Recent Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — 

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) today placed a friendly wager on this weekend’s matchup between the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits and the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison football teams. The Division I rivalry game has become known as the Dakota Marker game, and the winning team is presented with a replica model of the border markers that were used when the Dakota Territory was split.

If NDSU wins, Thune has agreed to give Hoeven a variety of meat and cheeses that are made on campus by SDSU students and sold at the campus’ Dairy Bar. If SDSU wins, Hoeven will provide Thune with bison steaks from North Dakota.

“After a close loss in the playoffs last year, I know the Jacks are hungry for revenge – and the way Lujan and Wieneke have been firing on offense, I’m feeling good about SDSU’s chances this year,” said Thune. “If the Bison are somehow able to get the best of the Jackrabbits, Senator Hoeven can count on receiving some SDSU meat and cheese, which taste good after a win or a loss. I’m feeling pretty confident, though, that Senator Hoeven will have to travel to Brookings if he wants any SDSU meat and cheese since I’ll be enjoying those North Dakota bison steaks – an ironic choice – that he wagered on the game. Go Jacks!”

 “The Bison are four-time defending national champions in Division I FCS football, and are currently ranked 2nd in the latest FCS coaches poll,” Hoeven said. “I’m looking forward to watching the Thundering Herd continue its winning streak and enjoying some SDSU-made meat and cheese. Go Bison!”

This year’s Dakota Marker game, hosted at the Coughlin-Alumni Stadium in Brookings, S.D., kicks off on Saturday, October 3, at 6:00 p.m. CDT.

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard and North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple also placed a friendly wager on this weekend’s game.