GRAND FORKS — Jayme Berger has known Eric Schmidt for more than 40 years.

They were grade school pals in Mandan and graduated from high school together in 1997.

Berger has been everywhere with Schmidt. He was there in 2001 when UND — captained at linebacker by Schmidt — won a Division II national title in Florence, Ala.

Berger visited Schmidt during stops at Washington and Fresno State. He drove 6.5 hours from his home just south of Denver to see Schmidt's head coaching debut a few weeks ago at Kansas State.

When Berger visits the Schmidt family, he stays at their house. He's learned one important thing about that over the years.

"I learned if you want to see Eric, you're not going to do it at his house," Berger said. "If you want to see him, go to the facility. He eats and sleeps foo

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