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 2024 Ambassadors
Kasey Gudajtes
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Kasey, a 2024 Honor Roll Graduate from Minot High School, hails from a family farm near Warsaw, ND, where she honed her business skills from an early age. Her journey began in the potato fields, where she harvested, packaged, and marketed potatoes for sale in Minto.
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Beyond farm duties, Kasey was deeply engaged in various extracurricular activities including Volleyball, DECA, SADD, River Watch, Drama, and National Honor Society. She also dedicated time to community service.
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With a commendable 15 college credits already to her name, Kasey is set to embark on her next academic chapter at the University of North Dakota, where she plans to pursue a degree in Finance and Economics.
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Kasey is the daughter of Tony and Vicky Gudajtes of Minot, ND
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Taylor Piepkorn
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Taylor emerged as a top scholar from the Red River High School Class of 2024 in Grand Forks, ND, boasting a stellar academic record with a flawless 4.0 GPA.
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She was an active member of several prestigious societies including the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Rider Rope, and leadership and student councils. Additionally, Taylor showcased her talents in extracurriculars such as high school golf and dance. Her commitment to community service shone through her involvement in volunteering activities within her church and local community.
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Looking ahead, Taylor has set her sights on the University of North Dakota, where she aims to pursue a degree in Business and Marketing. Her aspiration is to eventually helm her father's potato enterprise, Midwest Potato Services.
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Tylor is the daughter of Clark and Kathy Piepkorn of Grand Forks, ND
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2024 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