Peace Garden News

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison football team returned to Washington, D.C. to commemorate their latest victory in the National Collegiate Athletics Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The team triumphed over the Montana State Bobcats with a score of 35-32 in January, marking their 10th FCS Championship in 14 years and the 18th in the program's history. Following their success, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer announced that President Donald Trump would host the team at the White House.

Accompanied by U.S. Senator John Hoeven, Cramer welcomed the team at the U.S. Capitol for a luncheon and tour before the White House visit. At the lunch, North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak congratulated the team, and Alabama Senator and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville also addressed the attendees.

"Watching the Bison football championship game was like nothing I’ve ever seen, except those nine other times. It never gets old! Great to celebrate them at the Capitol today!" remarked Cramer.

Regarding the White House invitation, Cramer stated, "Winning a national championship gets the NDSU football team invited to DC. Being outstanding student athletes and men gets them invited to the White House. Thank you to NDSU for raising American leaders & the honor of hosting them today with President Trump."

During their White House visit, the Bison met President Trump in the East Room. NDSU Head Coach Tim Polasek presented Trump with a custom “Trump 47” jersey. Among other notable attendees were North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, former Governor and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, former North Dakota First Lady Kathryn Burgum, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Additionally, the team had the opportunity to enter the Oval Office, where President Trump gifted each player a coin and pen.

Cramer and Hoeven further honored the Bison's achievements by delivering remarks on the Senate floor and introducing a resolution to formally congratulate the team on their historic accomplishment.