When They Were Kings The NDSU-UND Rivalry

When They Were Kings chronicles the great sports rivalries between North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota in their division II days. The UND/NDSU men's football rivalry raged between 1981 and 2003, and the women's basketball rivalry played out during the 1990s when NDSU combined to win eight out of nine national titles.

The producer and writer of the documentary, Prairie Public's Matt Olien, gathered stats and file footage that spanned two decades to compile information about the football rivalry. "NDSU won 12 games in a row from 1981 to 1992, and UND dominated the last decade — winning 10 of the last 13 games," he said.

The UND and NDSU women's basketball rivalry was equally intense — the teams combined to win eight of nine national titles between 1991 and 1999. Each year, Olien said, the Bison and Sioux seemed to hook up in crucial games to determine conference, regional and national supremacy.

In addition to archival video footage, the documentary is built upon reminiscences and analysis from key players and coaches, including Rocky Hager (NDSU Head Football Coach 1987-96), Roger Thomas (UND Head Football Coach 1986-98), Gene Roebuck (UND Women's Basketball Coach 1987-2012), and Amy Ruley (NDSU Women's Basketball Coach 1979-2008).

[AchRock]

This was really great! I love college rivalries! The intensity is just unmatched!

[CRazz]

Love this! Tiffany Pudenz was my favorite Sioux player when I was in elementary school and the reason why I wore #22 in high school and college. I love this rivalry!

[CrazyCreepersTube]

If NDSU had a D1 hockey team it would start a rivalry with one team the more dominant.

[michaelnelson-ostrowski]

2013 Bison is up there with the 1986 and 1990 teams

[hansgordy]

17 is greater than 1. At least... the last time I checked.

[shadowpersonguy]

oldest rivalrie in football historie Minnesota vs wisconsin