s Record: 5-6 (MVFC: 4-4)

Dover, Delaware

Brookings, South Dakota

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Enrollment: 4,000

Enrollment: 12,000

Enrollment: 13,168

(Pop. 36,560)

Program Highlights:

Were on the wrong end of a 105-0 blowout against Portland State in 1980.

Last won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Confrence in 2007 with a 10-2 record.

Notable Alumni:

Jamaal Jackson Center Philadelphia Eagles

Head Coach:

Kermit Blount 3rd Season (9-13)

Star Watch:

(Pop. 22,228)

Program Highlights:

14 North Central Conference Championships. One Great West Football Championships.

Notable Alumni:

Adam Vinatieri Kicker Indianapolis Colts.

NFL Hall of Famer Jim Langer Offensive Lineman Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings

Head Coach:

John Stiegelmeier 17th Season (102-75)

Star Watch:

• RB, Malcolm WilliamsLed team in rushing attempts (90) and rushing yards (437) in only nine games.

• RB, Zach Zenner2012 First Team FCS AllAmerican, 2,044 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

• DB, Davon MooreLed the team with 97 tackles and four interceptions.

• LB, T.J. LallySecond Team All-MVCF, led team with six sacks.

(Pop. 39,387)

Program Highlights:

Lost to Appalachian State, 16-21 in 2005 FCS Championship game.

16 MVFC Championships.

Notable Alumni:

Kurt Warner QB St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals.

Benny Sapp DB Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.

Head Coach:

Mark Farley 13th Season (104-46)

Star Watch: • RB, David JohnsonWalter Payton Award watch list, 1,021 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

• LB, Jake FarleyLed team in 2012 with 85 total tackles.

41

Gate City Bank Field at the FargoDome

Salukis Stadium

Memorial Stadium

Missouri State

Southern Illinois

Indiana State

10/12 - 1 PM

10/19 - 2 PM

10/26 - 2 PM

TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network *ESPN 3

TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network *ESPN 3

TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network *ESPN 3

Homecomming

NDSU Series Record: 3-2 Last Meeting: 2012- 21-17, Bison Last Year’s Record: 3-8 (MVFC: 3-5)

NDSU Series Record: 4-3 Last Meeting: 2012- 23-17, Bison Last Year’s Record: 6-5 (MVFC: 5-3)

Springfield, Missouri

Carbondale, Illinois

Terre Haute, Indiana

Enrollment: 21,059

Enrollment: 18,800

Enrollment: 11,494

(Pop. 160,660)

Program Highlights:

(Pop. 25,960)

(Pop. 60,961)

Program Highlights:

Program Highlights:

Clay Harbor Tight End Philadelphia Eagles.

2008 and 2009 MVFC Champions.

Only team to defeat NDSU in 2012.

Head Coach:

Notable Alumni:

Brandon Jacobs RB New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

Bart Scott LB Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets.

Notable Alumni:

Two FCS playoff appearances.

Notable Alumni:

Terry Allen 8th Season (30-48)

Won the 1983 NCAA Division 1-AA Football Championship, 43-7 over Western Carolina.

Head Coach:

Dale Lennon 6th Season (35-23)

Star Watch:

42

NDSU Series Record: 4-1 Last Meeting: 2012- 14-17, Ind. St. Last Year’s Record: 7-4 (MVFC: 5-3)

Star Watch:

Won the 1964 Indiana Colligate Conference Championship.

Two FCS playoff appearances.

Vencie Glenn Safety New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants.

Head Coach: Mike Sanford 1st Season

Star Watch:

• QB, Kierra Harris1,152 total yards and 10 total touchdowns in only five starts.

• QB, Kory FaulknerCompleted 191 passes last season, the fourth highest in Saluki history.

• RB, Shakir BellVoted Second Team AllAmerican by the Sports Network.

• DB, Caleb SchaffitzelThird Team All-FCS, led team with 109 tackles and five interceptions.

• LB, Bryan PresumeFormer FCS Linebacker of the Week after a 100yard fumble return for a touchdown.

• LB, Connor UnderwoodSix sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in his freshman year.

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

EVERYONE

WINS HERE. The F-M Visitors Center is your number-one resource for hotels, dining, and entertainment during your next Bison home game visit.

Download a free visitors guide at fargomoorhead.com or join the F-M Social Network for updates on current events and activities. facebook.com/fargomoorhead

•

800-235-7654

Gate City Bank Field at the FargoDome

Illinois State 11/9 - 2:30 PM TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network

Arnold D. Stambaugh Stadium

Youngstown State

Gate City Bank Field at the FargoDome

South Dakota

11/16 - 1 PM

11/23 - 2:30 PM

TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network

TV Broadcast: *Local NBC Network

Harvest Bowl

NDSU Series Record: 4-2 Last Meeting: 2012- 38-20, Bison Last Year’s Record: 9-4 (MVFC: 5-3)

NDSU Series Record: 50-25-3 Last Meeting: 2012- 54-0, Bison Last Year’s Record: 1-10 (MVFC: 0-8)

Normal, Illinois

Youngstown, Ohio

Vermillion, South Dakota

(Pop. 66,571)

(Pop. 10,706)

Enrollment: 20,000

Enrollment: 13,358

Enrollment: 10,284

(Pop. 52,772)

Program Highlights:

1999 Missouri Valley Football Conference Championship.

52-40-9 against Eastern Illinois in the oldest rivalry game in the state of Illinois, the Mid-America Classic.

Program Highlights:

Four NCAA Division-I FCS Championships under Jim Tressel.

