dakotadan

We all pretty much expected a denial from the NCAA. However I was pleased with Kupchella's comments today. He seems very determined to keep the name and logo but find some common ground for both sides. I have said before that the biggest problem with this issue is that everyone looks at it in black or white. An all or nothing attitude will not settle this. Kupchella on the other hand seems to be determined to try and work things out for everyone's best interest. We will see if this is even possible.

I was thinking the Fighting Utes.

What about keeping the logo and finding another tribe that will support us? I know of a few that have already said publically that they support UND. Or we could always keep the logo and become the Aztecs. Apparently that is completely fine.

+++ UND still has many options. I wouldn't be so quick to give up people.

Every time I have read a Herald articleon this issue, it has had the line: Spirit Lake officials were unavailable for comment. I was wondering to myself when those at the Spirit Lake Tribe were going to get sick of the Herald, Forum, and every other news paper in the nation calling on a daily basis for a quote. It could be very possible that they are completely sick of the issue. But then why would you go as far to schedule a meeting with Kupchella just to cancle the night before??? I can't imagine that is the reasoning. Even if it was, how in the hell would Leigh Jenotte know? Unless he was on the phone all day begging every one of the council members to cancle the meeting. As far as I can see, if the Spirit Lake Tribe decides not to make any moves on the issue, their previous resolution to support UND would then still be valid. If not, Bennett Brien has alrady publically stated that his tribe would support UND taking it's name. At least we could keep the logo. If nothing else...

Very classy move. It looks like the Engelstads were one of the few who didn't lose too much in all of this and are using that fact to help others.

What I see is people from the community stating their support for the Alerus Center, ways that they believe that the Al can work out it's bottom line, and how it can be a positive for the entire community. On the other hand, your posts mostly revolve around criticism, and not constructive criticism. I would think that everyone in the Greater Grand Forks community wants to see the Alerus as a success. We have just been discussing how that can happen. What's wrong with that? Call me a "homer" if you want, I'll take it as a compliment.

Reguarding Barbara White, it is sad that we live in a society that people walk around just waiting for something to happen that they can be offended about. This same lady probably was buning bras and flags back in the '60s and '70s. Hell, she is probably burning them right now. As for Larry D. Adams, he must have scoliosis by now for carrying that giant chip around... Get real.

You mean to tell me that the big DI university is trying to steal players from a little ol' DII university?!?! Way to go Amy!

So is the Rugby team part of a regional conference? Is there a web site somewhere that we could check out to learn more about UND's team and those that it competes against?

The anti-namers have been getting in Spirit Lake's ear every opportunity that they get. Obviously CK and those in charge realize that having Spirit Lake's support is very important. I wonder if UND has been doing any "campaigning" of it's own? UND has received letters/calls/e-mails of support for the name, some of which are from Native Americans. UND should be encouraging these people to also show their support to their tribal leaders. Or asking Native American alumni who support the name to speak on UND's behalf. Also, I would think that UND would have Bennett Brien helping with the support. It would even be nice to see him accompany Charles on tuesday to discuss the issue and explain how much thought, consideration, and pride went into designing the new logo. I would think that would make a big impression.

I ca't believe that USD - UNO score

A question that to try and get us away from so much smack and somewhat back to the topic... What is is the difference between DI-AA and DI-AA Mid-Major? I was looking at Don Hansen's website and there is a I-AA top 40 poll and then there is a separate I-AA MM top 12 poll. I have heard this term used before but what is the purpose of it?

That is strange... what are you doing hanging out on our board then?!?!?

The Alerus Center has some very good potential. Those in charge of the Al have publically stated that it is not feasible to support the center solely on concerts/football. They are working on getting the center used more on a day to day basis for smaller community centered events. Having this hotel will help with that. Having events like wedding receptions, family reunions, business meetings, smaller conventions (i.e. not farm shows, boat shows,etc) are what are going to make the Alerus successful. The arena has been basically supporting it, once the smaller 30-50 person meeting rooms and the Ball Room are being used on a more regular basis, we should see the bottom line getting better. The Canad Inn Corp is a private business. They are going to be doing everything in their power to get the most back from their investment. In order to do this, they will want the Alerus to be successful also. I would assume that they will be a big help in securing events for the Al. On a side note, hopefully the Ledohowski family becomes big SIOUX fans! We may have some future football boosters moving in next door at the Al.

So what does any of this have to do with the fact that the Minnesota Wild are playing in Grand Forks. And what does Minnesota building a brand new football stadium have to do with the Ralph?

I'm suprised to hear that the arena might not be very full. Obviously it is only a pre-season game but how often are there NHL teams playing in NoDak. I have been impressed with the amout of advertising though. Hopefully it pays off by Friday.

#2 UND prev. 4 #4 UNO prev. 5 #13 SCSU prev. 15 #14 USD prev. 16 Good showing by the NCC with all four schools moving up. Others receiving votes: Bemidji State

Just wondering if everyone is going to the Minnesota Wild. It is great that Grand Forks has the Alerus Center and the Engelsta Arena to bring in events like this.

Awesome, that is exactly what I was looking for!! Thanks alot. I have a busy weekend ahead of me. We are all going to the Wild game on friday night, SIOUX football game on saturday, the Keith Urban concert at the Alerus on Sunday and my birthday is monday. It is going to be a long weekend of partying for me!! I hope to see alot of you at these events this next weekend.

I must admit I was silently cheering for both the Bison and Jacks yesterday, and I would like to see the Bison take Montana State. NDSU has definately started to make it's mark on DI football. A win over MSU this next weekend would also be very impressive. 10,681 and 14,368 are good attendance numbers for both of the NoDak schools. I expect both school's numbers to continue to rise throughout the season. Go Dakotas... (except USD )