The Sicatoka

I see this issue as a North Dakotan. Why? Because I have ties to all three cities that could be affected. I see this issue as it could affect North Dakota as a whole. It's pretty clear to me (at least) that ND will lose a base (AFB or ANG) in this round. I just hope that we don't lose a base and a unit (ND ANG). (Don't forget two key numbers: 34% over capacity on ANG space; only 25 of 40 ANG fighter units survive.) If saving the unit means having to blend it into operations at one of the AFBs, that's a trade North Dakotans have to be willing to make if and when that time comes.

From one of the previously linked Fargo Forum articles: Why doesn't Fargo Mayor Furness want that report in the hands of The Forum? Sure ND wants all three. I'm sure anyone in GF would agree with that. But (I said but) if a base is going to be closed, of course GF would take a pro-blending stance just as Fargo is taking a "not the 119th" stance. Here's what we're all missing: The Forum link also said "similar missions". - 119th flies F-16s. - GFAFB flies tankers. - Minot AFB ... flies F-16s. <-- And I'm sure it's Minot State's fault that MAFB flies 16s.

Realities: - The Department of Defense has determined that the excess capacity for Air National Guard bases is 34 percent. - Under the Air National Guard Vanguard Plan, fighter structure wings are projected to be reduced from 40, to 25, by 2013. Fargo and North Dakota could easily completely lose the 119th based on those observations from the consultant, and I mean gone, not blended. If that were to happen, GFAFB, with a limited scope and mission, could easily come up in the next round after 2005 (and the next round will come some day) to be closed. Lose both the ND ANG and the GFAFB: Wouldn't that be great for ND? The best scenario is keep all of them (but don't hold your breath waiting for that). The worst would be to lose all of them; next worst would be to lose two of three. Based on what the consultants point out, ND will most likely lose one. Depending on the "one", another could be put into jeopardy at a later date: lose two. How's that good for ND? A blended base at GFAFB (larger mission scope) is the best hope for keeping two bases in ND after the round after 2005. PS - Fargo's growth in some ways hurts them. Why? The ANG doesn't like to train over populated areas. PPS - Another very plausible scenario: The ND ANG is moved to GFAFB and their mission is redesignated from fighters to support (see the 40 to 25 reality above), to better blend with the mission of GFAFB.

I'll cover you on this one redwing: When you're talking the only thing that matters: common ground NCAA titles .... (7 + 0) > (5 + 1)

Fargo sure seems worried about losing its (119th) $100 MM economic impact, but surely, according to tony it's only Grand Forks that's guilty of such desire for public largess. Pot. Kettle.

The soccer ball never stops rolling on traditional turf thus the NCAA changed the rule: Soccer only on either natural grass or FieldTurf. Easy solution? FieldTurf in The Al.

Yes, I did. (I know of others that supposed it as well.) That's why I wanted a national search. Instead, you'll all understand if I'm with ScottM regarding a 'short leash'. Remember when the current class of seniors was freshmen and I preached "patience"? Well, no patience was shown in this hiring process. Clearly, the time for patience has passed: Results.

Or how about this: If it was true and both deny it. What would they be then?

Thomas and Hakstol both say no job had been offered. So, why would some anonymous source make it up? What motivation would there be in doing so?

Seriously? Sayitaintso.

I did some searching. A rendering here: http://www.crocusfund.com/about/news.asp?action=95 The Canad homepage talks about a late 2005 or early 2006 opening. http://www.canadinns.com/

Goaltender Job Description: Keep puck out of net. I don't see height, weight, or style requirements there.

"Sickdakota"? Are you sure you weren't talking to Grandpa Sid? Or was he off talking to Twins first baseman Doug "Mankewitz"? Graduate degree and tuition reimbursement is a good combination. OBLIGATORY THREAD-BASED CONTENT: One applicant. One.

Wouldn't that follow logically? RT can't and won't say anything until the process has been followed. The process has given them one applicant.

Virg Foss is reporting that "Greyeagle" beat you to it. The characterization of this as a big circus by sprig is the best summary I've seen so far.

That must also apply to Jordan Parise and Nate Ziegelmann.

UND has a hiring process. I know that's scary for some because following a process requires diligence and effort and rational thinking. The process always includes looking internally. "It depends on the internal candidates." -- Imagine the press conference ... RT: "Hello, I'm UND AD Roger Thomas. We posted this position internally and got one application so we hired him." Press Corps: "There are certainly great coaches out there and there are [sioux] alumni coaches who have an interest," Thomas said. "There's also great passion from Sioux fans and UND alumni. We have to evaluate all the candidates and make the very best decision for the future of the program." " ... all the candidates ... " -- All internal? All one? The UND process always looks internally. It can go external, but it "depends on the internal candidates." Wouldn't you think "number of applying candidates" would be a factor? How do you compare one application? Who externally might have an interest? I don't know. Let me guess: - A guy with two National Championship rings as a Sioux assistant, who's gone on to coach a Hobey Baker winner and taken his team to a Frozen Four? - A guy who has two Clark Cup championships, three Anderson Cup championships, guided the 1998 USHL Select Team to a gold medal at the Four Nations Tournament, has received three USHL Coach of the Year Awards, and won the 2003 Tier 1 National Championship? - How about the coach of the 2003 ECHL champions? Let's get more (admittedly) bizarre: - How about a guy who has exceeded the "life expectancy" of any previous head coach in his position, has coached Canadian national teams, and who has a son on the team? You have to take follow the process and take an honest look around. That's exactly what RT said he is doing. Scary, isn't it. And as far as Patrick C. Miller's USCHO story, he has hard, attributed quotes directly from the man who makes the final decision, Roger Thomas. Miller makes no bold statements as to where the process is at, just that it is under way. The Herald had "no call happened" quotes from Thomas and Hakstol yet goes with their "it's Hakstol" story based on an anonymous source. Someone has a credibility gap, or at least leaves themselves open to question, and in this case it's not Patrick C. Miller.

What you see in the pictures are the "practice set-up" (four BB courts) hoops. There are renderings showing "game set-up" here: http://www.iconarchitects.com/projects/rea...enter/index.htm An interesting FYI: Gonzaga's current gym is 4000 seats. They are building a "big" new gym: 6000 seats.

Those are the two numbers that don't lie. If Parise, Ziegelmann, Lamoureux, or Mike Prpich for that matter, wants to strap on the big pads and put up numbers better than those I'm all for it. They will have earned the job. But there's the key: You earn the job.

More photos from June 25 and July 6. http://theralph.com/construction

If my suspicions are correct as to which player it is, he graduated with honors from high school, was a member of the National Honor Society, and is majoring in finance and marketing.

The price of dinner and a tour?

You wouldn't even have to re-sew a name plate onto a jersey.

Uh, did you read this? Just a polite invitation, when allowed per NCAA rules, wouldn't be out of line. Well, that, and notation of the track record of putting smallish guys (Kessel is 5'10", 160) into the pro ranks.

Negative. That's an NCAA rule. Schools can't waive it. A transfer now would be like redshirting this season and staying where you are at.