THE PRESIDENT: We're going to be watching. That's fantastic. He's going to be a rich guy, huh? (Laughter.) That money - (inaudible) money. Just don't worry about the money. Just do a great job. I think you're going to be fantastic.
A really, really impressive young man and an incredible game. Both of Easton's touchdown passes of the championship were to MVP wide receiver - here's another guy - Darrius Shepherd. Where's Darrius? Where's Darrius? Not bad. (Laughter.) What about you? What year are you?
MR. SHEPHERD: I just graduated as well.
THE PRESIDENT: So you're in the combine? You're out there?
MR. SHEPHERD: In training right now.
THE PRESIDENT: Okay good. You're all set?
MR. SHEPHERD: Yup.
THE PRESIDENT: Come here. He'll be great.
And Darrius also averaged an astounding 25 yards per catch - that's pretty good - including an incredible, during the big game, 78-yard reception in the third quarter. And that's one of the most spectacular catches and passes that we've seen this season for any team. And I do mean it.
We had the Clemson Tigers here and I did the same thing. We could've had chefs, we could've. But we got fast food because we know what - I know you people very well, okay? (Laughter.) And I'm going to finish this quick because we've got to get that stuff, although it's being kept pretty warm.
Every single time this Bison team took to the field, you gave it your all, proving to everyone that when you play with passion, love - and you really love your team; you love you team, right? Huh? You better believe it. Otherwise it's somehow probably not the same. And relentlessly reach for excellence, nothing is impossible.
Congratulations once again to your team, your senators, your congressmen, to your state. What a place it is. I've been there a lot. Right? I went there a lot.
SENATOR HOEVEN: Yes, you have.
THE PRESIDENT: I worked hard. And now I'm going to be starting to work hard for you. Huh? You're going to win. You have my endorsement, by the way, in case there's any - I don't know if - I want to give it nice and early. You have my endorsement, 100 percent. Okay with you? Right?
SENATOR HOEVEN: That's good by me.
THE PRESIDENT: You have my endorsement, 100 percent, John.
And you've made your mark. Really, you have made a football mark. And I will tell you, I have watched a lot of teams and I think I understand this sport a little bit. And I've watched your team and that - especially in that last game. You're really talented people. Forgetting all the other stuff - and you really have a tremendously talented team.
And I would like to see you play a couple of those other competitors because I think it would be very interesting. I think it would maybe be a lot more interesting than people understand.
But you're champions. You know you're good. You feel you're good. And yet you're great people. And it's an honor. And as soon as these guys came up and they said, "Do you mind doing it?" I said, "I really want to do it. I look forward to doing it." And then we weren't going to do this - because I've never done that before, before Clemson.
But we were during a shutdown, and we had nobody working. And somebody suggested. I said, "Yeah, but we don't have people working." But the staff is so good they would've come back. But I said, "You know, don't worry about it, fellas. Let's just go get some McDonalds, Wendy's." We have a couple of others, too. I won't get into too - but we have all American. Burger King. We have - we like American companies. Okay? (Laughter.) We like American companies. And that's what we did. So, you guys - that's right. "Chick-fil-A," they say. Chick-fil-A. (Laughter).
He knew. He knew better than I knew. (Laughter.)
So I just want to thank - now, before we waste any time, anybody want to speak, you speak. But go grab yourself something. We can eat right here. In fact, I would have one right up here, but I don't think I want to do that because it will be too big a story for these people. (Laughter.)
They'll say, "Isn't horrible? Isn't inappropriate?" But I would like, John, if you guys could say something just real quickly. And if anybody is really desperate, go get it. Otherwise, you'll wait a couple of seconds. Come on up.
SENATOR HOEVEN: Mr. President, I just want to say thank you. You know, when I asked if you'd do this right away, you said, "Yup. I know the Bison. I've been to Fargo. And we can do it." Now, it just so happens that we'd like to make a pres- - would it be all right if we made a presentation?
THE PRESIDENT: Absolutely.
SENATOR HOEVEN: Well, you mentioned our quarterback, Easton Stick. And he just - as a matter of fact, he flew back from the NFL combine in order to get on the charter plane and come out with his team.
THE PRESIDENT: Wow. Wow.
SENATOR HOEVEN: And he epitomizes these guys. It's not just that they're great athletes. Seven national championships in the last eight years. It's not just that they're great students - student athletes; they have real character. These guys are leaders with their - they're out there doing great things every single day of the week.
We couldn't be more proud not just of the way they represent North Dakota State University, but the state of North Dakota. We could not be more proud.
And so, if it'd be all right with you, Mr. President, we have a little presentation we would like to make. And our quarterback, Easton Stick, has something for you and he'd like to present that to you now.
MR. STICK: Thank you, sir.
SENATOR HOEVEN: Okay, Easton.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you.
MR. STICK: Well, Mr. President, it's an absolute pleasure to be here. And it's a huge honor for our team, for our community, for our state, and really, for everyone that's been a part of Bison Football for a really long time. We have an unbelievable brotherhood that goes back to the '60s, winning championships, and it's a huge family.
And so today, we would like to extend an offering to be part of that family -
THE PRESIDENT: Oh, wow.
MR. STICK: - with a jersey.
THE PRESIDENT: Good.
SENATOR HOEVEN: Show him the number.
MR. STICK: For 45, for President Trump. (Applause.)
SENATOR HOEVEN: Forty-fifth President!
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you.
SENATOR HOEVEN: That's your number - 45th President.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. That's the number, is right. Thank you, man.
SENATOR HOEVEN: Thanks.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Thank you very much.
You know what I'm going to do?
SENATOR HOEVEN: You think he can handle it? You think he can handle a big stage?
THE PRESIDENT: Say just a word. I'm going to ask the Coach to say a word, too.
SENATOR CRAMER: Yeah, please.
THE PRESIDENT: Please. Come on up. Come on up. Start it off, Easton. He's probably going to be a politician someday.
SENATOR CRAMER: Well, he's got - he's got a lot of (inaudible).
SENATOR HOEVEN: He's the whole package, maybe.
MR. STICK: Well, again, I'll just say this is an unbelievable honor for all of us to be here to experience this and get a chance to spend some time with you.
And seriously, thank you very much for taking time out of your schedule and allowing us to do this. It means a lot to us and, really, to everyone that's been a part of our program here now and in the past. So thank you very much.
And, Senator, thank you. So thank you very much. It's - this is an unbelievable opportunity. Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: We'll be watching you on Sundays. (Laughter.)
MR. STICK: I appreciate that.
THE PRESIDENT: Right?
MR. STICK: Yeah. Thank you very much.
THE PRESIDENT: Coach, please. Say something.
COACH ENTZ: Mr. President, we do appreciate from all of our players, and we are fortunate enough to bring 108 of our teammates and many of our support staff and administration to come here and visit you today. And what an honor.
This is a little different setting than what I'm used to speaking in. Usually it's more locker-room-like. But hard to believe a farm kid from Iowa speaking in the White House.
But we appreciate your letting us come visit, the hospitality we've experienced already. And next thing, let's get you out there for a game because I think it's one of kind.
THE PRESIDENT: We'll do that. Thank you, Coach. Thank you. (Applause.)
SENATOR CRAMER: Well, let me just say, again, on behalf of all of the people of North Dakota, Mr. President, thank you for acknowledging this incredible accomplishment.
