Bison Illustrated for Kids 2014

RYAN SMITH | Lawrence ALexander | SUMMER CAMPS | fun & games

YOU ARE Bison Nation’s

BESt FANS!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Defining Success for Student-Athletes FROM THE EDITOR

WE’RE BACK for

one more! You can’t imagine my excitement when Drago told me we would be publishing another issue of Bison Illustrated this year.

Finally an opportunity to truly see what it takes to be great a student-athlete!

Joe’s Best Bison Memories 1. Any interview with Saul Phillips 2. Beating K-State in Manhattan surrounded by Wildcat fans

3. Seeing the joy on kids' faces

while shooting this cover photo

4. Meeting the women's 4x400 relay team

Joe Kerlin

Editor, Bison Illustrated C O N TA C T M E

Y

ou would be surprised by how many inspirational stories we hear every month. Anywhere from a coach visiting a young Bison fan in the hospital to a Bison athlete working at a local homeless shelter, the individuals that make up NDSU Athletics are a special group because of way more than the trophies they win.

We produce this magazine to give you the inside scoop regarding everything Bison.

Sometimes in this process, we lose sight of what’s important and what truly defines success. Media members may flock to an athlete who made a great play or who is having a historic season, but at Bison Illustrated, we have a different definition of success.

Being a student-athlete in college is something every kid should strive for. I know I did. Achieving student-athlete status alone is a great accomplishment

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

joe@bisonillustrated.com

@bisonmag

facebook.com/bisonillustrated

@j_kerlin

for any high school athlete, but it doesn’t stop there.

know how to run a phenomenal athletic department.

To truly gauge your personal success as a student-athlete, you have to assess your own actions. Are you making the most of your opportunity? Are you representing yourself well? What about your school?

Are you giving it your all on the practice field and in the weight room? What about in the classroom?

For example, NDSU baseball player Tim Colwell has been recognized as a nominee for the Senior CLASS Award. This is an award given to a Division I senior every year that thrives in the community, classroom and shows high character while competing at a high level.

At Bison Illustrated we think studentathletes should answer yes to all of these questions. We define a successful studentathlete as someone who is committed to excellence in the classroom while engaging his or her teammates with the support necessary for peak performance on the field.

These traits seem cliché, although they aren’t always present. Except at NDSU, who proves time and time again that they

I’m glad we were given an opportunity to present a different side of NDSU Athletics this month and hope we have covered the areas that fans don’t always see.

Reading Sports Illustrated for Kids when I was younger has definitely made this month nostalgic, but it just adds to the joy of making these magazines for you.

Go Bison,

Joe Kerlin

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 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.

CHECK OUT OUR VIEW STAY FOR THE FOOD

MAY 2014 Publisher

Spotlight Media LLC. www.spotlightmediafargo.com President/Founder

Mike Dragosavich Editorial Director

Andrew Jason Editor

Joe Kerlin Art Director

Andy Neidt Graphic Design

Right At The End Of Elm

Sarah Geiger, George Stack, Paige Mauch Research/Contributors

Joe Kerlin, Madalyn Laske Copy Editors

Andrew Jason, Meagan Pittelko, Madalyn Laske Web Design

Nathan Anderson

SPOTLIGHT MEDIA General Manager

Brent Tehven

Sales Manager

Paul Hoefer

Marketing/Sales

Tracy Nicholson, Dennis Britton, Paul Bougie, Scott Eickscen Circulation Manager

Codey Bernier Administration

Erika Olson

Web Developer

Nick Schommer Photography

J. Alan Paul Photography, Ben Gumeringer, Heidi Jaeger, Paul Flessland Delivery

Chris Larson, George Stack, Matt Johnson

™

Spotlightmedia

CONTACT 502 1st Ave N Ste 100 Fargo,ND 58102 701-478-7768 info@spotlightmediafargo.com

Bison Illustrated is published monthly by Spotlight Media LLC. Print quantity exceeds 20,000 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

19 Golf Course Ave NE

701-364-9800 divotsinc.com Open 6 AM Daily

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mike Dragosavich

Publisher, Bison Illustrated

You can’t do it!

H

ave you ever heard that saying before? I have! I heard it the most when I was in middle school when I was one of the skinniest kids in class. All I wanted to do was be good at something and everything seemed to get in my way.

Somehow I lucked out and stayed in sports and ignored all the bullies.

I’m glad I did. I had my name on the back of an NFL jersey, got most of my college paid for through athletics and made friends for life!

We decided to introduce the first ever Bison Illustrated for Kids this month and honestly I don’t know what is going to come from

4

BISON ILLUSTRATED

this magazine. I can just hope that if anything, it helps influence a couple of you kids to hang in there, keep working hard and trust that being a part of sports is challenging, but worth it for so many different reasons. Take Ryan Smith for example. You can read his story in this magazine. He was told quite often, “You’re too short” or “You’re not big enough to play football.” And look at him now. He is signed on to play in the Canadian Football League. Things change and things get better if you stick to the fundamentals. Check out the list of my favorite fundamentals on the next page.

MIKE

1.

Work harder than the person next to you and take pride in it.

2. Be on time and be someone

everyone can trust and rely on.

3. Have a good attitude. No one

likes a complainer, show boater or know it all. Guess what? Nobody wants to help or follow someone like that. (You can still have fun, but make sure that fun isn’t effecting anyone else negatively.)

4. Be Patient. You are always going to be in a situation where you are the rookie or new to the team.

And you know what… It stinks!

We have all been there. But guess what, it doesn’t last forever. So be patient, practice the fundamentals and, in no time, you will be the experienced leader. Don’t give up, it get’s better. Take it from me.

MEET OUR TEAM

Drago’s 4 Steps to Success

Enjoy this issue, we tried to put some influential stories and fun games and activities.

