When the Dragons play Bemidji State today, there will be more at stake than the "Battle Axe" traveling trophy.
Minnesota State University Moorhead President Edna Szymanski bet the football team she'd dye her hair red if they win the homecoming game.
During Szymanski's first year at MSUM, the Dragons won the "Battle Axe," the prize for the winner of the MSUM-Bemidji game.
Last year, Bemidji State won the rivalry game.
In a videotaped message, Szymanski holds a can of red spray and gives this challenge to the team:
ADVERTISEMENT
"As soon as you get that axe back, you are welcome to spray my hair red in front of everyone in the stands."
Dragons interim head coach Joel Beard said his team viewed the videotape midweek.
"They had a little fun with it," Beard said.
Szymanski has also volunteered some of her vice presidents to join her on the field.
"We made sure to supply them with the type of spray that (washes) out," Szymanski said.
Szymanski and members of her Cabinet dyed their hair red in 2009 after the MSUM women's basketball team met her challenge of winning 20 games.
Bemidji State's president followed through on a similar promise he made at their homecoming game.
Dick Hanson, in his first year at Bemidji after serving as North Dakota State interim president, jumped in the lake with the football players following their win on Oct. 2.
ADVERTISEMENT
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
Forum reporter Eric Peterson contributed to this story
