FARGO -- Wagner College played in front of an average of 1,858 fans in 11 games last year. The trip to Fargo this weekend will be an out-of-element experience for the Seahawks in more ways than playing in a domed stadium for the first time in school history.
More than 18,000 are expected for North Dakota State's home opener today.
"I've been all over the world, I've never been to Fargo," said Wagner head coach Walt Hamline. "It's one of those scenarios where you only have so many days on this earth so why not take a shot. I think our kids are excited. It's a good thing for us anytime you go somewhere different."
Playing a game away from the East Coast is something Wagner has done from time to time in recent years. It played at Jacksonville University (Fla.) in 2002 and 2007 and at the University of San Diego four times starting in 1997.
The game came about when both teams were left searching for an opponent. Wagner was scheduled to play Delaware State, but the Hornets dropped the Seahawks in favor of playing the University of Delaware, said Hamline. "It was one of those things where at the last second we needed a game."
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The road trip is a contrast from last week's game at State University New York-Maritime. Wagner, located on Staten Island, had to bus 31 miles to that one. It is chartering a plane to Fargo.
Etc. etc. etc.
The teams had one common opponent last year. The Bison defeated Central Connecticut State 50-14 in the second game of the year at the Fargodome. Central Connecticut beat Wagner 38-10 at home about a month later. ... The NDSU ticket office had between 500 and 600 tickets remaining as of late Friday afternoon. The Fargodome ticket office opens at 1 p.m. today. ... In addition to his head coaching duties, Hamline is also the school's athletic director. "There's not many of us left," he said of the dual role. "It's just one of those things. I've been fortunate I've been able to wrap good people around me. They do most of the A.D. stuff. ... Wagner's Northeast Conference will get an automatic bid to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs when the field expands next year to 20 teams.
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