MSU President's column for Traill County Tribune

October 11, 2014 

It’s nearly time for Farmers Bowl!


Fall is here and that means it’s Farmers Bowl time! Farmers Bowl is an all-day celebration coordinated by the Mayville State University Foundation that honors our proud agricultural heritage. We are thrilled that Agassiz Drain Tile of Buxton, N.D. will be sponsoring the Farmers Bowl auction again this year. Their financial support means even greater benefits to Mayville State University and its students via the funds raised. The generosity of Agassiz Drain Tile played a big part in the record amount generated through Farmers Bowl activities in 2012 and 2013.

The university and community will celebrate Farmers Bowl on Saturday, November 1. This date reflects a change in the typical timing. We had previously held Farmers Bowl in September, before homecoming. This year, we’re trying something different and holding it following the homecoming festivities. Now in its 20th consecutive year, the Farmers Bowl will feature a tag team race, tailgate picnic sponsored by the Comet Athletic Club, a Comets football game, and spirited bidding at the auction. We’re excited about the changes, and we look forward to celebrating the annual occasion with you!

Mayville State graduate and newly hired Mayville State enrollment services representative Rick Karboviak has stepped up to lead a new Farmers Bowl event, a tag team race. The race is on a one-mile course around the campus of Mayville State. Each runner completes one mile, then tags their partner, who then runs the last mile to finish the race. Runners may compete in two races on this day, and pay $10 per race in which they participate. All participants will get drawstring backpacks from Climb The Podium Events. Registration is at the MSU Wellness Center. The race starts in front of Old Main. Start time for the male division is 8:00 a.m. The female division starts at 8:20, and the co-ed division will begin at 8:40 a.m. Runners are encouraged to be creative and come dressed up. A special award will be presented to the tag team dressed up as the “Craziest Comets!” All proceeds of the event will benefit the Mayville State Wellness Center. For more information, contact Rick at 701-788-5265 or richard.karboviak@mayvillestate.edu. The registration form can be found at www.mayvillestate.edu/farmersbowl.

The public is cordially invited to enjoy another great meal served by the Comet Athletic Club. Their tailgate picnic will begin under the tent outside of Jerome Berg Field at 11:00 a.m. November 1. Serving will continue until approximately 12:30 p.m. Hot dogs, chips, beans, and beverages are on the menu.  

Come out and support the football team in the Titan Machinery Farmers Bowl game! The Comets will face Valley City State beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Jerome Berg Field.

The auction, the grand finale for the day, begins at 5:00 p.m. Your $25 ticket entitles you to a social featuring an hors d’oeuvres buffet at the MSU Campus Center Luckasen Room. Bidding on the silent auction items will also begin at that time, and the excitement of the live auction will be unleashed at seven o’clock. Long-time Farmers Bowl volunteer auctioneers Butch Lovas of Blanchard and Wayne Trottier of Northwood will keep things moving.

Auction purchases are a very important part of the celebration because they create new opportunities for many deserving students through scholarships and other awards. We are grateful for every dollar raised, so I encourage all who attend to bid high and often! If you are interested in donating an item to be auctioned at the event, please contact the MSU Foundation at 701-788-4750 or alumni.mail@mayvillestate.edu

On behalf of Mayville State University and our students, I say “thank you” to Ross Johnson, Derek Peterson, and Neal Johnson of Agassiz Drain Tile for their sponsorship of Farmers Bowl 2014. Through their generosity, they are making a difference not only for our university and its students, but also for our community. If you have an opportunity to thank them, please do.

Go to www.mayvillestate.edu/farmersbowl to learn more about the Farmers Bowl, sponsored by Agassiz Drain Tile. While you are perusing the site, you will notice your opportunity to help support the fund-raising aspect of Farmers Bowl. Participate in the Farmers Bowl Cash Drawing for a chance to win $1,000 cash. Check it out today and join us for the Farmers Bowl on November 1!