Five conference championships.

Notable Alumni:

Laurent Robinson WR Atlanta Falcons, St. Louis Rams, Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ron Jaworski QB Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.

Donald Jones WR Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots.

Head Coach:

Head Coach:

Notable Alumni:

Brock Spack 5th Season (28-18)

Star Watch:

44

NDSU Series Record: 3-4 Last Meeting: 2012- 48-7, Bison Last Year’s Record: 7-4 (MVFC: 4-4)

Program Highlights:

2012 was first season in the FCS.

Notable Alumni:

Stephan Logan WR Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.

Head Coach:

Joe Glenn 2nd Season (1-10)

Eric Wolford 4th Season (16-17)

Star Watch:

Star Watch:

• WR, Lechein NeblettSecond-leading receiver in 2012, 667 yards receiving and five touchdowns.

• QB, Kurt HessYSU All-Time leader in touchdown passes (53) and passing yards/game (202.9).

• WR, Terrance Terry2012 All-MVFC Honorable Mention, 567 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

• DE, Colton Underwood10.5 sacks, First Team AllMVC.

• LB, Travis WilliamsSecond on the team in tackles (61) in 2012, first in tackles for loss with seven.

• LB, Tyler Starr2012 Second Team AllMVFC, led team with four sacks.

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

GONE

camps were also a great opportunity to do some scouting on various recruits the Bison will be targeting. “I think it helps us even if the kid isn’t a prospect, but he has friends back at his high school that are,” Klieman said. “He can go back and say ‘You gotta check that place out,’ because we have as good as facilities as anyone in the country at the FCS level.”

CAMPIN’ Photos by Alison Smith • By Joe Kerlin

youth football players sharpened their skills at one of the three football camps offered by NDSU this summer.

Kids from the surrounding areas and kids playing in leagues locally, participated in the camps and took advantage of the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the country.

46

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

is it a great way for these players to get better, the program is helped too. “We’re talking about a lot of kids coming through Fargo, coming through North Dakota State University, coming through our football program and that gives them an opportunity, to see what it is like around here, to see what our practices are like, to see what our facilities are like; it gets them exposed to Fargo,” defensive coordinator Chris Klieman said.

[

FARGO OFFICE

35 N 4th St, Suite 202 Fargo , ND 58102

[ [

BISMARCK OFFICE 4501 North Coleman St. Suite 102

Bismarck, ND 58503

[

Are you performance driven, goal oriented and entrepreneurial?

We are building our team!

For more info, contact

Shannon Olson

701.232.3888 or

shannonolson@ financialguide.com

We are looking for Financial Service Professionals throughout ND, SD and MN CRN201501-188440

Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC Member SIPC. 901 Marquette Ave - Ste 2600, Minneapolis MN 55401

DISCOVER THE NEWLY RENOVATED

Lobby Bar | Zest Restaurant | Level Two Lounge

Lounge | Restaurant | Banquet | Suites | Gym

Downtown Fargo 2 01 5 t h S t N

Fa rg o , ND

|

( 7 01 ) 2 3 2 - 7 3 6 3

|

Fa ce b o o k . co m / r a d i s s o nh o t e l fa r g o

GUIDE TO GOING

MA DIN...

YOUR

MANHATTAN

BY AMANDA AHRENHOLZ

.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MANHATTAN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

IT HAS BEEN

WELL DOCUMENTED... that the Bison Nation has one of the best fan bases in the country. Not only do we show our support in the FargoDome every Saturday in the fall, we travel better than a nomad on his way to the oil fields in Dickinson (I'm sure Fort Collins and Frisco know exactly what we are all about). As a member of this elite club, we need to take it upon ourselves to know the next college town we are taking over like the back of our own hands.

WHERE DO I STAY?

Hotels

Here are some top places to crash and rest your Bison heads before gameday (in order, closest to the stadium).

1. Holiday Inn at The Campus (785) 539-7531 1641 Anderson Ave, Manhattan *outdoor pool

2. Parkwood Inn & Suites

(785) 320-5440 505 S 17th St, Manhattan

3. Regency Inn

(785) 537-0630 419 Holiday Dr, Manhattan *indoor pool

4. America's Best Value Inn

I ’ M H U N G R Y. . . N O W W H A T ?

FOOD

Restaurants to feed your hunger before (and after) that Bison win.

Bobby T's Sports Bar 3240 Kimball Ave.

Kite's Grille & Bar 615 N. 12th St.

Bob's Diner 1103 3rd St.

Little Apple Brewing Co. 1110 Westloop Pl.

Bull Chicks 1126 Laramie St.

The Little Grill 6625 Dyer Rd.

continued

The Chef 111 S. 4th St.

??

WHAT IS O THERE T DO FOR FUN?

5. Comfort Suites (785) 539-9449 1020 Hostetler Dr, Manhattan *indoor pool

6. Motel 6

(785) 537-1022 510 Tuttle Creek Blvd.

Manhattan *outdoor pool

7. Super 8

Golf

Try out a new course.

(785) 539-2400 410 S 3rd St., Manhattan *indoor pool

9. Hilton Garden Inn Hotel & Manhattan Conference Center 410 S 3rd St., Manhattan (785) 532-9116 *indoor pool

10. Hampton Inn

(800) HAMPTON 501 E Poyntz Ave., Manhattan *indoor pool

11. Best Western

(800) WESTERN 601 E Poyntz Ave., Manhattan *indoor pool

12. Four Points by Sheraton

(785) 539-5311 530 Richards Dr., Manhattan *indoor pool

13. Quality Inn

(785) 770-8000 150 E Poyntz Ave., Manhattan *indoor pool

14. Candlewood Inn

(785) 320-7995 210 Blue Earth Pl., Manhattan

(800) 800-8000 200 Tuttle Creek Blvd., Manhattan

Cox Bros Barbeque 223 McCall Rd.

