History
On September 24, 1966, the very first Potato Bowl football game was played at Memorial Stadium and was billed as a battle between two of the largest potato growing regions in the United States (Idaho and the Red River Valley). The idea of creating a week of festivities to celebrate potatoes and football was the brainchild of UND Athletic Director Len Marti, Head Football Coach Marv “Whitey” Helling, Assistant Football Coach Jerry Olson and Sports Information Director Lee Bohnet. In that first game in 1966, the Fighting Sioux thumped Idaho State 41-0. UND is 41-13 in its first 54 Potato Bowl games.
Potato Bowl USA 2025 Ambassadors
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William Dufner
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A son of a third-generation farmer, William hails from just outside Buxton, North Dakota, where his family grows oats, edible beans, and potatoes. For the past four years, he has also managed 7.5 acres of alfalfa, adding to his hands-on agricultural experience. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring new technologies, especially 3D printing. This fall, he plans to attend North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton to pursue a career as a Precision Agriculture Technician.
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Aniston Gigstad
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Born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, Aniston is the oldest of three siblings and the child of educators. Growing up, she developed a strong dedication to school and cherished frequent trips to Park River, North Dakota, where time spent with extended family and farming grandparents sparked a lasting love for potatoes. Aniston recently graduated from Davies High School in Fargo and plans to pursue a degree in elementary and special education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
2025 Potato Bowl Grand Marshal​
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Coming Soon!
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Potato Bowl USA Committee Members
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Jacey Kuersteiner, Secretary – NPGA
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Scott Lund – Simplot French Fry Feed
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Christian Batalden – Simplot
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Lucas Bergeson – Simplot
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Ryan Scott – KEM Shrine Potato Bowl Parade
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Julie Kirkeby – Choice Health & Fitness - “Get Wet And Run Wild”
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Jeff Westrem – All Hugo’s Sponsored Events
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Bob Prodzinski – KEM Shrine Potato Bowl Parade
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Nicole Brush - UND
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Mike Mathison – iHeart Media Advertising Rep
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Misty Paul – Advertising Rep Leighton Broadcasting
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Sasha Leibold - Advertising Rep Leighton Broadcasting