Reach out and shoot me an email if you have a story that can help others hang in there and not give up. I would love to share those stories in the upcoming issues.

P.S. If I get enough emails, I might hold a punting camp this summer for FREE. We need to keep NDSU going with All-American punters!

NATE

Brent

Andy

Sarah

NICK

Andrew

Scott

Madalyn

Joe

PAIGE

NICK

Michael

BOUGIE

CODEY

LISA

Tracy

Dennis

Meagan

HEIDI

ALEXIS

George

Jesse

Paul

Erika

Ben

PAUL

To learn more about the team at Spotlight Media and our four magazines, go to spotlightmedia fargo.com

Spotlightmedia

Drago@spotlightmediafargo.com

Go Bison #oneherd,

Drago

5

CONTENTS

AT A GLANCE BISON PRIDE

12

16

BISON SUMMER CAMPS

CATCH HIM IF YOU CAN

What are your plans for the summer? Do they include sharpening your athletic skills? We have all the Bison camps listed for you!

Ryan Smith has always been told he was too small to play college football. We find out what it takes to prove the doubters wrong.

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18 ULTIMATE BISON FAMILY

CARRYING THE ACADEMIC WEIGHT

The Ahneman family is rich with Bison history.

We sat down with the Ahnemans to explore the culture of NDSU Athletics.

The women’s golf team excels both on the golf course and in the classroom. See why NDSU Athletics is about more than just sports.

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32

ROEHLING WITH THE PUNCHES

BORN 2 BALL

Tommy Ahneman does our job for us as he interviews former Bison great and current coach Tyler Roehl.

Since Lawrence Alexander was a child, he was made to play basketball. We sat down with the man who hit the “shot of a lifetime” during the NCAA Tournament.

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

8 30

JUNIOR BISON CLUB

34

THE ART OF GAMEDAY SIGNAGE

36

BISON IN THE COMMUNITY

38 39

BISON CROSSING

40

CAPTION THAT PHOTO!

41

GAME ANSWER GUIDE

42

POP QUIZ

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR TEAMMATE

SPOT THE SIX DIFFERENCES

FUN &S GAME

MORE info@spotlightmediafargo.com bisonillustrated.com @bisonmag facebook.com/bisonillustrated

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BISON CLUB

N O S I B R O I N U J

B U CL

PRESENTED BY

WHY JOIN? COST...

A $25 Junior Bison Club membership gets you...

WHAT YOU GET...

• Admission to all regular-season home events for men's basketball, women's basketball, wrestling, volleyball, soccer, baseball and softball. (excludes football) • Junior Bison Club T-shirt • Junior Bison Club membership card • FREE kids meal (with purchase) when you present you membership card at Erbert & Gerbert’s • Junior Bison Club newsletters

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Photos ho Thunda ot with r not in cluded .

BISON ILLUSTRATED

• Invitations to special events

Junior Bison Club members at an exclusive event at the FargoDome that included a locker room tour and time to play on the turf!

REGISTER NOW! You may also register on GoBison.com

Club Bison Junior ept 1200 D NDSU x 6050 o B PO ND , Fargo 050 6 8 5810

MAIL THIS FORM TO...

________________________________________________________________________________ First Name* Last Name* Age Birthday ________________________________________________________________________________ Address* Apt/Suite* City, State*

(

)

________________________________________________________________________________ ZIP/Postal Code* Telephone* Email* ________________________________________________________________________________ School Parent/Guardian Name Child’s T-Shirt Size* (Check one box)

*Required fields

Child - Small

Adult - Medium

Child - Medium

Adult-Large

Child - Large

Adult - X-Large

Adult - Small

www.erbertandgerberts.com

Participating Erbert & Gerbert’s locations:

FARGO 25TH ST 3060 25th St. S. 701-478-7827

™

FARGO 13TH AVE 3402 13th Ave. S. 701-478-7827

FARGO BROADWAY 300 Broadway N. 701-478-7827

MOORHEAD 212 8th St. S. 701-478-7827

9

r e m Sum camp

INFORMATION

Volleyball All camps will be located at Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse

All Skills Volleyball Camp

Wrestling Seven Day Bison Intensive Camp

June 22-28

Price: Commuter $285 Resident $290

Youth Camp I & II

Check-In: 2 p.m.-3 p.m., June 22 Check-Out: 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m., June 28

Grades 2-7

Price: Resident Camper $550 Commuter Camper w/ Meals $420 Commuter Camper w/o Meals $335

Positional Day Camp I

What To Bring • Shoes • Headgear • Work-out clothes

Counselors • Trent Sprenkle • Josh Rodriguez • Hunter Weber • Matt Gray • Steven Monk • Kurtis Julson • Hayden Zillmer • Evan Knutson

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Grades 6-9

BISON ILLUSTRATED

Grades 7- College Freshmen

June 16-18

Price: Setting $75 Attacking/Serving $165 Defense/Passing $165

June 14-16

Price: Setting $75 Attacking/Serving $165 Defense/Passing $165

High-Performance Camp Grades 9- College Freshmen

June 9-11 & July 14-16

Price: One Week $115 Both Weeks $200

Positional Day Camp II Grades 7- College Freshmen

June 11-13

July 7-9

Price: Commuter $285 Resident $330

SUMMER CAMP

2014 Youth Football Camp

June 10-12 @ FargoDome

Football

Grades 1-4 (7:30-11:30 a.m.)

Schedule 7:30 a.m.-8 a.m.

8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.-10 a.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Registration/Check-in/Arrival Offensive and Defensive Practices Snack/Water/Highlight Videos Activities Contests

2014 Football Team Camp Grades 9-12 8-10 a.m.

Grades 5-8 (12:30-4:30 p.m.)

