Welcome to my Life!

Not too long ago, the prospect from St. John, N.D., Kyler McGillis was announcing his decision to play basketball at the next level and chose Bismarck State College. Now, he does it again as his time is up at BSC.

Kyler McGillis started 55 of 57 games in his two years at BSC. In his first year, he averaged 11.3 points per game while shooting 40% from the field including 37% from the 3 point line. In his second year, he saw tremendous growth. With a majority of the starting rotation gone, he was asked to pick up the offense and did just that. He averaged 18.2 points per game, shot 42% from the field and averaged 5 assists. 

McGillis will head 102 miles east to the University of Jamestown in the fall to further his academic and athletic career. 

“Jamestown has been a very successful program the past few years,” McGillis said. “They have a good system of team chemistry and culture along with a good coaching staff.” 

McGillis has his tremendous work ethic to thank for his success and opportunities to be able to play the game he loves while moving up in the basketball ranks. 

“The Jimmies will be getting a player who wants nothing more than to win and be successful while doing everything in my power to try and do those things,” McGillis said.

McGillis learned a lot from BSC in his two years that he can bring to Jamestown. A large part of that is from how well he was able to perform while being the main ball handler within the Mystic offense. 

“I grew and learned a lot during my time at BSC,” McGillis said. “I will be bringing leadership abilities and college experience to help Jamestown basketball excel right away.” 

As McGillis moves on from BSC, he has made good memories but is excited for the next chapter of his life. 

“I will miss the many friendships and teammates I made here at BSC,” McGillis said. “But I am very much looking forward to the next couple of basketball seasons.”

From a former North Dakota Mr. Basketball finalist, to a 2-year college starter at BSC, and now to the University of Jamestown. This former St. John standout is making a name for himself in basketball and has no intentions of slowing down quite yet.  

Another season for the Bismarck State College Women's Basketball team has come and gone. After an incredible 27-5 record, the Mystics wound up just short of the Mon-Dak Conference title, ultimately ending their season a bit earlier than the ladies anticipated. For a few players, their basketball journey has come to an end, but Sydney Anderson’s basketball journey will continue. 

Anderson will move onto further her education and basketball career at Minot State University in the fall. 

“I felt Minot State was the best program to further my academic goals,” Anderson said. “It allows me to continue playing basketball in a competitive program, and I grew up watching Coach Graupe at Dickinson State and loved his coaching style.” 

Luckily for Anderson, she will not need to make this transition from Junior College to a 4-year university alone, as Amber Stevahn will also be joining her in the Magic City. 

“Amber and I have become close both on and off the court the last two years,” Anderson said. “So her signing with me at Minot is really comforting.” 

In her two years at Bismarck State College, Anderson saw tremendous growth in her game. 

“Coach Pederson’s system was very similar to mine throughout high school, so I found comfort in that,” Anderson said. 

Coach Marv Pederson’s system allowed Anderson to play the style she had most her life and progressed to be able to have this opportunity for Minot State.  

Growing up in smaller towns in North Dakota, the relationship one has with their community can be something special. Anderson got to witness this first hand. 

“Many people from Killdeer have been following my basketball career since I picked up a ball,” Anderson said. “I appreciate everything the town of Killdeer has done for me and that inspires me to continue to make them proud.” 

Many athletes have goals before the season, whether it be in a new place or within the same program. Anderson is no different. 

“My goal is always to be a great teammate,” Anderson said. “I hope to push my teammates on and off the court for them to be the best they can be.” 

From the small town of Killdeer, North Dakota to Bismarck State and now Minot State, Anderson’s journey continues on. As she moves on to the Magic City, she will be followed closely in her basketball career not only by her community in Killdeer, but also the friends she made while at Bismarck State

Millions of people fly across the United States every year, whether it be for visits, business trips or vacations. Coming this fall, all that flying will become a little more difficult to attain. 

On Oct. 1, 2020, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will have a law going into place that will force people to have a real ID. This new rule involves any person 18 years or older to have either a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, a state issued enhanced driver’s license or another form of verification such as a passport or a military ID in order to fly in the United States. 

A real ID will have a star in the corner or another shape. This way, officials are able to tell right away if it truly is real or not. 

“This new law really will not affect me,” said Jayce Zuern, a Bismarck State College freshman. “I do not fly very much, so the law will only make me want to get my real ID for just in case purposes.”

The TSA is trying to crack down and make sure it is safer for all passengers aboard the planes. Even though it may seem like a lot of extra steps, it is just to ensure that people are who they say they are.

“I feel we need to take a lot of safety precautions when flying,” said Trystan Gregory, another Bismarck State College freshman, “I understand why they are adding in this new rule to make sure all passengers on the planes feel safe.”

In order to get a real ID one will need to bring a few extra things to the DMV such as: an ID, a valid address, social security card, birth certificate or passport.