?

(785) 537-0630 1501 Tuttlecreek Blvd., Manhattan *outdoor pool

8. Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Colbert Hills Golf Course 5200 Colbert Hills Dr. (785) 776-6475

Stagg Hill Golf Club 4441 Fort Riley Blvd.

(785) 539-1021

Wildcat Creek Golf and Fitness Center 800 Anneburg Circle (785) 539-7529

Manhattan Country Club 1531 N 10th St (785) 539-7501 49

FOOD continued...

W H E R E D O W E C E L E B R AT E ?

BREAKFAST

Local Food & Friends 3011 Anderson Ave.

Aroy Thai Cuisine 3003 Anderson Ave.

Mr. K's Cafe & Bar 3901 Vanesta Dr.

Chipotle 606 N. Manhattan Ave.

Coffee Shops and Bakeries to get your morning going

Doughboy’s Pizza & Pub 702 N. 11th St.

CoCo Bolos 1227 Bluemont Ave.

So Long Saloon 1130 Moro St.

Harry's Deli 418 Poytnz Ave.

The Patio Grille & Bar 3003 Anderson Ave.

McAlister's Deli 427 Tuttle Creek Blvd.

Wahoo Fire & Ice Grill 1101 Moro St.

Rock-A-Belly Deli 718 N. Manhattan Ave.

Willie's Sports Bar & Grill 307 S. Seth Child Rd.

Early Edition 3210 Kimball Ave. 419 E. Poyntz Ave.

4 Olives Restaurant 3033 Anderson Ave. Harry's 418 Poyntz Ave.

?

??

WHAT IS O THERE T DO FOR FUN?

SEE

SOMETHING

NEW 50

AJ’s NY Pizzeria 301 Poyntz Ave. 611 N. 11th St.

NIGHT LIFE Aggie Lounge 712 N. 12th St.

Finn's Pub 317 Poyntz Ave.

Bluestem Bistro 1219 Moro St.

Auntie Mae's Parlor

Johnny Kaws 1218 1/2 Moro St.

Kitchen Capers Manhattan Town Center

Drinx 1206 1/2 Moro St.

Porter’s Bar

Fat's Bar and Grill 1209 Laramie St.

The Veldt Lounge 105 N. 3rd St.

Little Apple Flour Shop 106 S 4th St.

616 N. 12th St.

706 N. Manhattan Ave.

Radina's Coffee House & Bakery 616 N. Manhattan Ave. 2809 Claflin Rd. Varsity Donuts 704 N. Manhattan Ave.

Flint Hills Discovery Center See firsthand how the settlers of Manhattan encountered troubles when they first arrived in the Manhattan area at the Flint Hills Discovery Center's many exhibits.

Tuttle Creek State Park Tuttle Creek State Park is home to the second largest impoundment, Tuttle Creek Reservoir, which has 12,500 acres of water and 100 miles of wooded shoreline for you to investigate. The 1,200 acre park includes electric and water hookups for camping, a swimming beach, boat ramps, docks, and plenty of "off-the-grid" campsites. You can even come here for a day to explore their numerous trails and shooting range.

315 S 3rd St., Manhattan (785) 587-2726 *Go to flinthillsdiscovery.org for more information.

5800 A River Pond Rd., Manhattan (785) 539-7941 *Check out kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/ Tuttle-Creek for more information on the park and camping.

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

MANHATTAN KANSAS

I T ’ S G A M E D A Y. . . N O W W H A T ?

NDSU VS. K-State Event Schedule: Thursday, Aug. 29

• 7-11 p.m. - Bison Thursday Night Social * K-State Alumni Center - Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas * Adult- $10 Kids- $5 / $15 At the door * You can purchase your tickets online at: ndsualumni.com

Friday, Aug. 30

• 12:30 p.m. - Bison Tailgate Party * Stanley Stout Center, Manhattan, Kansas • 4 p.m. - Pep Fest * Stanley Stout Center, Manhattan, Kansas

• 7:30 p.m. - Kick-off: The March Is On! * Wear your Bison yellow “We Roam Like It’s Home” T-Shirt! Find the shirt at the online Bison Bookstore: ndsubookstore.com

* Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas

Sunset Zoo Go and see some of your favorite animals while you get a great view of the Flint Hills!

Konza Prairie Get your hiking fix in by wandering through the 8,600 acres on the six miles of tall, grassy trails.

2333 Oak St., Manhattan (785) 587-APES *Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.

100 Konza Prairie Ln., Manhattan (785) 539-1961 Find more information at konza.ksu.edu.

Kansas State Gardens and Insect Zoo See a wide range of botanical plant life and crawly creatures at the K-State Gardens and Insect Zoo.

1500 Denison Ave., Manhattan (785) 532-1397 *Visit ksre.ksu.edu/ksugardens or k-state.edu/butterfly for more information.

51

FALL PREVIEW Women’s Soccer Head Coach- Mark Cook (2nd Year: 8-10) Assistant Coach- Chris Logan, Karli Kopietz and

Katie Luce

Last Season- 8-10 (5-3) Lost in Summit League Semi-finals

to Fort Wayne 2-1 (2OT)

Key Losses- Mid Fieder, Jordyn Wallenborn- 4 Goals,

9 Points. Defensemen, Holly Christian 27 Career Points

Star Watch-

Forward, #11 Anisha Kinnarath- All-Summit League

First Team. Led team in goals (6), assists (7), and points (19) last season.

