The proud tradition of North Dakota State University athletics was one of the finest in the country at the NCAA Division II level for many years. The Bison men's and women's programs were regular contenders for championships on a national scale. Now a Division I program featuring 16 varsity sports, the vision for North Dakota State is "Continuing the Championship Tradition of Bison Athletics."
Why the Bison?
North Dakota State University's athletic teams have progressed from the "Farmers" in the 1890's to the "Aggies" in the early 1900's to the "Bison," NDSU's current athletic symbol. In 1919, head football coach Stan Borleske developed it because he and members of the football team didn't like being known as "Aggies." Borleske wanted a strong and fierce mascot. The "Bison" was a logical choice. The great animals once roamed the North Dakota prairie in vast numbers, and over the years Bison athletic teams added an additional name, the "Thundering Herd."
The Law of the Prairie
Now this is the law of the prairie
As old and as true as the sky
And the Bison that keep it will prosper
And the Bison that break it will die
As the creeper that girdles the tree trunk
This law is the final word:
For the strength of the Herd is the Bison
And the strength of the Bison is the Herd.
Quick Facts
Name of School: North Dakota State University
City/Zip: Fargo, North Dakota 58102 (pop. 125,990)
Founded: 1890
Enrollment: 11,952 (fall 2024)
Nickname: Bison
School Colors: Yellow and Green (PMS 123, 343)
Affiliation: NCAA Division I (FCS)
Conferences: The Summit League,
Missouri Valley Football Conference,
Big 12 Conference (wrestling)
President: Dr. David Cook (Iowa State, 1992)
Director of Athletics: Matt Larsen (Stony Brook, 1996)
Athletic Department Phone: (701) 231-8981
Athletic Department Fax: (701) 231-6246
Ticket Office Phone: (701) 231-NDSU
Ticket Office Toll Free: (888) 231-NDSU
University Website: http://www.ndsu.edu
Mailing Address: NDSU Dept 1200, PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Overnight Address: 1600 University Dr N, Fargo, ND 58102