“I think it’s good to ensure passenger safety but these extra steps are a little too much,” Gregory said.  “I understand what the TSA is trying to accomplish, but at the same time I feel as if it is too much just to fly.” 

Zuern added, “I feel that airports are already very safe, so this new ID rule is not a necessity.”

Some states will have the new rule come in at different times whether it be earlier or on the set date. However, states like Oregon and Oklahoma were given an extension on this new real ID rule, while New Jersey is still reviewing. 

“I feel that if all the other states are making this new rule go into place by the October deadline, that the other three states should be inclined to get the rules in place on the deadline as well,” Zuern said.

There still is a lot of time before this rule will go into place, but it is better to make sure to have the new ID sooner rather than later. For more information, visit tsa.gov/real-id. The website even has a countdown until the rule goes into place.   

The Bismarck State College Men’s Basketball Team is set to kick off another season. The boys finished last season with a 9-20 record and are looking to improve. This season the team has many holes to fill. After losing three starters including the top three scorers on the roster, returning players are looking to step into bigger roles for this season.

One returning starter looking to step into a bigger role is the athletic forward Leyton Lang. Lang averaged 6 points, 5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest a season ago. Lang is looking to take on more of a leadership role with a team that consists of only six sophomores and fourteen freshmen.

“I have done what I can to get guys on the same page and mentor them as the freshman learn the ropes.” Lang said about his leadership, “Although I may not be as vocal as some, I feel as if I know what it takes to be successful in this league.”

The other returning starter looking to step into a bigger role is the sharpshooting Kyler McGillis. McGillis is one returning starter from a season ago and averaged 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2 assists per game in his first season.

The boys’ team struggled early on but won three of their final six games gaining some momentum heading into this new season.

“The six sophomores, including myself, feel is if we figured it out on how to win and the hard work we have to put in day in and day out,” McGillis said.

With the boys’ team looking to fill three spots in the starting rotation as well as two reserve positions, everyone is fighting for minutes. Anyone can fill in these spots, including newcomers. 

“Even with losing a handful and adding many more players it is all about everyone knowing their roles,” Lang said.

Cody Perkins, a versatile freshman from Mott N.D., is one of those guys looking to fill in one of the spots and feels he has a lot to offer this team.

“When I get into the game, I offer a strong outside threat but work hard on the defensive end,” Perkins said. “I can make an impact whether I am in the game or on the bench by working hard and being a great team player, but if I get an open look it is going in.

The boys look to start the season where they left off as they kick off another year on Nov 1 in New Town, N.D.

The North Dakota State Bison won their second straight Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title and seven of the last eight. Don’t get me wrong, winning a title would be incredible on any stage; however, this last title was a little bit sweeter.

After the Bison’s last title run, they got an invite to the White House from President Trump. Yes, the Donald Trump invited North Dakota’s beloved Bison to tour the White House. With the help of Senator John Hoeven, this was all possible. On March 14, they boarded a plane and flew out. 

“The trip was for sure memorable,” RedShirt North Dakota State University Freshman, Jake Kava said. “Going to the oval office and getting interviewed by reporters was my favorite part. The secret service was even shocked that we were allowed in since not many people are able to do so.”

“My favorite part was definitely getting to see the inside of the White House,” GrayShirt Freshman Griffin Cosa said. “Not many get to experience something like that, so it was awesome being able to do that.”

Trump served Chick-Fil-A and McDonalds to the champions. The President also had a fast food meal for Clemson, who were the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) champions. There were some mixed opinions on the meal Trump served for both title-winning schools. 

“A lot of people didn’t like it,” another RedShirt Freshman, Jake Kubas, said. “I personally enjoyed it because we don’t get fast food often cause we are on a special diet.”

“I thought the meal was funny,” Kava said. “ I figured since the government was opened, we would get a bigger meal. I am guessing the fast food meal is what Trump will do going forward, and it will be his thing.”

All three had the same response as to what the trip meant to them. It was not about self-accomplishment, not about the glory that came with it, but about what it meant for the city of Fargo and state of North Dakota. 

Being able to represent the state on the big stage of the country, in front of the head of the country—that is what the trip meant for the boys. 

The Bison thoroughly enjoyed their time on the trip. It helped bring more recognition to everything they have been able to accomplish over this impressive run. They are putting the state on the map and giving us recognition. They are showing the world that the sports world up in North Dakota is nothing to take lightly. We can compete and produce athletes. 

NDSU has been incredible the last decade, and they have the winning numbers to prove it. More importantly, they have something that almost no other colleges have. An entire state supporting them, their own herd with them every step of the journey.

“It seemed like Trump loved having us there, so I wouldn't be surprised if he invited us back.” Crosa said. “I’m not sure if it will become an every year thing, but I’d love to keep winning and find out. I would definitely love to keep going back.”