Goalie, #1 Sierra Bonham- Led team with 1.35 goals

against per game average and saves (107).

Coach Cook’s Take

“Anisha is a special talent, she is very technical, very skilled and has good movement with the ball. She can create things on her own so you want a player like that. A player who can lift the team and score goals in big moments and we are expecting a lot from her.”

52

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

X-Factor- Youth

Making the leap from high school competition to the college game is one of the most difficult things for an athlete in any sport. One of the challenges facing the soccer team this season will be that transition to a higher level of play. The 2013 Bison roster has ten freshman and eight sophomores that will have to lean on coaching and veteran leadership to make improvements throughout the season. Upper-classmen Anisha Kinnarath and Steph Jacobson will have to fill the leadership void left by the seniors last year for the Bison to have a successful 2013 campaign.

Fall Schedule League Play Fri. 8/23/2013

Minneapolis, MN.

Belmont

Sun. 8/25/2013 Fri. 8/30/2013 Sun. 9/1/2013 Fri. 9/6/2013 Sun. 9/8/2013 Wed. 9/11/2013 Fri. 9/13/2013

4:30 p.m.

Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN.

1:30 p.m.

Hofstra

Long Island, NY.

5:00 p.m.

St. John’s

Queens, NY.

7:00 p.m.

Idaho

Fargo, ND.

5:00 p.m.

Minnesota-Duluth

Fargo, ND.

1:00 p.m.

North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND.

4:30 p.m.

Boise State

Fargo, ND.

7:00 p.m.

Doublewood Inn Classic Fri. 9/20/2013 Fri. 9/20/2013

E. Washington vs. SIU-Edwardsville

Fargo, ND

Colorado State

4:00 p.m.

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Sun. 9/22/2013

SIU-Edwardsville vs. Colorado State Fargo, ND

11:00 a.m.

Sun. 9/22/2013

E. Washington

Fargo, ND

2:00 p.m.

League Play Sat. 9/28/2013 Fri. 10/4/2013 Sun. 10/6/2013 Fri. 10/11/2013 Sun. 10/13/2013 Sat. 10/19/2013 Sun. 10/27/2013 Fri. 11/1/2013

* * * * * * *

Alumni Game (Exhibition)

Fargo, ND

12:00 p.m.

IUPUI

Indianapolis, IN

7:00 p.m.

Western Illinois

Macomb, IL

12:00 p.m.

Omaha

Fargo, ND

5:00 p.m.

South Dakota

Fargo, ND

12:00 p.m.

South Dakota State

Brookings, SD

6:00 p.m.

Denver

Denver, CO

12:00 p.m.

Fort Wayne

Fargo, ND

5:00 p.m.

* - League Game.

Post-Season Fri. 11/8/2013 Sun. 11/10/2013 Fri. 11/15/2013

The Summit League Championship - Semifinal

TBA

The Summit League Championship - Final

TBA

NCAA Tournament

TBA

53

Women’s Volleyball Head Coach- Kari Thompson (3rd year: 48-29) Assistant Coaches- Sarah Rauen, Kevin Dunn and

Rachel Deyle

Last Season- 13-18 (8-8) Lost 0-3 against Tulsa and did not qualify for League tournament.

Key Losses- Brynn Joki and Megan Lambertson-

Star watch-

Three-time All-Summit League performers and combined for 763 of the teams 1,506 kills in 2012.

Defensive Specialist, #8 Danielle Dombeck-

Tallied 215 digs last season.

Outside Hitter, #14 Lauren Cammack-

Recorded 174 kills and 176 digs last season.

Coach Thompson’s Take

“We’re definitely going to have to remind ourselves they’re freshman every now and then. They’re going to do some goofy things and they’re going to be freshman.

But I think the expectation level when we’re on the court they are still going to be high and I think the players will meet those expectations.”

54

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

X-Factor- Leadership

Like the soccer team, the volleyball squad will have a plethora of youth littered across the roster. With an extraordinary senior class graduating last season - including All-Summit League performers Brynn Joki and Megan Lambertson - the emergence of a leader on the volleyball court will have to come out of the woodwork for the 2013 team to get back to the level that fans have grown accustomed to seeing. Fans are excited about junior Lauren Cammack to step into the spotlight and former Bison basketball star, Dani DeGagne joining a team that looks to grind back to where they belong as Summit League champions.

Fall Schedule La Quinta Inn & Suites Invitational Fri.

Wichita State

Orem, UT

5:30 p.m.

Sat. 8/31/2013

Utah Valley

Orem, UT

1:30 p.m.

Sat. 8/31/2013

Arizona State

Orem, UT

5:30 p.m.

8/30/2013

NDSU Doublewood Inn Classic Fri.

Northern Iowa vs. Wisconsin

Fargo, ND

4:30 p.m.

Fri. 9/6/2013

Louisville

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Sat. 9/7/2013

Louisville vs. Northern Iowa

Fargo, ND

10:00 a.m.

Sat. 9/7/2013

9/6/2013

Wisconsin

Fargo, ND

12:30 p.m.

Sat. 9/7/2013

Wisconsin vs. Louisville

Fargo, ND

4:30 p.m.