Schedule 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.

1 p.m.-1:15 p.m.

1:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.

2:45 p.m.-3 p.m.

3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Registration/Check-in/Arrival Camp Warmup Offensive and Defensive Position Specific Skill Training Snack/Water/Highlight Videos Football activities

June 14-16 @ FargoDome

Price: Commuter $125 Resident $160 Resident Early Arrival $185

2014 Football individual Camp Grades 9-12 8-10 a.m.

June 20-22 @ FargoDome

Price: Commuter $220 Resident $240 Resident Early Arrival $275

Razzle Dazzle 7-on-7 passing 1-on-1 passing Football position competitions

What To Bring • Tennis Shoes • Football cleats • Workout Clothes • Football Gear (helmet, shoulder pads, jersey, pants, thigh pads, knee pads, hip pads and mouth guard)

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By The Numbers

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The number of states represented in NDSU’s 2014 signing class

27

17 The number of colleges represented at the camp last year

Out of 27 signees, 17 attended football camp at NDSU

The number of football conferences represented at last year’s camp

117

The number of high school seniors who attended last year’s camp that earned a scholarship

13

Men’s Basketball All camps will be located at Wallman Wellness Center

June 2-4

Day Camp 1 Grades 1-6

8:30-11:30 a.m. Daily

Price: $95

June 5-6

Bison Practice Experience What is it?

The Bison Practice Experience will give campers the opportunity to see what an actual NDSU practice is like. Campers will run through the drills, work on skills, and be put in the same practice and game situations Bison players are on a daily basis. This camp is great for anyone who wants to see what our players do every day, work hard, and have fun while doing it.

Grades 6-12

Day 1 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Day 2 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Price: $135

Big Man/Guard Camp Grades 6-12

Day 1 6-9 p.m.

Day 2 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Day 3 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Grades 6-12

Day 1 6-9 p.m.

Day 2 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

8:30-11:30 a.m. Daily

June 17-18

July 27-30

Price: Resident $270 Day 1 6-9 p.m.

Day 2-4 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Commuter $220 14

BISON ILLUSTRATED

Grades K-5

Price: $75 for first child $65 for second $55 for third

Individual Skills Camp

June 11-12

Price: Resident $185 Commuter $160

Offensive Skills Camp Grades 9-12

June 8-10

Price: Resident $250 Commuter $210

Shooting Camp Grades 6-12

Price: $95

June 2-4

Junior Bison Camp

Grades 6-8

June 24-26

Overnight Camp Grades 6-12

June 15-17

Price: $95

Day Camp 2 Grades 1-6

All camps will be located at Wallman Wellness Center

Price: Resident $195 Commuter $170

Offensive Skills

Women’s Basketball

June 12-14

Price: Resident $250 Commuter $210

SUMMER CAMP

Track and Field All camps will be located at Shelly Ellig

Pole Vaulting Camp Grades 9-12

June 17-20

Price: Day Camper $325 Resident Camper $350 Sibling 2 for 1 Day $600 Sibling-2 for 1 Resident $650

Time

9 a.m.- 3:15 p.m.

Registration Deadline June 13

Time

9 a.m.- 3:15 p.m.

Time

9 a.m.- 3:15 p.m.

June 30 & July 8

Price: $75 Each or $140 for both

Sprints & Hurdles Day Camp

Ages 5-14

Price: $125 (includes ball & t-shirt)

June 18-20

Price: Day Camper- $275 Resident Camper $300 Sibling 2 for 1 Day $550 Sibling-2 for 1 Resident $600

Jumps Day Camp

June 9-13

Day Camp

9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Registration Deadline June 11

Summer Throw Camp

Soccer

What To Bring • Cleats • Soccer ball (must be brought to all sessions) • Indoor Tennis Shoes • Rain Gear • Shin Guards

Elite Girls ID Camp Grades 9-12

Check-in: 6-7 p.m. Thurs.

Check-out: 12 p.m. Sun.

July 10-13

Price: Resident Camper $300 Commuter Camper $275

June 30 & July 8

Price: $75 Each or $140 for both

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with

Paul Photography

By Madalyn Laske| Photo By J Alan

C

oming out of small town Wahpeton just 45 minutes south of Fargo, Ryan Smith stood at 5’7’’ weighing in at 155 pounds. The odds were against him for starting at a Division I school like NDSU. But what Smith lacked in body type, he made up for with hard work and a big appetite for success. Now after earning three All-Missouri Valley Football Conference second team honors, Smith has signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League to continue his dreams. We chatted with him about how he did it.

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

RYAN SMITH

Coming from small town North Dakota, what is some advice you have for kids to overcome adversity with Division I dreams?

Ryan had a decorated career at NDSU. He was named to three All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Second Teams in his four years as a Bison. Ryan broke into the lineup his freshman year as a returner. He made the position swap from running back to wide receiver his sophomore year and quickly became the FCS equivalent to Ryan's hero, Denver Broncos' receiver Wes Welker.

54 games played 1,783 total yards 14 touchdowns 33 yards/game 8 receiving TD’s

“It doesn’t matter how small of a town you are from or what sport you play, it’s just about how hard you work at it.

If you have a dream, you have got to go chase it. That’s what I did and I worked my butt off to get where I am today and everything has paid off so far.”

What are the three most important things you could tell someone who wants to play college football?

“Number one is, have big dreams.

Two is, work hard. And three, don’t let anything stop your dream.”

Were there people who said you wouldn’t make it at NDSU? “There was definitely some people who doubted me. But, like I said, hard work always pays off. That was my mentality coming into NDSU. If I work my butt off, maybe I’ll become a great player.”

What do you say to that kid that might be shorter or might not be quite as fast?

