The Sicatoka

I stop at two words. And trust me, I have a vocabulary that could make a sailor blush. I just choose to use it when I'm sure exactly who is listening.

Tomorrow the rubber hits the road.

Forgive me, but I won't chant along with what the students chant, "Who's he ...," today. I would, however, readily go along with something less graphic. I suspect there are many others sharing this view. Maybe 11,406 is optimistic, but you'd easily increase your 1000 number.

Wisconsin fans are great. They have a great time. And they do none of the things Dr. Kupchella is raising the issue of. So, do we have to go to R-rated language to have a good time? (I'd give Wisconsin a PG-13 at most and that's on a harsh day.) And the standing thing? Students didn't stand at the old Ralph in the late 1980s and that place roared. Not standing (for the whole game) is a courtesy-thing for the non-student neighboring sections. A reminder to students: You'll be in those sections one day. Will your story change then? However, power plays, goals, critical situations, sure, stand. You bet. Again, be a good neighbor. Know why you are standing and if it's for a good reason get those who aren't to "Stand Up and Cheer." As far as new chants (someone brought this idea to me once and I still like it): Scott Hennen on the PA: Starting at center for Docile State, number 26, John Doe. 11,406 Sioux Hockey Fans: Non-factor!!!

redwing77: Wasn't the deal that UND and REA would use all that technology (ring, the Daktronics boards) to help with student and crowd conduct by - putting up the song lyrics (Fight on Sioux, Stand Up and Cheer, etc.) - having a synchronized "SIEVE!" chant - (other stuff here, ask Dirty or forecheck or anyone involved back then) Maybe you want to ask Dr. Kupchella where that side of the "good conduct" deal is.

It was about a week ago that the Fargo Forum ran a story on how NDSU officials would be changing how they handle the crowd at the BSA for the UND at NDSU games. Now, just days before NDSU at UND, Dr. Kupchella rolls out this issue to Sioux fans. Me-thinks this is far from coincidence. Me-thinks this issue extends a level beyond either UND or NDSU. I'm not sure if it is the NCAA (remember, fans at a Michigan school were recently chastised) or if the ND State Board of Higher Education is behind it. Either way, "Who's he ...." has been around longer than most students today have been alive. Come up with something new and creative. You're not shocking the players any more. I'm sure the students could come up with something newer and catchier. I loved the "Martha Stuart" - "Martha's sister" creativity. It can be done. Who's going to step up and lead?

I recall the $8 MM number (because it was what The Betty was estimated to be as well) from the Forum. The link (on page 345 of 403) does show the $15 MM request. I also noted the recommendation on the request: $0. That reads like Bismarck (the ND state treasury) isn't going to help on the renovation. I also noted these words next to UND's request: "Non-State Funded Projects." Translated? UND is asking to build $53 MM worth of new facilities on campus .... with monies from outside sources, not from the ND state treasury. ($8 MM of that is The Betty. I'm not sure what the rest is.)

huskies: You must have been in the upper deck. Seating up there is tight for leg room, but they did it that way to get the seats in. But hey, you're still in a leather, theatre-style seat, right? bisonguy: Upgrading facilities is a sound move if you have the dollars to do it.

Looks like only Friday according to this.

On the penalty box glass: "This small cell is the Future Home of M. Stuart" If we were so lucky to see M. Stuart in the penalty box, a thought-bubble sign saying, "Some doilies and fresh flowers would really spruce this place up" would get a laugh.

Many folks have wondered how the size number came about for The Betty. The best answer I've heard is this: At 4000, the next "size up" is roughly 5000. The lower bowl of REA is roughly 5000. Why rebuild the lower bowl of REA? Plus, in the REA you have the suites and Club Rooms in place already. The REA holds 11406 for hockey. On the weekend UND "maxed out" (an average of greater than two sold out arenas) for hockey. Before you ask: The overcapacity number Saturday is because they sell SROs and let people stand and watch from the North and South Club Rooms.

Where were Sioux fans? Well, you can't blame the cold. They were out, and filling their home stadium. Friday: Basketball, UND at NDSU: 5030 Hockey, Denver at UND: 11295 Saturday: Basketball, UND at NDSU: 5120 Hockey, Denver at UND: 11668

According to the Fargo Forum article on subject I read (back in October-ish), you have an extra "1" in that estimate. It's $8 MM renovation. The story also said that they are working on blueprints, but don't have the money yet either. Meanwhile, meet The Betty.

tony, tony, tony, .... we've chatted about this before. Usage: The ad hominem approach by 'tony' continues.

Is there anything more dangerous than a wounded (swept) Badger? After their weekend in Minneapolis I suspect Eaves' team should have a fun week of practice. Then again, after another Saturday of looking slower (than Friday) and losing races to the puck (later in the game) I'm not so sure the Sioux shouldn't have some trips around their practice rink as well. Should make for some interesting games. On a related note: Fox Sports Net Wisconsin will be broadcasting the game (Direct TV 642). Bemidji State will be at Minnesota so of course that'll be on FSN across ND. Is there any way to get FSN to put the UND at UW game on across ND? Is is too late to cut a deal and get the FSN Wisconsin feed onto the Fighting Sioux Sports Network?

Who? I was talking about New Haven.

Let me try again. A school fiscally damages its athletic department by sending its football team to far off, airline travel required, destinations. The effects are felt in other athletic programs as well.

What'd that story say? A school geographically isolated from other schools in the division that it is playing in suffers travel, schedule, and ultimately budgetary issues and has to start cutting programs. Was that it?

When it comes to this kind of weather, it's all about attitude. I've been in worse, so by comparison this isn't really all that bad.

UND has two games in hand over most of the league, and especially UMD. Those two games are this weekend. (UMD is idle.) A wise man told me recently: Games in hand are only worth something ... if you win them. Hey, did anyone remind Gwoz's boys that the games have been moved to the University Park rink?

Here is a nice story on the Jahner kids in yesterday's Fargo Forum.

What can you do outside when it is 90+ F and 90% humidity outside? All the same things you can do when it is -40 F outside.

Every school can influence the direction of the NCAA. NCAA decisions have impact and influence on member athletic decisions. That is all very true. Each school directly controls their own athletic budget. Control what is yours to control (and when something is mine I don't put it in unnecessary jeopardy). That's why financial is the primary risk.

I don't see what the NCAA may or may not do as the primary risk. The primary risk I see is very simple: Financial.

Yell at this guy: DerekHanson@clearchannel.com