Sat. 9/7/2013

Northern Iowa

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Georgia Southern Tournament Fri. 9/13/2013

High Point

Statesboro, GA

10:00 a.m.

Fri. 9/13/2013

Oral Roberts

Statesboro, GA

4:00 p.m.

Sat. 9/14/2013

Georgia Southern

Statesboro, GA

11:00 a.m.

Kansas Invitational Fri.

Kansas

Lawrence, KS

12:00 p.m.

Sat. 9/21/2013

Notre Dame

Lawrence, KS

9:30 a.m.

Sat.

Georgia

Lawrence, KS

2:30 p.m.

9/20/2013 9/21/2013

League Play Sat.

9/28/2013

*

Mon. 9/30/2013

South Dakota State

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

7:00 p.m.

Fri. 10/4/2013

*

South Dakota

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Sat. 10/5/2013

*

Denver

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Fri. 10/11/2013

*

Omaha

Omaha, NE

7:00 p.m.

Sun. 10/13/2013

*

Western Illinois

Macomb, IL

2:00 p.m.

Fri. 10/18/2013

*

Fort Wayne

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Sat. 10/19/2013

*

IUPUI

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Sat. 10/26/2013

*

South Dakota State

Brookings, SD

7:00 p.m.

Fri. 11/1/2013

*

Denver

Denver, CO

7:30 p.m.

Sun. 11/3/2013

*

South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

2:00 p.m.

Fri. 11/8/2013

*

Western Illinois

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Sat. 11/9/2013

*

Omaha

Fargo, ND

7:00 p.m.

Fri. 11/15/2013

*

IUPUI

Indianapolis, IN

6:00 p.m.

Sat. 11/16/2013

*

Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN

6:00 p.m.

* - League Game.

55

Men & Women’s Cross Country Head Coaches- Don Larson (34th Year) and Ryun

Godfrey (15th Year)

Last Season-

Men- Finished tied for sixth at the Summit League meet.

Women’s- Won the Summit League meet and finished seventh at the NCAA Midwest regional meet.

Key Losses-

Men’s- None Women’s- Faith Kruchowski

Star watch-

Men’s- Senior Alec Espeland Women’s- Sophomore Brecca Wahlund

Coach Godfrey’s Take

X-Factor- Culture

“I think all the girls are on the same page in terms of work ethic and a vision of what they want. They have experience, they won a year ago, so that helps mentally because they know what it takes to win a championship and that is always a big part of it too.”

Men & Women’s Golf Head Coach-

Men’s- Steve Kennedy (1st Year) Women’s- Matt Johnson (5th Year)

Last Season-

Men’s- Finished tied for fifth in the Summit League Women’s- Won the Summit League tournament Key Losses- Nathan and Amy Anderson

Star watchMen’s- Junior Bill Carlson Women’s- Senior Abby Knutson

Winning Summit League championships has become an expectation for the women’s cross country team. Back-toback league championships and working on their very own three-peat, veteran runners Maddie McClellan and Heidi Peterson won’t let this opportunity slip away. Helping the veterans is sophomore stand-out, Brecca Wahlund. She was the highest finishing Bison at the NCAA Mid-West Regional meet last season, placing 14th out of 211 runners.

Coach Johnson’s Take

“Amy Anderson brought that work ethic, she brought the desire to get better because she demonstrated that all the time and she kind of drove everyone to better themselves to close the gap towards her and that worked. We have a team of hard workers and good attitudes and I think that’s what rubbed off from Amy to everyone else.”

X-Factor- Balance Replacing an athlete like Amy Anderson is never an easy task.

The women’s golf team will set out this season to defend their Summit League title after the graduation of their best golfer in program history. These ladies know it will take a group effort to collectively match the production of Anderson. “One of our goals is for our scoring average to be the same or better than it was last year,” Coach Johnson said. “Even though Amy is gone, I think with everyone else showing improvement, our players are capable of being as good or even better as the team last year.”

Fall Schedule Women’s Concordia Invitational

Detroit Lakes, MN.

Mon.-Tue. 9/9-10/2013

Nebraska Chip-N Club Invitational

Lincoln, NE.

Mon.-Tue. 9/16-17/2013

North Dakota Invitational

Grand Forks, ND.

Mon.-Tue. 9/23-24/2013

South Dakota State Invitational

Sioux Falls, SD.

Sat.-Mon. 10/5-7/2013

Xavier LPGA Invitational

Daytona Beach, FL.

Mon.-Tue. 10/14-15/2013

Missouri State Payne Stewart Memorial

Springfield, MO.

Fri. 9/6/2013

56

Schedule - TBA

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Men’s - TBA

POP QUIZ

Cross-C SO 58

BALL Joe Haeg

At 6'6, 287 pounds, this sophomore anchored the right side of the offensive line like a four-year starter last season. His mammoth reach and pro-size has people in Bison football circles getting excited about this junior. Creating holes for a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in 2012, Haeg will look to do the same as the Bison go for their third consecutive national championship this fall.

ke

VO L L

MEN’S Bas

FO

OT

tball

Taylor BRAUN With a Summit League championship nearly within grasp last season, Braun will look to lead a veteran basketball team this season to their first league championship since 2009. Braun led the Bison in scoring last year with 15.4 points a game and will have to keep up the smooth stroke from beyond the arc if the Bison have NCAA Tournament hopes.

EY

BALL Danielle Dombeck Sometimes pure athleticism is better and more useful on the volleyball court than height or jumping ability. Senior Dombeck is an athletic middle hitter that makes her living by digging and playing excellent defense. She will look to lead this young group of Bison back to the Summit League tournament this fall.

ou

ntry

BALL

Favorite professional sports team?