“I always told myself — I may be one of the shortest people on the field, but you need to play big. You need to play with a lot of energy, a lot of effort, a lot of motivation. You have to get physical with people who are bigger than you because then they’ll run away as soon as you do. You just have to think that you are bigger than everyone else. The game of football is a physical game; you just have to pay attention to all the details.”

Is it important for kids to go to camps to be seen by the coaches?

especially when you are younger in high school. Coach is going to see talent whether you’re a freshman, a sophomore or a junior.”

How important is it to keep your social media clean and keep good character off the field? Coaches look at that stuff, right?

“Oh yeah, definitely. Character is probably one of the most important things. When I talked to Coach Klieman, he said the guys he wants to recruit for NDSU is very high character guys. The people good in class, the people that are able to learn the playbook, people that will be football smart. He wants high character guys that will give their heart and soul to the program.”

The culture at NDSU is changing. The tailgating is changing, the atmosphere is changing. What do you see as the future for NDSU interacting with kids?

“I think it’s progressing really well. You know, every year we have some sort of camp, youth camp or Junior Bison Club. It’s good for the community to have the players reach out and it just shows how the Bison name is representing North Dakota. How hard we work, and we give them some drills that we do that they can practice and hopefully they’ll develop into great players by the time they get to high school for NDSU recruiting.”

What did your high school coach say when you made the decision to come to NDSU? “My high school coach was excited for me. He thought I could play up there. ...

Because he knew I was a hard worker.

He knew I would do anything to get playing time.”

“I would say it’s really important. Just so you can get your name out there, 17

BISON

FAMILY

Ultimate

The Ahneman Family

It’s no secret at NDSU that everyone is one big family. That’s why it’s not that uncommon to see former athletes, who meet inside the confines of the BSA, become soul mates. We sat down with Ben and Erin (Ditty) Ahneman and chatted about the Bison culture and why they will forever be grateful for the opportunity to be Bison athletes.

By Joe Kerlin Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

Family Involvement • Erin works directly with NDSU in the marketing of the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine team at Sanford Health.

• Team Makers • Donated to “The Edge Campaign” for the renovation of the new Sanford Health Athletic Complex • Tommy and Danny are Junior Bison Club Members

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

Bison By Blood Ben Ahneman grew up with green and gold pumping through his blood. His father Mike played linebacker at NDSU and was a member of the 1965 national championship team. Ben remembers growing up in Bismarck practicing with his brother Jon while wearing his father’s old Bison uniform and coming to Fargo to watch the Bison play. “I went to a bunch of Bison games out at Dacotah Field when (Tony) Satter, (Chad) Stark and (Jeff) Bentrim were playing,” said Ben. He remembers the game where his father was inducted into the Bison Hall of Fame. “At the time, I thought it was cool. My dad is in the Hall of Fame, but it didn’t really grab me until I played for the Bison.” Ben was recruited by Rocky Hager to play linebacker at NDSU from 1995-1998.

Ben Ahneman

-

1995 1998

Over Ben’s football career at NDSU his impact was noticeable. Ben was named defensive captain his senior year and earned 2nd team North Central Conference All-American twice for his performance at middle linebacker.

Ben ended his career with 262 tackles.

Bison By Choice Ben’s wife Erin had a different journey to NDSU. Erin was a star basketball player from Hastings, Minn., and won a state championship while in high school. Erin said she had never heard of NDSU before Coach Amy Ruley started recruiting her, but Erin liked liked what she saw with the winning tradition.

Erin’s first ever Bison basketball game came on her recruiting visit when NDSU played UND in a packed Bison Sports Arena. Erin said of her visit, “Yeah, I have never heard of Fargo before, but if this is what I’m coming into, sign me up right now. It wasn’t even a question.” Coming from a winning program in high school, Erin knew NDSU was the place to continue her dominating basketball career.

Finding Love AT NDSU

Erin Ahneman

-

1997 2001

Erin brought her winning ways to NDSU in 1997 and immediately made her way into the rotation. Of course, every Bison fan remembers that season ending heartbreak when the Bison lost to The University of Northern Kentucky during the Division II National Championship game.

For the story of how Ben and Erin met, we have to go back inside the trainer’s room at the BSA. “He’s a few years older than me,” Erin said. “So it wasn’t until I was older that our social circles would intertwine.” Ben and Erin were friends for a few years and then started dating after Ben was done with football, but Erin was still in the middle of her basketball career. “One of the summers, she went back to just go home and workout and I moved down there and got a job at a hotel,” Ben said while laughing after admitting, “I kind of chased her down there to the Cities.”

Ben and Erin got married in 2004 and lived in the Cities until 2006.

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BISON

FAMILY

Mike Ahneman

-

1965 1968

Mike was named to the Bison Hall of Fame in 1989.

He was two-time All-North Central Conference linebacker and honorable mention All-American at that post in the mid1960s for the Herd.

He earned his allleague awards in 1966 and 1967 for two Bison teams that won NCC championships.

Ahneman was a tricaptain of the 1967 NDSU football team, the same season he received All-American recognition.

Bison Bond Ben and Erin moved back to Fargo because they figured it was a great middle ground between their two families. They found out that they had a big Bison family in Fargo and, in some instances, just down the block.

“Our former teammates are like family,” said Erin. “Since I don’t have any family up here, it’s been nice to have my teammates who are my closest friends here.” Ben and Erin remain close with their former teammates as they go through the next chapter in life and are literally raising their children together.

Ben’s best friend and former teammate Ronnie Steffen is the Ahnemans' son Tommy’s 20

BISON ILLUSTRATED

godfather and the Ahnemans are the godparents to the Steffens’ oldest. “We always make it a point to go to the games together,” said Ben. With two groups of teammates, the Ahnemans have two groups they enjoy tailgating with at every Bison football home game. The Ahnemans have been Team Makers and football season ticket holders for seven years.

