WASHINGTON - The North Dakota State University football team visited The White House and met with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 9, in recognition of the program's 10th NCAA Division I FCS national championship.
The NDSUÂ football team, coaches and support staff departed Fargo at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at the U.S. Capitol for lunch at noon hosted by North Dakota senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, and representative Julie Fedorchak.
The Bison heard remarks from the North Dakota delegates and special guest Tommy Tuberville, current Alabama senator and former head football coach at Ole Miss, Auburn, Texas Tech and Cincinnati.
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Senator Hoeven presented two framed U.S. flags that previously flew over the Capitol, one in recognition of NDSU's 2024 national championship and one in recognition of North Dakota native Randy Hedberg, who retired after the season following a 45-year college coaching career.
NDSU athletic director
Matt Larsen, head coach
Tim Polasek and the Bison captains spoke on behalf of the team to share thoughts on the season and appreciation for the opportunity to visit Washington.
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The Bison took a brief tour of the Capitol building before stopping for a team photo on the steps outside the Capitol and then traveling to the White House.
Greeted at the White House by live music from members of the U.S. Marine Corps band, the Bison enjoyed two hours in the White House before President Trump's arrival in the East Room shortly before 6 p.m. local time.
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President Trump addressed the team and posed for a photo. Polasek delivered the president a gold No. 47 Bison jersey with a 'Trump' nameplate on the back, and wide receiver
Braylon Henderson presented a green Bison helmet.
President Trump closed his remarks by inviting the team into the Oval Office for photos, and the Bison departed shortly after 7 p.m.
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