Newman Centers return to Hillsboro for annual UND vs. NDSU bike race

April 29 marks the 38th Annual University of North Dakota (UND) vs. North Dakota State University (NDSU) Newman Center Bike Race. The race challenges teams from the two universities in a fierce battle for bragging rights. It’s also a great fundraiser for both Newman Centers, allowing us to continue to provide for students’ spiritual and intellectual formation, preparing them to discern their vocation and live a dynamic Catholic life. St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center in Grand Forks was established in 1924 and St. Paul’s Newman Center at NDSU in 1928.

While we are constantly told of the decline of faith and religion in the United States, I wish that you could witness the beautiful example of Catholic faith that occurs every day on our campuses. Our young people are seeking the truth. As a recent Harvard Research study discovered, “People are making theological statements with their feet, shuffling to certain churches because they offer what people are seeking: clear, faithful, practical teaching of the scriptures, help in living intimately with and obediently to God, and making friends with others who will challenge and encourage them in their faith.” This is exactly what each Newman Center provides our students!

UND student Anissa Kulzer is looking forward to this year’s bike race. Anissa, a sophomore and member of the student board, chose UND in part to be close to her brother who graduated from NDSU last year. Although she enjoyed competing against her brother in last year’s race, this year she plans to swing him over to her side. She has also made plans to ride with some of her friends. “You’ve gotta give back, they give so much to you. Besides that—it’s fun with your friends cheering you on. It’s something small you can do to give back.”

NDSU student peer minister, Kevin Fischer says, “I enjoy the bike race because it’s a fun and friendly competition that brings two amazing Newman Centers together. It’s also a great opportunity for me to give back to the Newman Center which has given me so much to be thankful for in my life.”

The race has evolved over the years. It began with each team leaving their respective University and racing towards the finish line at Hillsboro. Later the teams began in Hillsboro and raced back home. Now the race begins at St. Rose of Lima in Hillsboro and goes to and from Caledonia, approximately 25 miles. In addition to the students, Father Cheney from NDSU and Father Markman at UND will challenge each other to see who can “ride like the wind” and boast, “I’m number one.” Due to COVID-19 and inclement weather, the live in-person race hasn’t taken place for three years. Everyone at both Newman Centers is anxious for the “real race” to take place this year. Looking out my window after blizzard number 14, we hope for the best. We pray to St. Medard, patron saint of good weather for this year’s race.

No matter who wins in 2023, everyone involved in the race and all students from both Newman Centers will be champions for Christ! To bike in person or virtually and for an opportunity to support the work to ignite the fire of faith in these amazing young adults, visit either Newman Center website at undcatholic.org or bisoncatholic.org.