It has been almost a year since Dickinson State University (DSU) announced its transition from the North Star to the Frontier Conference (FC) for athletic competition, a game-changing move that will elevate the experience for DSU’s student-athletes and energize the entire campus community. The countdown to this historic shift began on December 12, 2023, when the university officially shared the news with Blue Hawk supporters, marking a significant step forward for the program. The clock is about to hit zero, and DSU is ready to make its debut in the Frontier Conference.
Joining the Frontier Conference aligns DSU athletics with a stable and well-regarded conference that offers key advantages for student success, athletic growth, and regional pride. The move brings the Blue Hawks into a group of geographically nearby competitors, reducing travel demands and allowing student-athletes more study time balanced with athletic commitments. Additionally, shorter travel distances enhance the affordability of DSU’s athletic programming, permitting resources to be focused on the overall development and success of student-athletes. The conference’s regional focus will foster dynamic local rivalries, especially with Montana-based institutions, creating highly anticipated matchups that will showcase DSU talent and boost the Blue Hawks' visibility regionally and nationally. With a shift toward more home games and fewer non-conference matchups, DSU supporters will have more opportunities to cheer on the Blue Hawks.
As part of the Frontier Conference, DSU is excited to welcome new participants that have been accepted to the FC since the Blue Hawks made the jump last year, including North Dakota institutions, Mayville State University, Valley City State University, and two-year school rival, Bismarck State College.
“This transition is a solid step for our athletic program," says Pete Stanton, DSU Athletic Director. "Joining the Frontier Conference aligns perfectly with our goals and provides a natural platform for regional rivalries that will energize our athletes and supporters alike.”
Acting President Ty Orton echoed this enthusiasm: “The Frontier Conference is a good fit for Dickinson State, bringing benefits that resonate with our commitment to quality education and athletic excellence. This is a great opportunity for our students and community, and we look forward to the future of competitive play.”
Known as “North Dakota’s and Montana’s University,” DSU’s unique location near the North Dakota-Montana border strengthens its place in the Frontier Conference. “Blue Hawk Country stretches from Western North Dakota and well into Eastern Montana if you look at where a majority of our students are from, but really it’s wherever the Blue Hawks are gathered.” shared Pete Stanton, “We have some of the best supporters you could hope for, and we look forward to competing for them.”
As the 2024-25 season approaches, Blue Hawk athletes, coaches, and supporters look forward to building new traditions, celebrating wins, and embracing this new chapter.