Bismarck, ND - The 2008 University of Mary football team will make its public debut when the university hosts its second annual "Meet the Marauders" football program on Tuesday, August 19. Tailgating activities begin at 5 p.m. at the Bismarck Community Bowl with a scrimmage at 7 p.m. and an autograph session to follow.

Fans of all ages are invited to watch the first public Marauders scrimmage of the fall. After the scrimmage, the public is invited to meet the players, coaches and the Marauders mascot on the field, collect autographs and take photos.

"Meet the Marauders" is free and open to everyone.

In addition to collecting player autographs at the "Meet the Marauders" scrimmage, the first 250 children 18 years or younger in attendance will receive a free meal at the stadium, compliments of Famous Dave’s, official tailgate sponsor of the University of Mary Marauders football team. Adult meals will be available for $3.50 per plate.

Tailgating in the stadium parking lot will begin at 5 p.m. The team will begin its scrimmage at 7 p.m. As the scrimmage begins to wind down, players will be available for autographs.

The Northern Sun football attendance leader in 2008 with an average attendance of 4,200, the Marauders football team kicked off fall practices August 9. Approximately 150 student-athletes reported to camp.

The Marauders open the 2008 season against Chadron State College, owners of a 24-game regular season win streak, on Thursday, August 28, at 6 p.m. The Eagles have finished the last two regular seasons 11-0 and were ranked fifth in the final NCAA Division II poll of 2007.

The University of Mary finished the 2007 season with a 7-4 record overall and a 7-2 mark and a second place finish in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Twelve Marauders earned All-NSIC honors, including four on the first team from U-Mary’s top-ranked defense. Ten players were named to the NSIC All-Academic Team. 2007 marked the first year the Marauders competed in the NSIC in football. It was also the first season U-Mary was an active member of the NCAA. The Marauders, 6-4 as a newcomer to NCAA Division II football in 2006, are 13-3 against Northern Sun teams in two seasons.