Favorite Super Hero?

Probably spending the weekends back in Brainerd on the lakes.

Minnesota Vikings and any team that’s playing the Green Bay Packers.

Its gotta be the Hulk. I mean he’s huge and green! Cant go wrong there!

Driving back home to Newberg with Tray Diddy.

Trail Blazers, duh.

Spiderman.

My favorite summer memory was going to Florida with my family.

My favorite sports team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.

My favorite super hero is Wonder Woman.

Spending time with my relatives and friends on the fourth of July.

Green Bay Packers.

The Incredibles.

Watching two of my cousins graduate high school.

Manchester United.

Superman has always been my favorite.

Brecca Wahlund After redshirting her first season on campus, Wahlund made her presence known last season on cross-country courses across the Summit League.

She led the Bison to their second consecutive Summit League championship last year and will be a vital piece of the puzzle this season as they look to 3-peat.

FT

Favorite memory from the past summer?

Anisha Kinnarath Few players in the Summit League bury goals at the same rate as Kinnarath. Her explosion on the pitch makes her nearly impossible to guard and her powerful shot that is almost unstoppable for any goaltender. With all the ability in the world, Kinnarath looks to lead the Bison to another Summit League tournament this season.

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Go-to summer song?

If you could have dinner with a historical figure dead or alive, who would it be?

It’s probably a tie between “Springsteen”

by Eric Church and “It Goes Like This” by Thomas Rhett.

I guess Thomas Edison just so I could show him my iPhone and blow his mind.

Sugar Ray radio on Pandora normally does the trick.

Bill Russell.

“Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line.

There are so many but, Susan B. Anthony would be pretty interesting.

“Catch my Breath”

by Kelly Clarkson.

“Little Talks”

by Of Monsters and Men.

Jim Ryun

Princess Diana. My mom always talked about how much she adored the princess.

59

BISON CRO Are you a Bison die-hard? Think you have superior knowledge of Bison athletics? Prove it every month at the Bison Crossing...

ACROSS 3. Bison mascot 5. Favorite NFL team of the Bison starting quarterback 7. Nickname of former NDSU punter turned local magazine publisher 13. Home to the Bison basketball and wrestling teams 14. Burst onto the scene last season as a running back 16. Team that cornerback Andre Martin Jr. tried out for and made 17. Trophy awarded to the winner of the annual NDSU vs. SDSU football game 20. The Bison football team will play their first football game of the season here 22. Women's 100-meter hurdles record holder 23. Led the Bison to three national championships in the 80’s 24. Back-up quarterback from Bismarck, North Dakota 25. John Straka played this sport

2501 3rd Ave N Fargo, ND 58102

(800) 959-0914 (701) 237- 5685

www.customgraphicsinc.com

DOWN 1. The last FCS school to win back-to-back-to-back national championships 2. Offensive Coordinator for the Bison football team 4. Last name of head coach of the women’s basketball team 6. Good friends with Jordan Peterson, recorded 29 tackles against Wofford last season 8. 2010 Minnesota Mr. Football who went to Rosemount High School 9. Bison softball ace pitcher 10. Former Athletic Director of the Year and current NDSU AD 11. Star men's basketball player from Oregon 12. Played four years with the women s basketball team, entering her first year on the volleyball team 15. The Bison starting quarterback 18. Head Coach of wrestling team 19. Last Name of the greatest Bison golfer of all time 21. Number of football national championships won by the Bison

HERE’S TO

Difficulty: Amateur

1 2

SSING

3

4

5

6 8

7

9 10

11

12

13

15

14

17

16

18

19 20

21

22 23

24

25

Thanks for playing! Find the correct answers in the September issue of Bison Illustrated.

STAND OUT At Custom Graphics we produce high quality and durable decals, signs, vehicle graphics, and bench adverting that will make your business and products stand out and get noticed! From design to installation, let us help you be unique.

A GREAT SEASON!

WALKER’S WORD training outdoors in the hot summer heat are the key ingredient behind the team’s motto of “Start Strong and Finish Stronger.” Hats off to Coach Kramer and his staff!

NDSU, Nobody Beats Us In The 4th Quarter

By Steve Walker |

C

oach Bohl and the Bison will be entering into the 2013 football season with the biggest target on their back in school history. In 2012, the target was big after the Bison won their first Division 1 FCS National Championship the year before. It is now 2013 and the target is that much bigger after winning back to back national titles.

What does that mean to this year’s version of the Thundering Herd? Week in and week out they will be getting their opponents best shot and nothing will be held back. Good news for the Bison and Bison Nation is that the Bison have one of, if not the best, strength and conditioning coaches in all of college football. Coach Jim Kramer has had these young men all winter, spring and summer getting ready for another tough-nosed football season. Ask any former or current player on the roster what they think of Coach Jim Kramer, and there will be anything said between he is “the best coach ever” to “he is completely crazy!”

Being “completely crazy” is meant to be taken in a good way, Coach Kramer, so before you read this and tell me to start running patterns, hear me out. NDSU has become nothing short of dominant in the second half of football games.

This has a lot to do with the half time adjustments that the coaching staff has a knack for, but watching a defensive lineman get driven back five yards into the linebackers is coached during summer conditioning. No air conditioning allowed in the weight room and conditioning

62

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

Walker’s Watch List Offensive MVP: Brock Jensen - Brock is poised for a great senior year and making it his best as a Bison. He has control of the offense, respect from his teammates and is flat out a WINNER.

