North Dakota State’s quarterback explained why visiting the White House was worthwhile ‘whether you like or don’t like’ Trump

Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

The North Dakota State Bison football team visited the Trump White House to celebrate winning the FCS Championship.
While several sports teams have skipped visiting the White House, Bison quarterback Easton Stick explained why he found the trip fulfilling, regardless of whether someone likes President Donald Trump.
Stick said seeing the history of the White House and meeting the sitting president up-close was "remarkable."

Last week, the North Dakota State Bison football team visited the White House to celebrate winning the FCS Championship.

Once there, President Donald Trump greeted them with a buffet of fast food, including McDonald’s and Chick-Fil-A, his second time serving such a feast. He previously served a fast food spread for Clemson after winning the national championship.

Not every team championship sports team has visited the Trump White House over the last two years. The Golden State Warriors have not attended after winning back-to-back titles, nor did the Philadelphia Eagles after winning the 2017 Super Bowl. According to The Washington Post, no women’s championship teams have made solo trips during Trump’s presidency (there was a group event featuring several college teams, including women’s teams, in 2017).

While political beliefs have become a major factor in team visits, NDSU quarterback Easton Stick recently explained why he found the trip fulfilling, regardless of political standing. In a "draft diary" entry for USA Today, Stick explained why he thinks players should go to the White House, whether or not they like Trump.

"Whether you agree or don’t agree, like him or don’t like him, the opportunity to meet with the sitting President of the United States, not many people get to do that. It was so cool. We were in the East Room, and knowing how many monumental things had happened there, knowing how many unbelievable leaders and influential people have been there, it’s awesome. I got to present the jersey and shake the President’s hand and talk to him a little bit. I gave a little speech in the White House, and then he invited us into the Oval Office. It was so surreal. Seeing the desk and thinking of everything that has gone down in that room, it gives you the chance to soak that all in. It was remarkable."

Some professional athletes have not had the chance to go. Trump disinvited both the Warriors and Eagles after some members of both teams waffled on going.

When teams have made the trip to the White House, not every member has attended. Members of the New England Patriots have declined to go, and several members of the Eagles said they would not go until the entire trip was later canceled.

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