Rich Tradition “For me, it’s always been, since the moment I got here until now, it’s always ‘No one person is greater than the team,’” Ben said, explaining the deeply-rooted ties athletes

develop with NDSU even after their playing days. That selfless attitude is what brings teams together, Erin said, and is why the individual players on the team become one big family. At NDSU, it doesn’t matter what sport, what position or how many minutes you play. Once you join the fraternity of Bison athletes, you are a part of the bond for life. Erin thinks that’s what makes NDSU so unique. “We know a lot of people that played college athletics at different schools and they don’t have the types of relationship that we have. We are so lucky.”

Bison 4 Life

Erin loves to mention the time Tommy (7) and Ben met Coach Bohl.

Ben and Tommy went to a practice and Bohl walked up to introduce himself, knowing Ben must have been a former player due to his stature, said Erin. “Stuff like that makes NDSU Athletics really cool,” Erin said.

A Belated Gift

Ben's father Mike was a key member of the 1965 Division II Championship team at NDSU, but they never received a ring.

So, for Father's Day in 2007, Ben and his brother Jon found the design created by a former player on the 1965 team and bought an official 1965 championship ring for Mike.

Keeping It In the Family

Danny (3) isn’t sure yet whose number he will wear, his father’s and grandpa’s number 40 or his mother’s number 22. Ben says he isn’t pushing athletics on his kids and we think Danny has got plenty of time to chose which number he will wear.

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The

Academic Weight

By Joe Kerlin | Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

Not only do NDSU athletes thrive on the course, they take care of business in the classroom, too. We sat down with Bison wom en golfers Megan Swan, Sarah Storandt and Cassie Wurm to find out what kind of commitment it takes from athletes to perform on and off the field.

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

BISON ACADEMICS

Class: Sophomore Hometown: Hudson, Wis. High School: Hudson HS Major: Business Finance Bison Academic Achievement Award (Outstanding performance of a student-athlete who minimum of 3.5 GPA for two consecutive semesters.earned a )

le made me more “I honestly think the busy schedu g an athlete I just productive with my time and bein utilize every minute realized how important it was to d work ethic on the of it. I just think we all have a goo t shows.� course and off and so I think tha

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Class: Junior Hometown: Moorhead, Minn.

HS High School: Fargo Shanley ion cat Major: Math Edu ard Bison Academic Excellence Aw dent-athlete who earned stu a of e anc form per ng ndi (Outsta for two consecutive semesters.) a minimum 3.5 GPA and 4.0

“It helps we have a lot of business people so they always kind of work together. And then I’m math , so I can help some of the younger girls in Math 102, Math 103 and we have another math major on the team now so we kind of work together a little bit.”

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

BISON ACADEMICS

Class: Senior Hometown: Tipp City, Ohio High School: Tippecanoe HS Major: Civil Engineering Bison Academic Achievement Award (Outstanding performance of a student-athlete who a minimum of 3.5 GPA for two consecutive seme earned sters.)

“We always talk about our grades all the time and everyone always helps each other out. Sarah is actually a math major and I’m in civil engineering so both of us are pretty good at math. We kind of try to help the team out a lot, everyone is always kind of asking each other... We are always asking each other for help so we are always pushing each other.”

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BISON ACADEMICS

Academic Award and the

goes to...

Bison Academic Excellence Award

(Outstanding performance of a student-athlete who earned a minimum 3.5 GPA and 4.0 for two consecutive semesters.)

Baseball - 1 Softball - 1 Men’s Track and Field - 1 Women’s Track and Field - 9 Football – 7 Soccer - 1 Men’s Basketball - 1 Women’s Basketball - 1 Wrestling - 1 Men’s Golf - 1 Women’s Golf – 1

Bison Most Valuable Scholar Award

(Outstanding performance of a graduating senior student-athlete with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.)

Baseball - 1 Football - 1 Women’s Basketball - 2 Men’s Track and Field -2 Women’s Track and Field - 1

Every year, NDSU recognizes the top student-athletes for their accomplishments in the classroom.

Thundering Herd Team Academic Award

(Outstanding performance by a men’s and women’s team with the highest overall GPA for the past calendar year.)

Men’s cross country - 3.4 GPA Women’s golf - 3.5 GPA

Presidential Academic Team Award

(Team recognized by the university president as earning the highest overall GPA for the past calendar year.)

Women’s golf

Presidential Most Improved Academic Team Award (Team recognized by the university president as earning the most improved overall GPA for the past calendar year.)

Football

Total Academic Awards

Baseball – 14 Softball – 9 Men’s Track/Cross-Country – 30 Women’s Track/Cross-Country – 35 Football – 30 Soccer – 13

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

Men’s Basketball – 6 Women’s Basketball – 11 Volleyball – 5 Wrestling – 10 Men’s Golf – 5 Women’s Golf – 9

Bison Academic Achievement Award

(Outstanding performance of a student-athlete who earned a minimum of 3.5 GPA for two consecutive semesters.)

Men’s Track and Field - 2 Women’s Track and Field - 4 Football - 5 Soccer - 3 Men’s Golf - 1 Women’s Golf – 2

Bison Academic Performance Award

(Outstanding performance of a student-athlete who earned a minimum of 3.5 GPA for one semester.)

Baseball - 12 Softball - 8 Men’s Cross Country - 25 Women’s Cross Country - 21 Men’s Basketball - 5 Women’s Basketball – 8 Football - 17 Soccer - 9 Wrestling - 9 Volleyball - 5 Men’s Golf – 3 Women’s Golf - 5

S W Severson, Wogsland & L & Liebl PC

ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW

www.swlattorneys.com

701.297.2890 4840 Amber Valley Pkwy Ste B Fargo, ND 58104

BISON

FAMILY

Interview by Tommy Ahneman Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

KID REPORTER

Roehling with the punches Coach Tyler Roehl answers all the hard hitting questions Tommy throws at him.