Defensive MVP: Colten Heagle - With a surgically enhanced knee, Colton is going to have a big come-back year. The Bison Defense was spectacular the past few years and Colton will be a big reason why the 2013 Bison Defense will be dominant again.

Game-Changer: Marcus Williams - He is good… real good! Why would anyone throw at Marcus? Why would anyone kick to Marcus?

Watching number 1 is very fun and I expect more great things from him this year.

The 2013 season is going to be a very exciting year to watch Bison football with all of the returning talent. In every aspect of the game, the Bison return most of last year’s National Championship team which adds up to a lot of experience in meaningful football games.

Rather than thinking of assignments and reading defenses, the Bison are going to be able to play fast and play hard simply because most everyone on the field has been there dozens of times over the past four seasons.

You hear the phrase “the game slows down” and as a former player, when the game slows down for you is when you are at your best. Everyone knows the game doesn’t actually slow down, but when mentally things slow down in a player’s mind great things happen. When Billy Turner lines up against a 4-3 defense with a blitz coming from the strong side, he knows exactly what the man he is responsible for blocking is going to do.

When Grant Olson sees an offense start running an inside trap, he knows what the pulling guard is doing before getting blocked. This doesn’t happen over-night, and it doesn’t happen by just watching film. It comes from game experience and the 2013 Bison have a TON of this.

With the combination of toughness, togetherness and experience mixed together, the 2013 Bison are looking like an early season favorite to make a great run in the MVFC and a familiar road into the FCS Playoffs. Fall camp is just about to get under way and leaders are going to emerge in the meeting rooms, in the locker room, in the huddle, and on the field. Make sure you check out my list of a few players who you should keep your eye on. Enjoy another great season fellow Bison fans!

*Steve Walker started 36 games at quarterback for the Bison between 2004 - 2007. He holds school records for pass attempts in a game, pass completion percentage, yards gained passing in a game, touchdown passes in a single game and consecutive passes without an interception.

Home Purchases First Time Buyers Refinancing Investing Second Homes

Big decisions made simple.

JEFF KRUGER INSURANCE 4141 38th St SW, Ste C

off. 701.364.3604 cell. 701.261.3521 jkruger@ideaone.net

Fargo, ND 58104

GO BISON!

Jeff Kruger Insurance Agent

• Home mortgage financing • Nationwide lenders • Personalized service • Experienced mortgage officers

Dan Van Winkle NMLS 8495

Dawn Johnson NMLS 178349

Fargo Office: 2300 13th Ave S. 701-356-9898 or 877-375-2016 Locations also in Grand Forks and Maple Grove

• Conventional, FHA & VA Loans • Save time while we shop • Locally owned • Save money with low interest rates and affordable terms

Chad Skarperud NMLS 197629

Scott Philbrick NMLS 197628

Our expertise, your peace of mind.

NMLS 2520 Apply online www.firstclasscorp.com

HERD’S HUNCHES

follow

in a weekend on the pontoon for free admission into the FargoDome that would make any aspiring seasonticket holder jealous is a hard complaint.

Another School Year Means Another Year Of Bison Football

The free tickets make the gameday experience that much sweeter for students. That is until the server crashes during homecoming week, which caused a bigger panic than a Blackboard shutdown ever will.

Nonetheless, a slim amount of college students get the opportunity to have a gameday experience like the one that drapes north Fargo in gold every Saturday. It is what the students on campus reminisce about every week before they begin looking forward to the next gameday.

By Sam Herder |

T

he summer days are dwindling down, and college students are faced with the realization that another year of school is right around the corner. Another strenuous year of readings, the always-awkward group presentations, quizzes and exams as the temperature outside lowers as painfully as Miley Cyrus’ reputation.

Yes, it is a tough thought for any student, but at NDSU, one does not have to look far for some optimism. Because as the yawn-fest that is syllabus week draws nearer, so too does the always-exciting tradition of Bison Gameday.

Students at NDSU are spoiled with entertainment every fall Saturday when the Bison football team hits the field. Very few colleges can ever say they have the chance to watch the two-time defending national champions in action. In fact, Alabama is the only school outside of NDSU that can say that this year. And in that right, the buzz around campus is always about the upcoming football game.

Offensive MVP: Brock Jensen

Even though the role of my attendance had changed, that didn’t stop the excitement of Bison Gameday.

Every single game is an experience of its own that makes attending NDSU a special thing. And with the upcoming season being the most anticipated in school history, everyone in attendance is in for a treat.

Defensive MVP: Grant Olson

Rookie of the Year: Pierre Gee-Tucker -True Freshman

Offensive Breakout Player: Carey Woods

Defensive Breakout Player: CJ Smith

Kansas State Prediction:

While there may be a list of reasons to dread the start of school, Bison football gives NDSU students something big to look forward to. Trading

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

I’ve experienced Bison Gameday from two very different perspectives so far during my two years at NDSU. I was a part of that wild student section my freshman year, in which I almost committed the deadly sin of wearing a shirt other than gold for the first couple games. Then last year, I had to suppress the cheering as I sat in the press box as the sports editor for the school paper, The Spectrum.

Herder’s Preseason Predictions

30-20, Kansas State See, college is a tough gig if you have nothing to look forward to on the weekends. With schoolwork piling up, the weekdays threaten to go slower than seating at Buffalo Wild Wings on student night. But with the Best Show on FCS Turf reigning at the FargoDome the last two years, NDSU students don’t have to worry about that. And with 19 of 22 starters returning, the show is looking to continue for a third straight year.

