The Sicatoka

What's this noise I hear about UND going DI? I believe that's the first "if" in the scenario talked about here.

Uh-uh. No. Not even a good try. DI is DI is DI, or you'll have to discount any sniff of a wrestling title because fewer than 100 schools wrestle at the DI level, right?

It was taboo when NDSU was a DII and UND was a DI hockey playing DI. Can we talk about DI championships now?

Having LTC Buning there yesterday would have looked good for the cameras, but, given this I believe he is in New Orleans, and quite appropriately.

Now, the interview with Kupchella, was that a transcription or a recap?

Vaht?

In light of yesterday's announcement by UND regarding UND Athletics, a two-year radio contract (with an option third year) suddenly makes sense.

I believe UNO to the MIAA is a 'gimme' at this point. SCSU looking at the NSIC somewhat surprised me (heard it on KVLY-TV last night), but MnSCU dollars are tight. If that's SCSU's direction, MSU-M and UMD would almost surely follow, thus, I could see SCSU, MSU-M, UMD, Augie going NSIC. (I don't think Augie has many other options.) USD is in the toughest spot: Go NSIC? Go MIAA with UNO? Go DI?

That's right, they can move two up (one M, one W) because hockey isn't playing up under the "play up" rule but under the "there's no DII championship" rule. (Can't be FB or BB teams however.)

The check is post-dated.

It would only make sense that the State AG would represent State entities in the courts. Maybe the AG would "supervise" an outside firm's handling of the case, but the AG would still be the first name representing the State in the case.

Wasn't sure where the best spot for questions about the future of the NCC was, so I went with this: http://siouxsports.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6506

You're probably right, but he was at a school that did it the wrong way before coming to UND. I'm sure he wants cash in the bank, not promises, long before the big bills start to come in. Like I said,

Given UND's announcement of a transition timetable to Division I, how long until ... 1. Nebraska-Omaha announces they are changing DII conferences to the MIAA? 2. SCSU and USD announce more formal, more public reviews of Division I at their institutions? 3. Minnesota State - Mankato tags along with a "Me too!" behind SCSU in looking at DI? 4. Formal discussions between the NCC and NSIC about mergers or cross-scheduling begin?

Am I happy with the delay? No. Do I believe admin has reasons for it? Yes. As best I can figure, by reading and listening to a lot of information about what UND is doing, is this: - the college of business is just closing out a $20 million dollar fundraising campaign - another department (?) fundraising campaign is winding down now also - Tim O'Keefe was on KNOX not long ago talking about an upcoming major fundraising campaign for all of UND - Strat Plan II (Action Area H, Goal 3) talks about having a $500 million dollar endowment for UND by 2012. (That's a number O'Keefe used also.) My analysis is that UND is looking to kick off one major (five-year?) fundraising campaign (coinciding with the 125th anniversary of UND) for the future of all of UND. Is long-term fiscal soundness worth a potential short-term dip in recruiting? I'd have to grumble out a "yes".

I invited Mr. Coleman to read Dr. Kupchella's most recent open letter. I hope he does it.

If the NCC's status wasn't in peril before ... http://www.UND.edu/news/NEW_SCRIPTS/newsrelease.jsp?id=1833

Nick Coleman = Don Quixote, and he needs to find a new windmill.

A photo with the mop and the robe. How classically Commy.

The Jacks have broadcast deals for volleyball, soccer, softball, and baseball? That has to be captivating radio. If UND were to "package" differently, I think you'd have to mix a "high want/high value" with a lower category. However, to me, I think the most important thing for UND going forward is a larger Sioux Basketball radio network. Get coverage (even on FMs) beyond 40 miles of Grand Forks. It's that or get more games on FSSN. Expose the product.

Like I said: Given the choice, yes, KFYR is the better one to have. That low AM frequency goes places.

Vaht?

People, especially those who've been on the (new) job for a full year without a vacation, don't take vacations? The wise do not declare a winner until the final horn sounds.

A (heaven forbid) "no Toews" scenario would mean UND'd become a team dependent on team defense (all those top-end defensemen) and power play opportunities. If Toews is in the fold, you split he and Oshie onto two different lines and make the other teams decide which one to deal with with their checking line. You become more explosive offensively, less special teams play dependent, with Toews on the roster (while still playing tight team defense).

Two committees. All the study before that (trust me). It's "poop or get off the potty" time.