Roehl’S Career stats 388 Rushing Attempts 2,512 Rushing Yards 35 Rushing Touchdowns

T

b yler Roehl played running back for the Bison from 2004 - 2008.

He is best remembered for his 263 rushing yards against the University of Minnesota his senior year.

He did more than break

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

Golden Gophers hearts that day, he shattered the NDSU single-game rushing record.

Today, Roehl is back at NDSU coaching full-backs and tight ends. Tommy caught up with the Bison coach for a quick interview after the Spring Game.

6.5 Rushing Yards Per Carry 55 Career Receptions 540 Receiving Yards

Tommy

What was your most memorable part of your football career?

Tyler

“I would have to say all the teammates I got to play with. It was pretty special. You get a lot of big time friends from football. I got to share a lot of special moments with those guys in the weight room, in the meeting room and in the big time games. Some of those games, like the University of Minnesota game, were pretty special too.”

Tommy

Who was your favorite football player growing up?

Tyler

“I would have to say Terrell Davis, who was a running back for the Denver Broncos. He was a good one to watch. Brian Urlacher was a good one I watched when he played for the Chicago Bears.”

Tommy

What do you miss the most about playing football?

Tyler

“The competition.

It’s a fun sport and the competition you get to go out and practice with, in the weight room, during the game, it’s

CAREER DAY

what you miss most. It’s the camaraderie with the guys.

The guys you spend a lot of time with. Those are some special times."

Tommy

What do you like most about coaching the Bison?

Tyler

“The ability to come back to your alma-mater is pretty special. But the people make it the most special, the administration, the other coaches and definitely the players. It’s something I take a lot of pride in. It’s something that I’ll hold near and dear to my heart and you know it’s just a special place.

It’s a place I want to be a part of for a long time.”

Tommy

What would it mean to win another National Championship?

Tyler

“It would mean the world. We have built a championship culture here at NDSU and it’s something we look to continue. Hard work pays off and we’re going to look to continue to work hard every single day until number four is accomplished. That championship culture is something that we are going to strive for each day.”

In 2006, the Bison made its first trip to the Metrodome to play the University of Minnesota. They left the Twin Cities a point short of victory.

The following year with Tyler Roehl evolving into the feature back, the Bison defeated Minnesota 27-21 and made their claim as one of the best programs in the tri-state area.

Roehl ripped-off a 77-yard touchdown in the first quarter and the Gophers did little to stop him for the rest of the day. Roehl accumulated 263 rushing yards in the game, a record that still stands today.

No Bummer

Summer Camp

Need something for your kids to do this summer? Enroll them in TNT’s No Bummer Summer weekly day camp today! We provide our students with an array of activities to challenge children mentally and physically; with the end goal of building character, increasing confidence, and engaging in a healthy lifestyle. Registration for the 2014 No Bummer Summer program is now open. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the No Bummer Summer program, contact Adam via email at adam@tntkidsfitness.com for more information.

CHEMISTRY

QUIZ

DAVID

ERNST? What would David say?

T

he NDSU baseball team travels thousands of miles every year playing baseball.

That’s a lot of time around your teammates! We asked pitchingace David Ernst some questions about himself and then asked his bullpen buddy and his catcher the same questions to see which one knows Ernst best.

DAVID’S ANSWER

MICHAEL LEACH

JAY FLAA

Mariano Rivera

Michael Cuddyer

Mariano Rivera

2. What is your favorite position to play other than pitcher?

Shortstop

He played shortstop at times in high school, so I think if he could he would play there again.

1st base

3. What would you rather eat: steak, chicken, pork or fish?

I would rather have home-cooked walleye.

I have been to his place for his mom’s marinated steak and it was superb so I would have to say steak.

Hmmm, trick question.

He’s a vegan.

Cookie dough

He likes chocolate chip cookie dough and I like cookies and cream.

Chocolate

1. Who is your favorite baseball player?

4. Favorite flavor of ice cream?

5. What are the toppings you put on your hot dog at the ball park?

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Chili and cheese or ketchup

6. Who is your favorite musician?

Eric Church

7. What is your ultimate goal in life?

Professional baseball player and raise a family.

8. Who is your celebrity crush?

Jennifer Aniston

BISON ILLUSTRATED

Ketchup and mustard; maybe relish.

He loves country music.

If I had to choose one musician I would have to say… Luke Bryan.

Ketchup, mustard, relish

Coldplay

Ultimate goal… he loves Be a father of 5 children baseball so I would have and form their own to say to be a professional basketball team. baseball player.

Emma Watson seems to be a celebrity that a lot of people like these days.

Ellen DeGeneres

3 -8

2 -8

congrats to “THE HERD”

on another great season

TODD Kadrmas

Proud Team Maker Moving “the herd”

one home at a time

701-239-2208 tksellsfmhomes@yahoo.com 2521 S. University Dr., Fargo, ND 58103

with

L 

By Andrew Jason Interview By Joe Kerlin | Photo

awrence Alexander, or more commonly referred to as "LA," is one of the best men's basketball players at NDSU. We caught up with LA before summer break to see how his transition from junior to senior status is going.

We also reflected on the biggest shot of his life and why his dad wasn't THAT impressed.

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

LAWRENCE ALEXANDER

Do you remember the first time you had a basketball?

"No, you'd have to talk to my parents.

They said I was born with a basketball in my hands. I would say I was around 2 years old when I first put a basketball into my own hands."

