HANKINSON, N.D. --A new era in the rivalry between NDSU and South Dakota State University was unveiled April 21, with the announcement of a new traveling trophy. The "Dakota Marker" trophy will be presented to the winner of the Bison-Jackrabbit football game. Both schools are moving to NCAA Division I status in the coming academic year.

North Dakota State and South Dakota State will both play in the Great West Football Conference. NDSU and SDSU play Oct. 9 in Brookings, SD, next season.

Supported by the NDSU Blue Key chapter and the SDSU Student Association, the trophy will be a replica of quartzite monuments placed along the board of the two states in the 1890s.

At a news conference held at the border, NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman said, "Both of these institutions have long histories in the land-grant tradition of excellence in the classroom, excellence in service and excellence in research. We also have a long tradition of excellence in the athletic arena. This is going to be fun moving to the next level."

Adam Jones, president of the NDSU Blue Key chapter noted that the first football game between the institutions was held in 1903 and there have been 89 games held. He said moving to Division I was a good idea. "This progressive move will elevate these institutions of higher learning from their present outstanding regional recognition to nationally recognized land grant universities and top class athletic programs," Jones said.

Dan Mostad, NDSU student body president, said, "This will be a game that our students and SDSU students will look forward to every fall. I foresee this being the game that will captivate the attention of both of these great states."

Gene Taylor, NDSU director of athletics, said, "My compliments to our students, from both NDSU and SDSU, for taking the initiative for this new trophy. I believe the Dakota Marker will only enhance what is already a very competitive rivalry between two quality football programs."

The trophy will be a model of the original border monuments that were 7 feet long and 10 inches square. The markers were places at half-mile intervals along the border, with "S.D" on the south side and "N.D" on the north side.

Members of South Dakota State and North Dakota State pose as they announce the Dakota Marker Trophy Game.

"Today is indeed a historic day for two great and storied institutions," Amanda Mattingly, president of the SDSU Student Association, said. "The students at SDSU look forward to a long, competitive and friendly rivalry that will capture the essence of the future and the past."

SDSU President Peggy Miller said the states share a common heritage as part of the Dakota Territory, which was established in 1861. She also praised the students' efforts to develop the trophy. "You are doing something new. You are taking the first step. You're being the pioneers that your ancestors were," Miller said. "Bravo to you and everyone involved. This will be the rivalry of the territory."