Father Travels 65,000 Miles to Watch Son Play
A dedicated parent sold his business to follow the North Dakota State football team across the country.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football
Michael Kokat has logged 65,000 miles traveling to support his son, Luke Kokat, who is a senior fullback for the North Dakota State Bison. The family has remained a fixture of the Fargo program for five years.
Why it matters
The journey highlights the deep commitment of families within the North Dakota State football community. By selling his business, Michael Kokat prioritized his ability to attend every home and away game to support his son.
Michael Kokat has traveled 65,000 miles over the course of five years to attend games. His involvement in the program began when his son first joined the team.
The players
Michael Kokat
A dedicated father who sold his business to follow his son's collegiate football career.
Luke Kokat
A senior fullback currently playing for the North Dakota State football team.
The details
Michael Kokat drives to every home game in Fargo and flies to every away game to ensure he never misses a performance. He sold his business in Wisconsin during his son's sophomore year to manage his schedule and fully participate in the Bison program.
Timeline
Five years ago, Luke Kokat began playing for North Dakota State.
During his son's sophomore year, Michael Kokat sold his business.
Season Trajectory
This level of individual commitment mirrors the established intensity of the North Dakota State Bison football program's dedicated fan culture. Such involvement reinforces the community-focused reputation that has historically defined the Bison football experience.
The Kokat family's commitment ensures they attend every contest, maintaining a constant support presence regardless of the team's travel schedule. This level of participation reflects the high stakes for families invested in the program's senior-year progression.
The takeaway
Dedication to a student-athlete often requires significant personal and professional adjustments for parents. Planning ahead and prioritizing family milestones can foster a deeper connection to collegiate athletic programs.
Further reading
Learn more about the local team in the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dickinson Press.