Who introduced you to the sport when you were a kid?

NBA Team:

Memphis Grizzlies

College Team to Watch Growing Up: Kentucky

College Player Growing Up: Rajon Rondo

NBA Player:

Michael Jordan, of course.

Court to play on growing up: Logan Park in my hometown

Coach to play under:

Derek Booth and Saul Phillips

"My dad did. He also played college basketball. ... He always tells me about how he scored 60 points in a high school game and he still reminds me of that to this day. He was definitely who I looked up to growing up."

So what was more impressive in his mind: your game-tying shot against Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament or his 60-point game?

"He would probably still say his 60-point game (laughs)."

So you must have got your competitiveness from him?

"Yes. I always joke with him saying 'We should go play one-on-one.' He says 'No,' And I say 'Because I'd beat you. That's why you don't wanna play.' (laughs)"

What is the best piece of advice you received playing basketball?

"It probably came from Saul (Phillips) to be honest. There are going to be plays where you mess up, but what he always preached was: worry about the next possession and win the next possession.

Worry about what's going on with this possession and never dwell on the last one."

Was Saul your favorite coach you ever had?

11.5 points/game 35% three-point shooting 352 assists 28 points vs. Oklahoma 101 steals 1131 career points 98 games played

"Yeah, he's up there. It probably comes down to him or my high school coach, Derek Booth. He was also like a father figure for me. He always made sure I was on the right path with basketball and my books. He always listened to me. Whenever I wanted to vent about something he was always there to listen to me and give me the best advice on things."

we (the team) all wanted Dave. We think the transition is going to be a lot easier with Dave and we're excited to have him. Dave's a great guy. People don't really see, but we have put a lot of hours in working on my jump shot and ball handling. ... Dave's gonna push you to play your best. I would say the one thing he's going to bring to the table is getting the best out of us every night."

Now you're the lone senior on the team. Have you been doing anything differently?

"I would say just being more vocal. I was vocal, but not as much as I have been this off-season because you know I'm the leader and I got to make sure things are getting done correctly. Everyone's getting to meetings on time and stuff like that."

How many times have you watched your shot against Oklahoma?

"Countless times (laughs). I can't lie, I still watch it to this day."

Who were you with when you saw yourself on the "One Shining Moment" video clip after the national championship game?

"I was with Kory (Brown) and Brett (Vandenberg) and we were at Dexter's (Werner) house and after the game it came on, they saw me and said, 'LA, there you go!'"

That moment must have been surreal.

"Oh yeah. I mean, who ever would have thought I would be on 'One Shining Moment'? Our goal was to make it to the NCAA Tournament, but whoever would've thought I would be on 'One Shining Moment'?"

Any advice for aspiring college basketball players?

"Continue to work on your weaknesses and always have confidence in yourself.

There are going to be games where you make all your shots and there are going to be games where you don't. So you have to continue to believe in yourself and continue to work on your game.

That's what has got me here."

What do you think of your new coach Dave Richman?

"I'm very excited Dave got the head coach position. I believe we're all excited, 33

GAMEDAY

SIGNAGE GO BISON

THE ART OF

A

A gameday sign is one of the many ways fans show support throughout the season. But we don't want to make just any sign, we want to make the best sign. Creative, but not over the top; clever, but simple. These are the attributes we need in our Bison gameday signs. Here are some examples of the best signs we have seen from the past year. Take notes, and if you're lucky, we might see you on this page next year...

GAMEDAY SIGNAGE

BY JOE KERLIN

Character Acronym “Superman�

Acronyms are by far the most popular ESPN College GameDay signs, but what happens when you throw in a popular superhero?

You get a great sign, that's what.

Superman may be more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but for gameday signs, Superman is the main ingredient.

Pop Culture - "Fargo" Be honest; have you ever met someone from Fargo who likes the movie "Fargo"? No. The film gave us a bad wrap, along with endless questions from outsiders. No, we don't have a woodchipper around, but what we do have is a sign that tells you our accents aren't that thick. Even though "Fargo" came out in the '90s, it's still an important part of pop culture in the area. Signs are a great way to shut down stereotypes, especially on the eve of a national event like ESPN's College GameDay.

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

Physical Social Media “#Twitter” Twitter is a great tool for information and breaking news.

It also makes it easy to interact with the people dearest to our hearts. But who said Twitter had to be stuck in our smart phones and computers? Bringing social media to the game can be just as satisfying for you, me and the television audience. Tweets are already public, put them on a sign and you can end up with a Brock Jensen-like following.

Punny “Two Rangz” There's nothing Bison fans enjoy more than a good pun. Sure this sign doesn't work now that we have three FCS national championship rings, but I'm sure hip-hop artist 2 Chainz has another necklace lying around somewhere.

Road Trip “Oregon”

The fundamental reason for a sign is to draw viewers’ attention for a few brief moments. It can be a lot of pressure to think of something funny and creative, so make it simple. Here's a great example of sign-making made easy. Not only is tracking the miles on your speedometer a piece of cake, it makes people stop and think how far you have come for a slice of the Bison experience. Oregonians have Bison fever!? Must be Taylor Braun fans.

Comparisons “Bison Red Hot” Here's a great example of keeping it simple, but creatively showing your Bison Pride. This gentleman is getting across a couple points with his comparison tactic.

First, he is telling everyone on television watching at home in Fargo that it's 80 degrees warmer in Texas. It's both cruel, but light-hearted when next, you read the third line. "Bison: Red Hot" First you think: is Red Hot in Celsius or Fahrenheit? Then you realize, "Who cares? Go Bison!"

The Miley “Wrecking Ball”

Sometimes signs speak for themselves...

