Tuesday night at the Henry Biesiot Activities Center, the field was alive with excitement as the popular "Meet the Hawks" event brought together the community’s youngest sports fans and 450 2024-2025 Blue Hawk athletes. Hundreds of local children in Blue Hawk t-shirts scrambled to meet their favorite athletes and secure an autograph.

Dickinson State University (DSU) athletes enjoyed the chance to give back to their young fans. “It’s such a special experience. When I was a kid, I was on this field at this event, meet the hawks dreaming of playing football for Dickinson State," said junior linebacker Nathaniel Jilek, who spent the evening signing autographs and tossing footballs with future Blue Hawks, including his nieces—aspiring volleyball athletes Aria, Eden, and Ivy.

Eric Boettcher, president of the Blue Hawk Touchdown Club and former Blue Hawk receiver (1990-1993), was also in attendance with his children and grandchildren, reflecting on the importance of these events in connecting generations of fans.

Athletes from a variety of sports participated in activities with the kids. Track and field athletes ran with the children on the Roger Huffman track, while basketball players shot hoops with eager fans. Volleyball, men's and women's wrestling, golf, baseball, football, cheer, and cross country athletes provided activities as well, making sure that every young Blue Hawk fan had a chance to engage with their heroes in a fun and interactive way.
Sponsored by the Blue Hawk Booster Club and DSU Heritage Foundation, "Meet the Hawks" celebrates one of the things that makes Dickinson State special—the bond between DSU athletes and their youngest, most passionate fans.