September 8, 2026

MADISON, S.D. - Dakota State University is proud to name the Maas and Oftedal families as the Honorary Captains for the 11th annual Ag Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 12, when the Trojans face Nebraska Wesleyan.

"Our families are incredibly honored to be chosen as the honorary captains of the Ag Bowl," said Diana Maas '80. "Farming and DSU have greatly enriched our lives, and the recognition is very humbling."

Both families have deep agricultural roots near Wentworth, with farming traditions spanning multiple generations.

In the early 1900s, Otto and Hattie Maas began farming north of Wentworth. Their grandson, Gale Maas, continues that legacy alongside his sons, Brian and Jarrod. The family raises corn, soybeans, and cattle. With Gale's grandsons now helping on the farm, the Maas family's agricultural tradition has reached its fifth generation.

The Oftedal family's farming history began in 1950, when Harry and Ruth Oftedal established a farm north of Wentworth following Harry's time at General Beadle State Teachers College, now Dakota State University. The operation continued with their son, Jeff, and grandson, Matt. Today, Harry's great-grandsons are also involved in the family farm, which produces corn and soybeans.

Agriculture is not the families' only longstanding connection to the area. Seven members of the Maas and Oftedal families have attended Dakota State, beginning with Harry Oftedal '50 and Bob Miller '58.

Both Oftedal and Miller played football while attending DSU, then called General Beadle State Teachers College. Miller, Diana's father and the grandfather of Abby and Brian Maas, also served as president of the DSU Alumni Board.

The families' other Dakota State graduates include:

• Diana Maas '80
• Abby Oftedal '03
• Matt Oftedal '03
• Brian Maas '05
• Amanda Maas '05

For members of the younger generations, DSU offered the opportunity to pursue an education without stepping away from their agricultural responsibilities.

"One of the main reasons both Matt and Brian chose DSU was the ability to receive a quality education while staying close to home and continuing to work on the family farms while they were in school," Maas said.

The families also value the support that Dakota State and the Madison community provide to local farmers and producers.

"Having DSU and the Madison community support farmers demonstrates that they value the important role farming plays in our rural community," Maas said. "It also shows support for legacy farmers who want to see their family farms continue to thrive for generations."

The 11th annual Ag Bowl will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, on Blankley Field at Brian Kern Family Stadium. A partnership between DSU Athletics and local businesses, the Ag Bowl celebrates the agricultural community and recognizes its economic and social impact on the Madison area. The event offers free admission and a meal to farmers and producers.

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