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GIVING

BACK

BISON IN THE

C o mm u n i t y

B rock Jensen, Marcus Williams, Ryan Smith and Cole Jirik, the names go on and on when it comes to Bison athletes becoming visible in the community. Any athlete will tell you it is an honor to be a Bison, but it's even more rewarding building a bond with a close-knit community. Many Bison athletes and coaches have made endless hospital visits, signed hundreds of autographs, and been the driving force behind a progressive community in Fargo.

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

Marcus Williams signs photos and posters for fans at a meet and greet at Scheels.

(Clockwise) Kyle Jandro, Thundar, Sarah Storandt, Wes Satzinger and Katie Dockter visit a younger toddler in the hospital in April. Even though they are busy with their Spring sports and studying for finals, Bison athletes take the opportunity to make someone's day a little brighter.

(Clockwise) Cole Jirik, Brock Jensen and Ryan Smith had an awesome opportunity to meet with some local children in the hospital before the FCS playoffs.

Brock Jensen and Marcus Williams spend time away from pre-draft workouts to sign autographs for excited Bison fans.

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Who is the offensive lineman that started for the Bison for four years and will be drafted into the NFL in May? ________ Maughan is the most legendary Bison wrestling coach in history.

What is the Bison mascot’s name?

Chris ________ is the new head coach of the football team.

The Bison football team defeated ________ in the 2014 FCS Championship game.

The Bison women’s track and field team has won ________-straight Summit League Indoor Track and Field Championships.

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Who did the Bison basketball team beat in the NCAA Tournament?

Dave ________ has taken over Saul Phillips’ position as the head coach for the Bison men’s basketball team.

ESPN’s College ________ came to Fargo last football season.

This is the college that former NDSU basketball coach Saul Phillips now works at.

________ ________ was a dominant Bison golfer and is now in the LPGA.

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The Bison baseball team plays at ________ Outdoor Field.

BISON ILLUSTRATED

Across 7.

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Who wears number 23 on the Bison football team?

The Bison basketball team beat Indiana-Purdue ________ _______ in the Summit League tournament championship game.

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The old ________ ________ ________ is being torn down and made into the new Sanford Health Athletic Complex.

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Steven ________ was named an AllAmerican when he finished third at

the NCAA Wrestling Championships.

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________ ________ has been the starting quarterback for the Bison over the past three years.

Marcus ________ is the all-time leader in career interceptions at NDSU.

This Bison men’s basketball player was named the 2014 Summit League Player of the Year.

How many national championships does the Bison football program have?

CHECK

OUT

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SPOT THE

DIFFERENCES

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CAPTION “I don’t know what to do with my hands.”

THAT PHOTO Sometimes athletes take photos that aren’t so flattering.

Can you think of the best caption for these photos?

“Run for your lives! The herd is coming!”

“You’re crazy, man.”

“Aren’t sports fun!”

“You guys smell that? Dudzik, is that you?”

HOW TO PLAY NAME

PHONE

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BISON ILLUSTRATED

Rip out this page and mail us your best captions! The person who sends us the best caption will win four tickets to a FM RedHawks game* and the runner-up will receive a FREE One Herd shirt! Please mail them to 502 1st Ave. N. Fargo, ND 58102. Contest ends June 6.

*Winners will be contacted via phone on June 9. Date of RedHawks game to be determined. Contact Joe@bisonillustrated.com with questions.

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Who was your sports Hero Growing Up?

What were all the organized sports you tried as a kid?

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Probably Michael Jordan.

Also Steve McNair and Brett Favre.

Play any and every sport.

Professional athlete.

Both of my older brothers.

Playing baseball in our driveway with all of the neighborhood kids.

I wanted to be a Major League Baseball player.

Peaches James (Nebraska All-American pitcher, became fourth Huskers’ player to have her number (42) retired).

Playing cops and robbers around town.

A nurse.

My father.

Watch many hours of cartoons.

Professional basketball player.

I looked up to Candace Parker growing up.

My favorite thing I did with my friends when I was younger was playing basketball in the driveway and going to the pool.

I wanted to be a librarian and circus lady.

Carson Wentz

Football

Wentz has waited three long years behind Brock Jensen for the opportunity to become the starting quarterback for the Bison. Finally, the time for Wentz to shine has come.

With his precise accuracy and sneaky athleticism, Bison fans know the transition from Jensen to Wentz will be a seamless one.

Tim Colwell

Baseball

If you were to create a prototypical lead-off hitter for your baseball team, your finish product would be Tim Colwell. With excellent bat control, stellar plate discipline and the speed that makes Ryan Smith jealous, Colwell has been a great weapon atop the Bison batting order for the past three seasons.

Krista Menke

Softball

Whenever you think pitching at NDSU, instantly your mind should go to the ace softball pitcher. Menke’s earned run average hovers just under two and she is currently second in the Summit League in strikeouts. Menke sets a great foundation for a Bison softball team looking for another Summit League title.

Lawrence Alexander

Basketball

When you think about Alexander, first you think “buckets” for his game-tying shot against Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament, but secondly, you should think “rim attacker.” No other point guard in the Summit League can drive down the lane and makes circus layups as consistent as Alexander.

Holly Johnson

Basketball 42

BISON ILLUSTRATED

Johnson tallied two 30-point games last season for the Bison, emerging as one of the many young stars on the women’s basketball team. Johnson hails from Minot, where she dominated the high school basketball circuit and is now looking to replicate that dominating success at the division-I level.

What was your favorite activity during recess?

Football without a doubt.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

PE. And I always enjoyed Social Studies/History.

Playing football.

I like the biology/ zoology courses.

Playing kick ball.

Anatomy.

Freeze tag.

My favorite activity during recess was “red rover.”

English.

My favorite subject in school when I was younger was recess, but now it has to be sociology.