DamStrait

I don't particularly care how this might be shaking out either, but keep in mind: a) It's just a rumor at this point b) Perhaps Denver guaranteed to bring him in this year and UND was always talking a season later. If Denver changed their mind (and went back on their alleged word), Gregoire may have come to the conclusion that he didn't want to commit to a program that didn't deal with him plainly. All things being equal maybe he would have commited to UND in the first place. c) It needs to be stressed that b) above is totally hypothetical, but it does give a plausible explanation of how Gregoire could switch his commitment without "dirty pool" on the part of UND. Everything to date indicates Hak's ethics are impeccable and would not actively recruit a player that has verballed elsewhere. Not to say it's impossible, but I'd be very surprised if it turned out to be the case.

EDIT: Actually, a kelly green oval border would be better. Now one of you graphic wizards draw this up so that my undeniable genius becomes plain to all. Okay Jim, what did I win?

"SiouxSports.com" w/ both cap S's the old crossed tomahawk S's from the old "blackhawk" sweaters. All other letters in kelly green on a white background. The whole thing is encompassed in a kelly green rectangle border.

Why would anybody go out of their way to do anything for Hammy's sake?

I think that if they have everyone come back, the boys would be very successful with even me in the nets.

Minnesota has a NFL team?

Not trying to be a jerk here, but for someone that's not trying to be a jerk, you sure are good at impersonating one.

I think it is head and shoulders above a totally indoor baseball stadium.

I think that our Atheltic Department should make a point of educating the broadcast team that works any of UND's nationally broadcast games about the origins of the interlocking ND and who had it first. After a while, you may be surprised how much positive national exposure it may give the school. People either intensely dislike or intensely like Notre Dame. Those that intensely dislike Notre Dame might find it another reason to dislike them, and thereby be inclined to think kindly of UND and its athletic programs. Either way, it beats the living hell out of the flaming UND.

You fight ignorance by educating the ignorant, not by joining them.

But Jim, just think how much worse it would be otherwise!

Do you really think that staying DII is a viable option? If not, then do you think a successful DI experience will be more or less expensive than DII? From where should these additional funds be sought in your view?

No doubt about it, I'd love to see Jonny back again next year (I know - shocking!), but most of all wherever he is next year, I wish him boatloads of succcess. I will be rooting for him wherever he plays, as long as he plays. He's part of the Sioux family now, and once a Sioux, always a Sioux. I'm just damned glad he decided to come to UND in the first place.

That is a fair point: Unlike a lot of us (certainly myself included), you are not an anonymous poster, and that at least makes you willing to really take the heat for what you express here. And I agree you have not directly attacked Buning, it's just seemingly whispered innuendo, which is what I probably find the most irritating, but that's just one of my many, many pushable buttons. I don't live in GF, so maybe I don't see enough to come to your same conclusions. I will say that from the outside, things really seem to be moving in the right direction. Some examples: I suspect UND waited too long (by about 20 years) to go DI. I think the writing has been on the wall for at least that long and the more I think about it, the more certain I am. Another thing: The accessiblity to Sioux sports in the last couple of years has really, really improved. The satellite signal is far, far more reliable, as is the audio and video webcasts. I know, I know, that isn't saying much, as it was really quite embarrassing in the not too distant past, and really it had no where to go but up. I am also quite impressed with such things as "Fan Apprecitation Night" even though I was not able to attend. I could go on and on, but that is what comes immediately to mind, and you get the idea. I am also unbelievably impressed with Dave Hakstol and Dale Lennon (yes, I know that neither was hired by Buning), even though at the time I was not convinced the decision to hire Hak was made with the proper scrutiny. I was even more doubtful after the series at UAA his first year, to put it very mildly. The rest is history as they say. As a side note, there is a nasty rumor that Hak doesn't smile (at least convincingly). I was in Columbus at the frozen four and was among a contingent of Sioux fans wishing the boys well outside their hotel as they boarded the bus to head to the rink for the championship game against Denver. Hak was the last one out of the hotel and was the only one without his 'game face' on. He was genuinely smiling, shaking hands and thanking fans for being there to support the team. He made everyone there feel like $1,000,000,000 (inflation). Anyway, I can't begin to imagine the kind of pressure an AD has to endure, having every decision second and third guessed. I think Tom Buning is doing nothing other than what he thinks is best for the University of North Dakota. Honest people with integrity may not agree with his decisions, but they are unquestionably his to make and he will undoubtedly suffer the consequences should they prove to be wrong. In my opinion anyway, he has earned the benefit of doubt. Anyway Walrus, thanks for the civil response and right back at you: Have a nice day!

You have a point, but it is quite rich coming from the likes of you. I know The Walrus is a big booster and fan of UND sports, I just think he takes his disappointment with Buning getting the job he wanted Bollinger to have too far. I think it clouds his judgement and he needs to be more open to the idea that Buning has good points and has done good things. I also think that the 'forensic accountants' have previously been adequately rebutted, whether they choose to admit it or not.

Allow me to be the first: Link?

Can you do anything other than bitch? Sorry, but in case you weren't aware, it is getting really, really, really old.

Negatory.

FTA as well?

Still available, in GF and can be had up until close to game time.

Which reminds me: Parise was robbed (what was Junior's team's record vs. Parise's team that year?).

South club lounge (end Sioux shoot at twice) - great seats - 2 seats each night; "bar stool" seating - bench side of the ice - lately they have been offering free beverages until the drop of the puck, including all beers and any mixed drink that can be made with the spirit specially selected for the night - includes use of parking pass; in-seat drink service - free pre-packaged popcorn, chips, etc. and canned pop throughout the game (while it lasts - usually something left at the end of the game, I believe) - another 2 standing room "seats" available @ $25 each/night (since the bar stool seats are the top row, all four in your party can be in immediate proximity of one another). My cost $3660 total (both seats) for the season (21 games) - will accept reasonable best offer; PM me if interested

Hrkac and Brad Williamson (and the Hoogsteens too I think).

I know you enjoy talking in circles, but if it's not too much trouble and it doesn't distract too much from your plotting of SU's impending world domination, can you explain in plain English why SU is in a position to demand ANYTHING of UND?