64

@TheHerd215

We all know the storylines: every member of the defense coming back with starting experience, Brock Jensen’s final year, the two 1,000 yard rushers in Sam Ojuri and John Crockett and Craig Bohl at the helm of it all with his new contract.

Bohl said the 2010 recruiting class had the opportunity to bring a national championship home to Fargo. They have already contributed in bringing in two. Senior students probably remember watching some of this year’s senior football players on the field during their true freshman years, making this season so special.

It’s the end of a magical run for the 25 seniors on the roster.

While they are all chomping at the bit to begin the season in their quest for a three-peat, the students should be equally as excited.

Because even though the days of summer are counting down, so too are the days until The March Is On. *Sam Herder is a student at NDSU and is the Sports Editor at The Spectrum.

SUPPORTING THE BISON

and Building Strong…since 1971

Power | Oil & Gas | Renewable Energy | Heavy/Civil Industrial Agriculture | Crane Service wanzek.com

SWANY

SAYS...

follow

Dacotah Field has a Herd team finished unbeaten. Looking through this year’s schedule, that’s a tall, tall order. Consider this. After Kansas State, the Bison have to contend with a Missouri Valley Football Conference that has, in some polls, as many as five teams ranked in the Top 25.

Enjoy The Ride

Sounds pretty daunting, doesn’t it? The Bison are sure to have one stumbling block along the way, aren’t we? I don’t think so. Say it with me, Bison Nation. Wire-to-wire, baby.

This team has what it takes to run the table and join those other great Bison squads that finished without a loss. While nothing is a guarantee, the conditions are ripe for lots of history to be made this season.

By Josh Swanson |

I

f Kansas State doesn’t know it already, somebody should sound the alarm.

The boys from North Dakota State are coming, and they don’t give a damn what conference you’re in or that you’re the defending Big XII champion playing in a newly renovated stadium. For the last three years, this Bison football team has made its living on the big stage. And the bigger the stage, the better.

Well, stages don’t get much bigger than this to kickoff a season. The two-time defending FCS champs are going toe-to-toe with the defending Big XII champs in a game that’s been circled in bright green and yellow since hours after the final whistle sounded in NDSU’s 39 – 13 triumph over Sam Houston State last January 5. In a refrain that will sound all too familiar by the time kickoff rolls around August 30, this Wildcat team is the toughest and best-coached opponent the Bison have faced in Craig Bohl’s tenure in Fargo.

“Don’t get caught up in the hype or expectations.

This is about much, much more than Frisco. We’re watching something special.”

To be clear, this is not our Super Bowl. Few things frustrate me more than some condescending FBS player, coach or media rube explaining a loss to NDSU by shaking their head and muttering it was their Super Bowl. Our championship is played in Texas in early January.

That’s our Super Bowl. This is only one step on the way there. One step, but man, what a big step. This Bison squad is gunning to become the first team in program history to three-peat as national champions. If that wasn’t historic in itself, this team is also after something else. Despite consecutive national championships, one thing has eluded this veteran-laden Bison football team.

Perfection.

For a program like NDSU, the greatest of the greats are measured not just by a title banner, but going wire-to-wire, finishing undefeated. When you think of the best teams in school history, among the ten national championship teams only five – ’68, ’69, ’86, ’88 and ’90 – ran the table and finished without a loss. Taking nothing away from any of our championship teams, not since the days when Rocky Hager, Phil Hansen, Tony Satter and Chris Simdorn roamed 66

B i s o n I l l u s t r a t e d • AUG UST 2 013

@swany8

The word “hype” will be thrown around quite a bit in the next few weeks. As in, can the Bison deal with the hype surrounding a team that has more talent back than BaskinRobins has flavors. It only seems like half the starting lineup is on some sort of preseason award watch list. Or “expectations.” As in, can this team possibly live up to expectations with 18 of 22 starters returning in addition to a full complement of all-conference special teams performers.

Any hype or expectations from the fans or media pales in comparison to what’s going on inside the locker room. Last year, when interviewing several players from the ’86 Bison team, which, up until that point, was the last NDSU team to repeat as national champions, something they said stuck out to me. Nobody has higher expectations for this team than the guys on this team. They’re living it day-to-day.

They’ve given their sweat, blood and tears to add another year to the banner that will rise to the FargoDome rafters in early September. Nobody wants to add another year to that banner more than those guys.

The only Bison quarterback to guide three national championship teams, Jeff Bentrim, described it this way.

“Certainly there were a lot of expectations from the coaches, university, the Fargo-Moorhead community, but I don’t think anyone put more pressure on us than we put on ourselves,” said Bentrim. The potential of going undefeated loomed large. “I would say going into my senior year in ’86, I probably put more pressure on myself to go undefeated as our last hurrah.”

You can bet seniors like Jensen, Williams, Olson, etc., etc., want to beat Kansas State and run the table on their way to Frisco more than you do.

Enjoy the ride. Don’t get caught up in the hype or expectations. This is about much, much more than Frisco. We’re watching something special.

And if you can’t see that from the hype, you’ll miss out. So let’s take it one game at a time, starting August 30 in Manhattan, Kansas and finishing January 4, 2014 in Frisco, Texas – and every game in between. Everyone up for the kickoff, the march is on!

*Josh Swanson is a native of Maddock, ND, is a proud NDSU alum, was the former sports editor of NDSU’s student newspaer, “The Spectrum” and is a life-long Bison fan.